Why CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a great alternative to Affinity for professional graphic design

Precision tools, tailored for proficiency.

Struggling to choose between CorelDRAW and Affinity? Or perhaps you’re looking for a bigger design toolkit than Affinity has to offer. Discover why CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a worthy alternative to Affinity for graphic designers who demand more.

Why choose CorelDRAW Graphics Suite over Affinity?

More tools, more professional.

Advanced toolset

Advanced toolset  

Affinity lacks some of the more sophisticated features found in CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, making CorelDRAW better suited for professionals, especially when it comes to print output. 

Superior print capabilitie

Superior print capabilities

A popular, well-respected software in the sign and print industry, CorelDRAW has an industry-leading color management engine and superior prepress tools. 

Extensive file compatibility

Extensive file compatibility

CorelDRAW’s supported file formats widely exceed that of Affinity, with over 100 supported graphics, publishing, and image file formats (including full fidelity support for Adobe formats PDF, AI, and PSD). 

Enjoy a no-obligation 15-day free trial to discover what sets CorelDRAW apart

Competitive tools for an elevated design experience

Ramadan Fitriana

Productivity gainers

Dedicated Object Styles docker/inspector

Manage styles and style sets to apply consistent formatting across multiple objects, produce iterative versions, and format whole documents quickly and consistently – all from one place.  

Node mirroring or elastic mode

These drawing modes save designers serious time when it comes to creating, manipulating, and reflecting curves and shapes. 

Symbol library

Eliminate repetitive tasks from your workflow by creating and saving a symbol library to utilize in other projects or share with other users. 

Virtual Segment Delete tool

An efficient method of deleting specific sections of lines or curves between intersection points of other objects.   

Dimension lines

An essential tool for architects and technical designers, CorelDRAW offers a full array of customizations to add dimension lines just the way you like.  

Connector and callout lines

Draw connector lines between objects that stay attached when you move the objects, and add callouts that label your objects. Crucial tools for creating technical documentation and schematics with precision and ease.  

Anton Fritsler

Creativity boosters

Smear, Attract, Repel, & Roughen

CorelDRAW’s many powerful shaping effects deliver more creative options to designers. 

Extrude

Make 2D objects appear 3D by projecting points from an object and joining them to create the illusion of three dimensions.  

Symmetry Drawing mode

Create symmetrical vector objects and designs in real-time with a feature dedicated to Symmetry, automating what can be a very time-consuming workflow.

Vector pattern fill

Your go-to fill tool for creating seamless, intricate patterns that tile perfectly and scale indefinitely with vector precision.

Pointillizer™

An efficient way to create vector mosaics from vector and bitmap objects. Work with preset and custom shapes and fine tune with your cursor. Creating unique vector mosaics takes only a few clicks.    

Trusted by millions

Check out reviews from satisfied graphics pros and design teams around the globe.

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When it comes to printing capabilities, CorelDRAW is as professional as it gets

With support for widely used legacy file types such as PLT/HPGL, as well as additional included color palettes, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite has everything for professional print output.  

  • Imposition layouts
  • Color separation (CMYK and spot colors)
  • Additional included Pantone® color palettes for fashion and textile design
  • Integrated color palettes for plotter output, including Roland and Onyx
  • Print to film
  • Advanced settings for color trapping and overprinting
  • Add borders and grommet markers to prepare banners for printing
When it comes to printing capabilities, CorelDRAW is as professional as it gets
Superior page layout tools

Superior page layout tools

Variable font support

A workflow enhancer for type designers, variable font support is critical for control over font width, weights, and styles.

Graph Paper & Table tools

Designed for creating layouts with precision, accuracy, and efficiency. 

Add columns to text frames

Highly useful for text-intensive design projects, such as newsletters, magazines, and newspapers.

Creating large page sizes and document scaling

CorelDRAW allows users to create page sizes up to 150 feet or 1800 inches x 1800 inches. There is also the ability to draw to scale, something lacking in Affinity Designer. This is a major benefit to sign makers, architects, and others that produce large format output. 

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite vs. Affinity FAQs

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite isn’t free — and for good reason. It’s a professional-grade design suite built for power, precision, and production. You can explore everything it offers with a 15-day free trial, no commitment required. Give it a try to see why creative professionals rely on CorelDRAW’s advanced tools to deliver high-quality results.

Does CorelDRAW have any add-ons?

You can purchase apps, plug-ins, and extensions as well as download free creative tools within CorelDRAW.

Is CorelDRAW hard to learn compared to Affinity?

In short, no! A CorelDRAW Graphics Suite subscription offers a personalized startup and learning experience, in addition to tailored practice projects, cloud-based design templates, and a library full of helpful tutorials to help you build confidence quicker.

Join millions of users across thousands of global organizations who choose CorelDRAW for professional results

Telefonica
Unilever
Daimler
Petrobas
Abbott
Glencore
Pfizer
Telefonica
Unilever
Daimler
Petrobas
Abbott
Glencore
Pfizer

All information in connection and/or associated with Affinity and Affinity products has been obtained from https://affinity.serif.com and is current as of November 2025.