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Here is the answer via KAGI web search on whether there are incremental licensing costs for using Apple's HEIC code: Based on the available information, it appears that Apple does not require developers to pay additional license fees to use code libraries that support the HEIC image format: The Apple Developer Program has an annual fee of $99 USD, which provides access to various Apple developer tools and resources. [1][2] There is no mention of any additional fees specifically for using HEIC support libraries. [3][4] However, one source indicates that the HEVC video codec, which is related to the HEIC image format, requires a $0.99 extension to function. [5] So in summary, while Apple does not seem to charge extra fees for HEIC support libraries, there may be third-party costs associated with certain codecs used in HEIC files. But the core Apple Developer Program membership does not require any additional fees specifically for HEIC.[3][4] Membership Details - Apple Developer Program Choosing a Membership - Support - Apple Developer Apple Developer Program License Agreement - Support Agreements and Guidelines - Support - Apple Developer Why is HEIC not popular? : r/apple - Reddit In all likelihood, there is no per unit fee and only the Apple developer annual fee. Microsoft also supports HEIC and so they also probably have developers covered. Who knows (cares?) about this on Linux--sort of moot for Serif/Canva who don't support Linux for any of their products.

Going to give the Executables a shot (fingers crossed my OS problems don't have a problem with those too). Just out of curiosity, has anyone at Serif ever considered Affinity on Linux?

Good Luck with that Ubuntu changes version more often than Windows and support ends for each version far faster than for windows. If Ubunto is still there at that time.... The other thing is many of the components in Ubuntu come from 3rd parties. Your problems aren't Windows Security patches but Linux security.

Fair enough, but we are arguing between insignificant and miniscule. Especially as that 4% is for well over 500 different distributions and versions. (most of which are obsolete and unsupported) If the video treated them in the same way it split the windows versions, Linux would not appear at all. This is the problem of fragmentation and distros liable to change at any time regardless of any supposed roadmap. Black magic did their Linux version based on ONE commercially supported Linux that they could customize. When that version went obsolete (as the vast majority of Linuxes do without warning) they swapped to ONE other commercially supported Linux rather than trying a Flatpak. So it is not 4% of the market but 0.1 + 0,001 + 0.02 + 0.003 + .... Etc any one of which could change (or go obsolete) at any time without warning. The other problem is that whereas Apple Inc. and Microsoft Inc have NDA's they also have licences with various codec producers. So until Linux Inc. can sign NDA's and buy licences it will always be missing some codecs. BMD did buy licences for codecs for their (dongled and paid for ) Linux version, but they had 60 users spending $1/4 million each for them. For Windows, there are compatibility modes that work for 99% of apps going back to Win 95. What is missing are some of the hardware drivers for some of the obsolete hardware.

Actually it is 2.76% after 30 years, not 13. I have seen stats saying nearly 4%, but that is for ALL of the 500+ different Linux distros. That is the problem Linux is always "going to be the next big thing" for 30 years. Other than on servers, it isn't, and won't be. This video makes interesting watching on the stats. NOTE it takes every major version of Windows as a separate OS but lumps ALL the Linux versions and distros as one lot. That is the problem Linux is badly fragmented and all distros and versions change asynchronously with no roadmap. Also, the multiple different licences also change asynchronously and can do so at any time. For Linux to be a serious host, much has to change in the way it is developed. See any of the multiple Conference videos of Linux explaining this for the last decade (or more). IT is highly unlikely to happen. As noted above it makes far more sense to support chrome rather than Linux(es) .

If Linux will get a significant market share, maybe Some numbers: Marketshare of desktop Linux in Europe: January 2010 0.7% March 2024 2.76% I wouldnt call 2.76% a significant market share after being for over 13 years in the market ChromeOS is also close to this (2.44%), so why not also a version for ChromeOS? OSX is currently at 14.68% (last year over 20%!) And how many out of those are potential customers? Maybe you understand now, why Linux is not a market where you put huge investments in developing software, not talking about the typical LInux user being a fan of open source. I was selling for over 10 years Linux for servers (OK, not the software but services ) to huge enterprises and none of them ever considered seriously Linux as an desktop OS.

