Serif Affinity recently released version 2 of all their current applications together with a completely new application, Affinity Publisher for iPad.

While new tech toys are always welcome the impact of the cost of purchase is usually not!

With the prevalence of the subscription model in the software world potential purchasers of the new version were nervous that Serif Affinity would tread the same well-worn path other developers have in recent years and introduce a monthly charge.

Adobe InDesign is Affinity Publisher’s closest competitor and that is eye-wateringly expensive by anyone’s calculation. If that sounds like an exaggeration here are the figures:

Adobe InDesign - £30.34 per month or £238.42 per year

Adobe Creative Cloud - £78.98 per month or £596.33 per year

No Subscription

We need not have feared what version 2 would bring!

Not only is there no subscription for the version 2 apps, there was also the very welcome roll out of the Universal Licence. While the full retail price of purchasing all 3 apps on all 3 platforms would cost £413.91 (£245.91 during the launch sale) the Universal Licence cuts this to £89.99*

Once acquired a Universal Licence will allow you to use all 3 Affinity apps, Affinity Publisher, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Photo on all supported platforms, macOS, Windows, and iPadOS.

Even if you don't plan to use the apps on one of the operating systems it's still more cost effective to purchase a Universal Licence and future proof your platform choice.

There's no upgrade path, codes or hoops to jump through. It's a simple single purchase of the new Universal Licence whether you're a version 1 user or a completely new user.

*£89.99 until the launch sale ends on 25 January 2023, after that date the price of the Universal Licence rises to £144.99