Affinity 2.5 brings Variable Fonts, QRCode Tool, Stroke Width Tool, & Native ARM64 Support

Affinity has launched its first major update, version 2.5, since being acquired by Canva. The updated Affinity suite, which includes Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Publisher, introduces several significant enhancements aimed at improving user experience and performance.

One of the primary updates is the addition of variable font support across all applications, allowing users to adjust text design elements such as weight and width with greater precision. Affinity Designer now features a Stroke Width Tool for on-document editing of pressure profiles for curves and an upgraded Pencil Tool with a new curve-smoothing algorithm. Additionally, all Affinity apps now include a QR Code Tool, simplifying the integration of QR codes into designs.

The update also brings optimization for Windows PCs equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite chip, which promises notable speed improvements and efficient workflow on these devices. This optimization enables Affinity's software to operate comparably to high-end desktop PCs on more portable devices and the recently announced Windows Copilot+ PCs. The 2.5 update is available as a free upgrade for existing users.