Common files from Adobe programs can be further edited in Affinity.
Further editing in Affinity changes the original format, and unsupported features will be lost. Therefore, always keep a copy of the original files.
As a general rule, the fewer complex functions used in the original file, the fewer problems you will encounter when switching. The switch therefore usually involves the following steps:
- Before exporting, resolve or “rasterize” complex program functions (e.g., smart objects) in the original program.
- Export the file in the best possible “intermediate format” (e.g., IDML, PDF, SVG).
Overview of File Formats
The overview shows you:
- which Adobe file formats you can open with the respective Affinity programs
- how to best preserve the content
- which features you cannot transfer when switching
| Adobe Program | File name ending | Affinity Program | Procedure for Content Preservation | Non-transferable Functions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photoshop | .psd | Affinity Photo | Open file directly. Most layers, masks, and adjustments will be preserved. | Smart objects, complex filters, and other special features may not be applied as expected. |
| Illustrator | .ai | Affinity Designer | For .ai files with PDF stream, open directly; otherwise, export the file as PDF or SVG from Illustrator and then import it into Affinity. | Special effects, raster effects, or non-standard Illustrator features cannot be transferred or further processed. |
| InDesign | .indd | Affinity Publisher | Direct import not possible. First export as .idml in InDesign, then import the .idml file into Affinity Publisher. | Links, interactive elements, complex template pages, and automation scripts are not transferred. |
| InDesign | .idml | Affinity Publisher | Import directly into Affinity Publisher. Layout and text are largely preserved. | Scripts, dynamic content, and unsupported object styles may be lost or incorrect. |
| Acrobat/PDF | All Affinity Programs | Open directly. For print data, exporting as PDF/X is recommended. Vector and layer levels are usually retained. | Interactive elements, scripting, multimedia, and special color channels are lost. |
Converting multiple files from InDesign to Affinity
Instructions for an automated script:
https://www-en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/from-indesign-to-affinity-converting-multiple-files/