AFFINITY:

The Free Alternative Photo-Editing Suite

Image by SPAO alum Ava Margueritte

Check the current part-time calendar to see if this class is running. Email part-time@spao.ca to express your interest in this class!


With this comprehensive six-session course, students will learn to use Affinity, the powerful and accessible image editing software which rivals the Adobe Suite in functionality, user experience, and even visual layout. 

Affinity software was made free in October 2025, and is becoming a perfect alternative for photographers and photo-based visual artists, whether new to editing, or switching over from Photoshop and Lightroom. 

In the course you'll master photo retouching techniques, implement a layer-based non-destructive workflow, and develop a host of other helpful skills. Longtime Photoshop users will discover how their familiar workflow translates when using Affinity, and will also discover where this software offers unique advantages.     

Check Availability

  • A laptop computer with Affinity Photo installed. Affinity can be downloaded from affinity.studio and you’ll only need a free Canva subscription to use the suite (Canva owns Affinity). There is no need to pay for a Canva subscription.

  • Digital Photography I: Foundation or Equivalent

After completing Photoshop Essentials I: The Precise Process, consider these potential next steps: