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Adobe

  • Extremely powerful, professional-grade tools
  • Still the current industry standard in many workplaces
  • Requires a monthly subscription to use ($69.99/ month)
  • Losing access means losing access to your workflow and files
  • High cost creates a barrier for students and new designers
  • Separates vectors, photos, and layout editing into different applications
  • Encourages dependence on a single ecosystem
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Affinity

  • Vector, pixel, and layout tools that mirror Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign

  • Unified workflow, you can switch between vector, pixel, and layout without changing apps

  • Completely free since Canva acquisition (paid only for advanced AI features)

  • No subscription required to create or keep access to your files

  • Makes professional design tools accessible to students and beginners

  • Still teaches “real” design skills (layers, typography, grids, vector vs raster)

  • Encourages learning and experimentation without financial pressure

  • Supports experimentation, failure, and growth, things that are essential in a learning environment like this program.