I can understand the economics behind not having a Linux version of Affinity. But ! Could things change ? I run a nice reliable PC. Z97 Mobo, i74790K CPU home build that falls just short of W11 compatibility. The ASUS Z97 even has TPM 2 ability. For my use a new PC is neither needed or wanted, my machine does everything that I need it to do, as fast as I need it. I have a backup machine almost identical, that is hardly ever used. So between the two, I am going to be good for a number of years, and have no intention of sending them to landfill just so that the Tech companies can make a financial killing. I have a number of spare front bays and have just installed Ubuntu on one of them. If I have to use Ubuntu while online after W10 security updates cease, then so be it. If I have to use Ubuntu exclusively, then so be it. In the intervening years, how many more people are going to take a similar course of action to myself ? This morning I have been looking at some software that claims to enable PC software, to run on Linux/Ubuntu. So. In the future, things at Affinity may change in relation to Linux. Lets hope ! As an afterthought, perhaps Affinity could include something in their script that helps to enable the use of third party software giving compatibility with Ubuntu/Linux ?

Hello all, Thanks to this thread I've been able to get 2.x running on Linux Mint, but the flickering is driving me insane. Unfortunately when I attempt to run 1.x I get the following error: Has anyone figured this one? Do I need a new wine environment? Unhandled Exception: System.AccessViolationException: Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt. at Raster.Hardware<Raster::DefaultImplementation>.GetHardwarePossible() at Serif.Interop.Persona.Settings.PerformanceSettings.get_CanUseHardwareAcceleration() at Serif.Interop.Persona.Settings.PerformanceSettings.get_UseHardwareAcceleration() at Serif.Interop.Persona.Services.InteropService.Initialise() at Serif.Interop.Persona.Application.OnServicesInitialised(IServiceProvider serviceProvider) at Serif.Affinity.Application.OnServicesInitialised(IServiceProvider serviceProvider) at Serif.Interop.Persona.Application.OnStartup(StartupEventArgs e) at System.Windows.Application.<.ctor>b__1_0(Object unused) at System.Windows.Threading.ExceptionWrapper.InternalRealCall(Delegate callback, Object args, Int32 n umArgs) at System.Windows.Threading.ExceptionWrapper.TryCatchWhen(Object source, Delegate callback, Object ar gs, Int32 numArgs, Delegate catchHandler) at System.Windows.Threading.DispatcherOperation.InvokeImpl() at MS.Internal.CulturePreservingExecutionContext.CallbackWrapper(Object obj) at System.Threading.ExecutionContext.RunInternal(ExecutionContext executionContext, ContextCallback c allback, Object state, Boolean preserveSyncCtx) at System.Threading.ExecutionContext.Run(ExecutionContext executionContext, ContextCallback callback, Object state, Boolean preserveSyncCtx) at System.Threading.ExecutionContext.Run(ExecutionContext executionContext, ContextCallback callback, Object state) at MS.Internal.CulturePreservingExecutionContext.Run(CulturePreservingExecutionContext executionConte xt, ContextCallback callback, Object state) at System.Windows.Threading.DispatcherOperation.Invoke() at System.Windows.Threading.Dispatcher.ProcessQueue() at System.Windows.Threading.Dispatcher.WndProcHook(IntPtr hwnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lPar am, Boolean& handled) at MS.Win32.HwndWrapper.WndProc(IntPtr hwnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam, Boolean& handle d) at MS.Win32.HwndSubclass.DispatcherCallbackOperation(Object o) at System.Windows.Threading.ExceptionWrapper.InternalRealCall(Delegate callback, Object args, Int32 n umArgs) at System.Windows.Threading.ExceptionWrapper.TryCatchWhen(Object source, Delegate callback, Object ar gs, Int32 numArgs, Delegate catchHandler) at System.Windows.Threading.Dispatcher.LegacyInvokeImpl(DispatcherPriority priority, TimeSpan timeout , Delegate method, Object args, Int32 numArgs) at MS.Win32.HwndSubclass.SubclassWndProc(IntPtr hwnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam) at MS.Win32.UnsafeNativeMethods.DispatchMessage(MSG& msg) at System.Windows.Threading.Dispatcher.PushFrameImpl(DispatcherFrame frame) at System.Windows.Application.RunDispatcher(Object ignore) at System.Windows.Application.RunInternal(Window window) at Photo.Application.Main(String[] args)

That went offtrack heavily. Im a VFX artist so I will keep it on that sense. 100% of VFX studios run on linux 100% of VFX studios only run windows for Photoshop, 100 % of VFX studios would be extremely onboard to get rid of both PS and Windows. Every 3d app that exists in both Linux and Windows/Mac versions runs better in linux. It just makes sense to have a linux version.

