Linux has long been criticized for the absence of native applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. While there are capable open-source alternatives, many users prefer not to relearn different tools. Currently, a workaround exists for running Affinity v3 on Linux, thanks to the Windows compatibility layer, Wine.
Acquired by Canva in 2024, Affinity transitioned to a freemium model by 2025, merging its Photo, Designer, and Publisher tools into a single application that is free for download on Windows and macOS. While Canva acknowledges the demand for a native Linux version, the community has stepped up by creating solutions to run Affinity on Linux desktops effectively, capitalizing on GPU acceleration capabilities.
AffinityOnLinux: Simplifying Installation
The Linux Affinity Installer project, also known as AffinityOnLinux, presents an easy way to use Affinity software. Users can opt for a regular installation with Wine or take advantage of an AppImage that includes everything needed to run the application.
While the project GitHub wiki deems all Ubuntu-based distributions as "unsupported," users on systems like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS can utilize the AppImage. This method simplifies the installation process; merely download the AppImage, mark it as executable, and run it without the hassle of configuring Wine or dealing with missing dependencies.
Before using an AppImage on Ubuntu, ensure you install libfuse2. Although the AppImage solves many compatibility challenges, it lacks automatic updates and may require manual fixes or configuration adjustments.
To enhance the user experience, consider using tools like GearLever to create a launcher that integrates the Affinity AppImage with your installed applications.
Performance Considerations
- Hardware Acceleration: For users with NVIDIA GPUs, additional setup may be required for optimal performance, while integrated graphics (iGPUs) tend to run smoothly. There’s a known memory bug under specific conditions, and some dialogs might not display.
Community Involvement
The versatility of the Affinity AppImage and the continued community support raise the question of whether users would prefer an official Affinity build for Linux, or if they would rather focus on advancing Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) alternatives like Krita, Inkscape, and GIMP.
For more detailed information, including download links for the latest releases, visit the AffinityOnLinux GitHub page. Note that the AppImage is available only for 64-bit Intel/AMD systems.