Affinity photo editor now on Linux via AppImage or script — here's how

Affinity, the professional photo editing suite acquired by Canva in 2024, has unofficially made its way to Linux. The software positions itself as the 'next generation of professional photo, design, and layout tools,' providing a comprehensive alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Unlike GIMP, which many users find difficult to master, Affinity presents a polished, intuitive interface that immediately signals its power. It includes AI-assisted editing, vector and pixel graphics, layout design, raw file support, HDR merging, comprehensive layering, brush customization, and even publication layout tools. Best of all, it is completely free on Linux, though installation is not officially supported.

ZDNET outlines two installation methods, each with distinct trade-offs. The easy route uses a community-created AppImage, which bundles everything needed to run Affinity. It can be launched via Gear Lever, a tool that integrates AppImages into the desktop menu. However, this method runs slowly, and the GUI is prone to screen tearing. The more challenging route involves installing python-pyqt6 and running a third-party installer script via curl. Testing showed failures on Ubuntu 26.10 and Zorin OS during Wine installation, though manually installing Wine and using the 'Setup Wine Environment' step eventually worked on Zorin. Fedora completed the full setup without issues. The entire process installs many dependencies and can take 20–30 minutes, so patience is required. Despite the hurdles, having Affinity on Linux represents a significant upgrade for creatives who previously had to settle for GIMP or struggle with Windows virtual machines.