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I’ve had a difficult time finding an affordable illustration program for a while (one that works in vectors, which my go to app “procreate” doesn’t offer). But Affinity is a great, affordable (~$30 one time payment for iPad and ~$60 for desktop) alternative to Adobe software. They also offer a publishing program and a photo editing program.
Mar 11, 2021
Related Recs
I used Adobe through college for magazine and newspaper design so that's what I learned on, but it's simply too expensive. Adobe is only worth it so long as your business or school is paying for it lol.
So far, Affinity (Publisher) is the best program that feels the closest to InDesign.
If you're looking for a suite of sorts, you can get all three Affinity programs (equivalent to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) for possibly less than $200?
(I don't know that it is in USD, but it's $204 CAD).
May 8, 2025
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You can purchase their photoshop, illustrator and indesign alternatives for $169. I know, not free, and they're desktop-only.
Adobe Express is free and similar to Canva as a layout maker.
GIMP is a free photoshop alternative, but it's desktop-only. gimp.org
Mar 7, 2025
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Well, it was at the top of two lists and a Reddit thread when I searched for InDesign alternatives. It’s $70 or so, but you only pay once.
I encourage you to stay away from Canva and other “design for amateurs” web-based options.
As a designer by trade, I appreciate you wanting to learn and use real software!
May 8, 2025
Top Recs from @elijah-anderson
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Very fun, sample-based sequencer/synthesizer. It has provided me with lots of fun this winter, I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to make some sounds.
Mar 11, 2021
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One of the people running Bar Part Time (Jeremy) was one of your first guests I believe, so I dont feel the need to get into toooo much detail about everything they do (basically, it’s a wine delivery service based in the Bay Area who I’ve done a bit of illustration/design work with.) But since then, they have bought a brick and mortar spot that will be open hopefully by the end of summer, and they’ve also started a really sweet series of mixes with different DJs/wine lovers. They’ve got mixes from some awesome musicians/djs/producers (Yu Su, Ade Kassim, Suzanne Kraft, Earth Boys) that all seem to pair quite well with a nice glass of wine. Lots of new exciting mixes coming from them soon as well.
Mar 11, 2021
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Great show up at New Museum, originally curated by Okwui Enwezor, who passed away in 2018 before it was completed. Themes of mourning and grief shown through the works of thirty-seven artists such as Kerry James Marshall, Carrie Mae Weems, and Kara Walker. (Pretty heavy show, but well worth the feels...)
Mar 11, 2021