Affinity Designer Vs Illustrator

Introduction

Affinity Designer was created by Serif; used by game makers, web designers, and illustrators alike, it produces high-quality content of all types.

Illustrator is an Adobe Creative Cloud product; it is used worldwide and known for its versatility.

Let’s discuss which is better, and why.

Objectives:

• Differences
• Affinity Designer: Pros and Cons
• Adobe Illustrator: Pros and Cons
• Verdict

Differences:

How different can two design software programs be? Well, whilst both could be used for the same projects, there are some contrasting elements.

Affinity Designer is known for being easier to learn, making it more accessible for students and beginners. It is part of the Affinity package by Serif, a package of three design tools.

Affinity Designer features three unique workspaces called ‘personas’: the Designer Persona for vector design, the Pixel Persona for raster editing, and the Export Persona for exporting work in various formats, making it a versatile software for different design tasks.

Additionally, Affinity has a user-friendly interface, making it easier for users to navigate, also making it simpler to learn. The customizable brush tools make it more suitable for hand-drawn pieces, allowing beginners to focus on creativity rather than navigating the software.

Adobe Illustrator is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, meaning it can blend seamlessly with other Creative Cloud apps such as Photoshop and InDesign.

Illustrator has all the trademark features of design software, but there are a few that make it stand out. Generative shape fill, for example, is an AI tool that allows you to fill shapes with patterns based on your description; this allows the shape fill to be completely customizable.

Another feature is the mock-up panel; this allows you to see your design on real-world products, giving you the opportunity to catch any mistakes early on. Illustrator also has enhanced 3D effects; these allow you to create and edit 3D objects directly in the program.

Affinity Designer: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Cost; Affinity Designer is a one-time purchase of £67.00 for Windows and macOS access, or £17.99 for iPad access.
• Ease of Use; Affinity Designer has a user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners!
• Versatility; The different ‘personas’ make it easy to work on a variety of projects.

Cons:

• Not industry standard; Adobe Illustrator is the current industry standard, so whilst Affinity Designer is easier to use, the industry expects designers to be able to use Illustrator.
• Limited plugin support; Users can’t customize the workspaces as much as they could with different software.

Illustrator: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Integration; Adobe Illustrator easily integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud, working seamlessly with InDesign and Photoshop, making workflow easier.
• Advanced Tools; Tools like generative shape fill and 3D effects allow you to create complex designs easily.
• Industry Standard; Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard, so it will be more useful to understand this software.

Cons:

• Cost; Adobe Illustrator requires a monthly subscription, priced at £21.98.
• Learning Curve; Illustrator is more complex to learn, it would be less accessible for beginners.
• Complexity; The many features and tools can be overwhelming for users.

Verdict:

Throughout this design software comparison, we have discussed the pros and cons of two very useful programs; but which is the best?

Affinity Designer, with its ease of use and low cost, is the best design software for beginners. Despite it being a straightforward design software, beginners and students can still create detailed designs using the different persona workspaces. So for those of you just starting out, doing freelance work, or just having a bit of fun; Affinity Designer is your best design software option.

Adobe Illustrator is best for seasoned professional designers. It is the industry standard, so having it as a tool in your toolbox would be helpful! The advanced features also allow users to make complex designs, so for professional freelancers or those trying to break into the design industry; Adobe Illustrator is the one for you!

by Josie Daniel | 18 Dec 24