Nita Reed

Thanks for starting this while I'll be asleep, and finishing (we hope) just as I'm waking up. Excellent planning

These Affinity forums will be unavailable from around 6:00 am GMT on 15th April 2021.
The Affinity forums are being updated to the latest release version if Invision forums software 4.5.4.2, which has many fixes and some improvements over the existing (4.4.9.2) version.
The maintenance is expected to take up to 4 hours hours so we would expect them to be available again around 10:00 am 15th April. There will be significant visual differences this time, and you will certainly need to log back into the forums when they return.
The Affinity Team

Even with a perpetual license you do not not technically own your software. Adobe could cancel the service and revoke if they wished. It is more semantics really as it is a one time purchase so feels more like ownership then the subscription. 

I owned, if I remember correctly, the last release of PS before CS. I switched to a new Windows computer and expected to have to reinstall PS. I discovered that Adobe had shut down the license servers for that old release, and there was no way to reinstall.

Yes, that's your problem. But if someone proves you wrong and you still claim you were right—then everyone reading the forums should care.

Just to throw a new wrinkle in this discussion.  If @Elise Kleve actually “owns” her CS apps then let’s all hope that her current computers never kick the bucket, because she probably won’t be able to install her “owned” apps on new devices.  $700.00 worth of an “owned” purchase of InDesign went out the window as entirely uninstallable when I moved from Mac Yosemite to Mac Sierra, even though I had been assured that it would function.  And that was 6 years ago.  Adobe was unamused when I asked them to honor the serial code. I was even more unamused.  It is entirely up to Elise as to what she choses to use.  As for me it is Affinity hands down, not only for the ever-more-sophisticated trilogy of Publisher-Photo-Designer, but also for the old-fashioned and extremely rare corporate culture Serif/Affinity exhibit every day in the way they interact with customers.   I suspect I am just one in the vast majority here.  

*sigh* Seriously?
So, now you added something meaningful for the first time in this matter. As all of your previous statements in this regard have been wrong. You can own Affinity apps forever as much as you can own Adobe's app. You can deny it as often as you want to—your initial claim
was wrong. As shown in your last post, you needed to add some game changing facts in order to twist that claim into something true.
Also, even all of the gratis updates have added tons of new features to the Affinity apps over the past years. Whereas Adobe rarely (if ever?) added any noteworthy new feature for free to an existing version. You had/have to pay for each of them as each new feature got implemented into a new version of the apps.
And obviously, the Adobe apps you "own" also don't have everything you need. Or otherwise you might have too much money in order to waste it on your current subscription.
Whether a version 2.x of the Affinity apps will have all functions you need or not—nobody knows. Until then you're right with at least one statement: You—like anyone of us—might have to continue paying for Adobe (or any other tool), which has all functions you really need.

Since version 2.0 is not here and there are no details of the features it would have are available, you cannot make an informed choice until such time as a trial version of version 2.0 is released and you actually try it out to see if it fits your workflow, so the question is pretty much redundant until that time.

Well, if you have the urge of quoting yourself, don't leave out the relevant stuff, please.
That's what I was referring to. Not a question either, that's right. But a false claim nonetheless. You have been the one telling us you could own Adobe CS apps forever in contrast to Affinity's apps. Which is simply wrong. You can use your "owned", yet outdated Adobe apps as much as you could use "owned" (yet outdated, too) Affinity apps. No more, no less. It's as simple as that.
That said, I couldn't care less about whether you're using Affintiy apps, Adobe apps, "owned" or via subscription. Neither do I want to talk you into using Affinity apps rather than Adobe's as I also still have to use other apps for some jobs as long as Serif's apps don't provide some of the functions I need. 

Most apps will update within the remit of that version, so 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 etc but when the major version changes from say version 1 to version  2 an additional upgrade fee is charged to enable continued development. In Affinity's case version 2 may be a year away or even more, just because it's on version 1.9.2 doesn't mean it's at version 1.10 the next version will be v2 it could be that v1.11, 1.12 occurs. so with each release of the 1.x.x version you get free updates. 
But, the updates cannot continue forever v 1.1000.2 because the company would go bust, they supply software that requires continuous development and adaptation this takes time and skilled staff and. that costs money.
If people tried to do what Affinity/serif are doing they would not have gripes, same as employees that moan because the boss has a jag and they have a lada, try running your own company and then complain.

File > Document Setup:

I will refine my tip on 22.2.2022, ideal date for the release of version 2, or 2.22? :-) 

Make your styles in Publisher. Place one of the five word docs in a Publisher doc and do a find and replace on the imported styles then delete the now unused word styles, import the next word document and repeat the find and replace. Save copies frequently. Reapply the text styles frequently.
My self, I would be tempted to nuke everything and work with plain text copies of the five word documents.

I guess it's how it's related...usually comes off badly.  If someone prefers a tool/method, why not say so in a far less nasty manner?
I just don't see alternatives that take 2 to 3 seconds as "missing".  "Missing" to me is no way to accomplish the task whatsoever.  Actions, etc...  those things I get...the rest I'm just scratching my head...  Personally, I'm finding I can accomplish "actions" manually.  As a creative, the knowledge appeals to me more than the presets.  My skills have improved and, honestly, feel more authentic.  I like applying various art/math theories...and knowing how, what, when, where does not come in a preset.  When I first got Photo, I gorged on LUTs.  I never use them.  In fact, I keep telling myself I'll delete them...
I am transitioning from traditional to digital.  There are MANY concessions...alternatives.  The transition has been challenging.
If someone claims that work-arounds require minutes even...maybe.  But, not mere seconds.
Btw...I don't see Photo as trying to "compete" with PS.  Seems to be competing quite well.
For me, it's pretty basic...  One has to decide what is important to them.  I HATE debt.  Loathe it.  A subscription to something is rarely a choice I'll make.  And, honestly, I find Affinity products to be MUCH more user friendly than the others...which I've tried.

I see threads like this and they shock me...  Perhaps it's easier for a user who has never used photoshop in the first place?  Is it just that people are stuck in their ways and don't like "new"?  Honest questions...  I use Krita and I do not have difficulties with the transition..  I EXPECT it to be different.
I much prefer non-destructive any day...
My two cents.

I see threads like this and they shock me...  Perhaps it's easier for a user who has never used photoshop in the first place?  Is it just that people are stuck in their ways and don't like "new"?  Honest questions...  I use Krita and I do not have difficulties with the transition..  I EXPECT it to be different.
I much prefer non-destructive any day...
My two cents.

Oh and I learned something really freaking awesome.
I did most of the work in Photo, but wanted to text wrap so I opened in Publisher.  Now, back in Photo, still able to move my text-wrapped object around and the text moves accordingly.  AWESOME!

I wouldn't usually try to draw an ellipse with the Pen Tool.
With the Pen Tool you would put nodes wherever you wanted them to get the exact wrap you want. And there's no need for it to have a Fill at all.

Oh and I learned something really freaking awesome.
I did most of the work in Photo, but wanted to text wrap so I opened in Publisher.  Now, back in Photo, still able to move my text-wrapped object around and the text moves accordingly.  AWESOME!

I'd really like to see this be made a higher priority with Affinity Designer.  So much of my workflow in Sketch and Illustrator relies on the use of plugins to automate, organize and simplify tasks. Take a look at what Invision Craft and Astute Graphics are doing to add amazing functionality to these apps.

But it is interesting why the doc files are associated with APhoto (see icon)!

Clip studio is fine software...and simple illustration is affordable at $49.  However, if as you say, she is an aspiring GA, she will need the more robust software...which is over $200.  The reason that I mention this is that Clip Studio is not necessarily, the best choice for a budding GA...  I am not aware of how it will transition into the workplace.  If she's to remain a hobbyist/illustrator, the basic will be fine.  Though, honestly, there are indeed, other options out there.  
 
I'm traditional art transitioning to digital.  It's going to be a learning curve.  That is the simple truth.  But, it is worth learning if it advances goals.  Photo bashing and the ability to do so, is an important skill for today's GA...traditional illustration is a finite niche.  Talent needs balance with knowledge and skill.
Just my two cents.
 
Best of luck to you and your daughter, Desperate Dad

I've downloaded Krita (free) and it serves all my painting needs beyond Affinity Photo and Designer.  With the Affinity Suite, you simply can not go wrong.  Honestly.  I had a few weeks of frustration, but honestly, they ended as soon as I was working on better equipment.  I recommend Affinity to anyone and everyone.  And, it's true, the Affinity products are MUCH more user friendly than Adobe.  Night and day, really.  As John Rostron suggested above, you should explore some of the work being produced in Affinity products.  Never fails to excite ne.  You can, also, find excellent tutorials on youtube.

I see you're a capture one user - there is a known problem with explorer integration which may be causing the crash.

Can you also provide your CPU and GPU details please

With enough skill and patience, you can even use Excel to create paintings!