Canva is exploring a Linux port for its Affinity design software, potentially bringing professional creative tools to the open source desktop and challenging Adobe’s dominance.
Canva is seriously considering porting its Affinity creative software to Linux, a move that could significantly strengthen the open-source desktop ecosystem. Liam Fisher, Global Marketing Lead for Affinity by Canva, told TechCentral:
“It’s being discussed seriously internally and is one of the top requests from users of the software.”
If realised, this could be one of the most consequential developments in desktop Linux history. For years, Linux users have had strong capabilities in coding, servers, AI, and embedded devices, yet mainstream commercial creative software was largely absent. Adobe Creative Cloud’s Windows and macOS exclusivity has traditionally locked designers out of Linux.
Affinity is widely regarded as the only full-scale commercial alternative to Adobe Creative Cloud. Canva recently made the software free, further intensifying its challenge to Adobe. Existing Linux tools like GIMP, while capable, have steep learning curves and lack professional features. Affinity could provide a polished, integrated suite for designers, photographers, and content creators, making Linux a viable primary platform for professional workflows.
The timing aligns with Linux’s growing desktop momentum. Valve’s Steam Deck has made gaming on Linux mainstream, and dissatisfaction with Windows features such as telemetry, ads, and Copilot AI is driving users toward Linux. Professional video editing tools like DaVinci Resolve already demonstrate Linux’s readiness for creative work.
Strategically, Canva acquired Serif, Affinity’s parent company, to expand into professional markets dominated by Adobe. A Linux port could support Canva’s global education initiatives, as many schools use Linux to reduce licensing costs. More broadly, it could catalyse wider Linux adoption, transforming it from a niche OS into a mainstream desktop choice and further validating open source desktops as professional environments.
