AFDESIGN File Extension

What is AFDESIGN file?

Files with the .AFDESIGN extension are saved documents from the Serif Affinity Designer program. They contain a project with vector graphic elements. Affinity software is similar to Adobe Illustrator but specifically dedicated to the MacOS system. Versions of the software are also available for Windows and iOS. The file format is proprietary, only Serif software can handle it.

These files can store one or several image layers, predefined shapes, formatted text, and drawings made with a pen, stylus, or brush.

Using Serif Affinity Designer for creating graphics involves a wide range of different tools. Therefore, a project file can store:

• one or several image layers,
• predefined shapes,
• formatted text,
• a drawing made with a pen, stylus, or brush.

The software is paid and is used for creating professional vector graphic designs.

How to open .AFDESIGN files in other applications?

Projects created in Affinity Designer and saved in the .AFDESIGN format cannot be opened in software from other manufacturers. However, there is a possibility to export them to other formats supported by various software for viewing or editing graphics. For example, graphic files such as .PNG, .JPG, .GIF, or .EPS, .PSD, .TIFF formats. They are then saved in raster or vector form, depending on the specifics of the chosen format.

Programs which support AFDESIGN file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support AFDESIGN files. AFDESIGN files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/28/2024

How to open file with AFDESIGN extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening AFDESIGN files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with AFDESIGN files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Affinity Designer

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports AFDESIGN files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Affinity Designer. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support AFDESIGN files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Affinity Designer website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Affinity Designer

You still cannot access AFDESIGN files although Affinity Designer is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why AFDESIGN files are not compatible with Affinity Designer. The latest version of Affinity Designer should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open AFDESIGN files to Affinity Designer

After installing Affinity Designer (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open AFDESIGN files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the AFDESIGN file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Affinity Designer is installed, check the Always use this app to open AFDESIGN files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with AFDESIGN extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with AFDESIGN extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the AFDESIGN is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper AFDESIGN file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the AFDESIGN in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the AFDESIGN is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. AFDESIGN file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the AFDESIGN file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the AFDESIGN file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Affinity Designer

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with AFDESIGN extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Serif Affinity Designer Document Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with AFDESIGN files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the AFDESIGN file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on AFDESIGN file.