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Affinity 2: Frequently Asked Questions

With V2 now available, we’ve put together a list of FAQs that will hopefully answer any questions you have. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, try our official forums or social channels (links in the footer below). You can also email us directly at affinity@serif.com.

What does the launch of V2 mean for existing users? Do I have to upgrade?

Upgrading is completely optional and, if you wish, you can continue to use the original apps for as long as you like. While V1 will no longer receive any feature updates, we will endeavour to fix any critical issues which may be caused by operating system updates for as long as is reasonable to do so.

Is V2 a paid-for upgrade? If so, is it subscription-free like V1?

Yes and yes. If you wish to upgrade to V2 you will need to pay, but as with V1, you only need to make a one-off payment—no subscription required.

How is Version 2 different from the original apps?

Equipped with a completely redesigned UI, hundreds of timesaving tools and a ton of brilliant new features, Version 2 is a next-level creative experience. Read more on our What’s New in V2 page.

Is Publisher for iPad available yet?

Yes! Publisher for iPad has been released as part of the V2 suite. You can buy Publisher for iPad right now for US$18.49, or purchase it as part of the Universal Licence for only US$164.99.

Can I take out a free trial of Version 2 apps?

Yes! We offer 7-day free trials of all the apps, as well as the Universal Licence so you can try them all together to experience the full power of Affinity.

Will V2 receive free updates?

Yes! If you purchase V2, you’ll not only get access to the tons of new features and enhancements available now, but you’ll continue to receive free updates until such a time that V3 is launched.

Will I be able to transfer my content /add-ons from V1 to V2 and are all my existing V1 files compatible with V2?

Yes! You can easily transfer your existing content (including any content you may have purchased from the Affinity Store) and open all your V1 docs in V2. As you would expect, V1 will not be able to open V2 documents, so this is something to consider if you collaborate on files with other people/your team (i.e. just get everyone to upgrade to V2!).

Do I need to have the same version of every app or can I still work on V1 of one app and V2 of another?

You can have different versions of the apps, but please bear in mind you will be unable to open V2 files from one app in V1 of another app.

Can my Designer and Photo Version 1 apps work with Publisher 2’s Studiolink?

StudioLink will only be activated if you have Version 2 of Affinity Designer/Affinity Photo. Furthermore, please note that Publisher 2 for iPad is a V2 app, so if you’d like to work across desktop and iPad, you’ll need to also purchase Affinity Publisher 2 for Mac or Windows.

Can I still buy Version 1?

No, Version 1 is no longer available to purchase.

Do you offer upgrade pricing for V1 users?

Yes! Anyone who owns V1 can upgrade to a V2 Universal Licence for 25% off. Plus, you’ll also receive a premium add-on bundle with your purchase, for free! Learn more about these upgrade offers.

What is the Affinity V2 Universal Licence?

For just one payment, you can get the entire Affinity suite. And when we say the entire suite, we mean it—all three apps, on all three OS (Mac, Windows and iPad).

If I purchase only one app, will I be able to access it across all operating systems or do I have to buy Mac and Windows licences separately like before?

When purchasing individual desktop apps, you will have to choose whether you want it for macOS or Windows. If you want to access multiple apps across various platforms, the most cost-effective way to do this is by purchasing a Universal Licence.

How many devices can I install Affinity apps on?

As a private individual you can install Affinity apps on as many devices as you own which run the operating system you have purchased a licence for (of course in the case of a Universal Licence that means you can install on any iPads, Macs or Windows PCs you own). Other people (for example, members of your household) are also allowed to use the apps on those devices. However, only you are allowed to use the apps for commercial use—if any members of your household need to make commercial use of the apps as well they will need to purchase their own licence.

For commercial enterprises, education and other multi-user situations, each licence can either be assigned to an individual or a device. For example, one Windows licence could be used by a single employee on both their Windows desktop and laptop computer. Alternatively, that licence could be assigned to a single Windows computer which is used serially by multiple employees.

Please note, assigning of licences is a manual process. You will need to keep track of which users or machines are using your licence details to make sure you don’t exceed the number of licences specified in your licence agreement.

You can give out the licence details to the required users or you can contact your account manager and ask for an affinity2.defaults file.

For more information please see our Windows, macOS or iPad licence agreements.

Do you offer discounts for volume licensing for education or business use?

Yes! Please see our dedicated pricing page for more information.

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