How to install Affinity Studio in Linux Mint!

I've been a casual observor of Linux for quite a few years but it's problem for me has always been that it doesn't have any pro level publishing and photography software. Well there is some good software in Inkscape, Gimp or Darktable but they always seem to have an important feature missing or a clunky workflow.

With that in mind, great strides have been taken the last few years by devs out there to get the Affinity suite working on Linux using a Windows compatibility layer.

I have already had Affinity Photo, Publisher and Designer v2 working to a good standard using software called Lutris and Elementary wine within Linux Mint. After watching the Affinity studio announcement last night I was eager to see if the same method would work for their new software which merges all 3 applications into one - and it does! It also feels slightly lighter!

This is great for Linux as you now only have to install one application through a compatibilty layer rather than 3 separate apps. This will really contribute to opening Linux to further adoption in the creative space.

In the below video I talk you through the process of getting it installed and up and running. The video desciption has links to all the necessary download resources so be sure to check that. In short, you will need Lutris, Elementary wine, a script and the Affinity suite application from the official Affinity site.

Oh Affinity studio is fully free now too! Canva add ons and AI seem to be their future business model. There is no limitation to the standard tools we have all come to love though, so that's great. There is actually a few new ones.

With regards to Linux, whilst a Mac M1 studio is my daily driver I do dream of a day where we can build our own hardware and operating system without being at the mercy of Apple or Microsoft. That day appears to be getting closer and I do hope that in a few years it's more ready for mass adoption.

Apple and Adobe seem to be selling snow to the Eskimos at this point!

A large amount of my printing work has already moved from Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign to the Affinity suite (now studio). I just need a lightroom replacement for the photography side without compromise. Rapidraw is the Linux friendly app to watch in that space.

Anyhow, that's all for now! :)

Chris

I drink copious amounts of coffee whilst making these videos so if you would like to help support my coffee addiction, you can buy me a coffee here 😁