It shouldn't be hard. Offhand I don't recall the syntax for creating a symlink on Windows, but it's not hard. Generically, the process would be something like: Make sure no Affinity app is running. Move the actual folders to wherever there's room, i.e., the new location (or copy then delete the original, just to be safe) In the original location, create a symlink(s) with the same exact name as the folder(s) you moved / deleted, but pointing to the new location instead Now when Windows, Photo, whatever, accesses those folders it will actually be accessing the ones in the new location, but it'll never know the difference. This technique is used all over the place by unix / Linux (in fact by many OSes).

So I’m hoping the Canva acquisition has a positive side, that affinity is ported to Linux, so Educational Institutions can you use ist for free, also when there infrastructure and endures devices are on Linux. Affinity getting to Linux and Inkstitch ever improving would enable me to finally ditch windows.

I don't think there will be fully-fledged web apps. But it will certainly incorporate some of the rudimentary functions of the Affinity Suite. And as far as Linux (Wine) support is concerned, I wouldn't get my hopes up for the time being. There are enough development priorities that have priority here. Above all, the stability of the programs, RTL and CJK support (with possible extended localization), to name some. However, the development roadmap may be different!

Soooo... Any chance the Canva acquisition will mean anything for us Linux/ChromeOS users? Webapps for Affinity like Canva in the future?

And No seriously this is not the thread for this linux replies here will be removed

I was correct. BMD specify ONE and only ONE Linux (also the previous legacy one that is not obsolete) if you instal it on anything else you are on your own. They don't support it. That you got it to run on other Linux is good for you, but it is still unsupported.

This is false. I installed it and it has been used in our studio on 4 Linux variants without problems, See, some companies are doing their work to meet costumer need, other just find excuses.

you linked to the scripting page, this one is the Linux page;

Please can linux discussions be kept to the thread on that topic

Also a lot of professional Resolve studios use Linux BUT that is only one (one current and one legacy) Linux. This is because Resolve was delivered on a Linux when Resolve was many $1000's per seat, and you needed at least $30,000 hardware as a dongle to use it. However, these users are a VERY small number compared to the whole number of Resolve users (over 2 million). Had it not been for the original resolve users buying it at well over $50,000 a seat, there would not have been a Linux version. It was a custom Linux and it came on the computer that came with Resolve. When it got to Resolve being sub $1000 that didn't need a dongle: They did a mac version then a windows version and some time later a Linux version that ran without needing $30,000 of hardware. The free Linux version of Resolve only runs on one version of Linux (to a specific build and version number) It is also missing some codecs and has other restrictions. I am not sure the VFX market is going to be large enough to support a Linux Affinity. Also, would you swap to the Linux Affinity says you should use? It would probalby help if they used the same Linux as BMD, as I suspect the VFX people who want a Linux affinity will also be working with Resolve users

That's very limited and false pov. E.g. majority of the large VFX business runs on Linux platforms. There is also VFX Platform initiative to unify that.

There is a whole thread on this. In the real world, it is a non-starter. A hell of a lot of work on multiple constantly moving targets for a VERY small market. You would never get an RoI ever. Also, the professionals don't usually use Linux.

@Frozen Death Knight As for what I want to actually see being developed now when you have some serious capital to back up your development, then here's a list! Linux version, or at least make it fully compatible with Proton/Wine/whatever. Pretty sure you can afford it now! - At Least a 10 year timescale for implementation, will be made available ONLY with a £400.00 a year subscription 'knight rider' plan, don't blame us, blame Canva An animation timeline for Designer and Photo with proper GIF and vector support. I want to do animated vectors in an intuitive way that's at least on par with Illustrator+After Effects - 20 years before we can implement this, this will cost you an additional £400.00, just for asking the question, and an additional £400 on top of youre 'knight rider' plan . 3D perspective tools and grids - We never heard of this, could you sketch this out on a bit of paper and we'll have a look at it Fix Windows specific drawing bugs. We'll wait and see what Canva says regarding this issue before we address it Vector brushes and erasers. What are they? More vector tools. I.e. free form gradients, blending one shape into another, node clean-up operators (merge, simplifyy, etc.), and more. ahh, We'll get back to you on that, maybe Auto-trace for Designer. Been a decade since you said you wanted to add it in. - That's a very complication operation to perform, we might have to wait until interdimensional quantum computing is solved until we can address that particular problem More game development tools for textures. Been 4 years since that teaser. - We'll wait and see what Canva says regarding this issue Cleaner lasso selections with both mouse and tablet. - Canva have told us to forget about that AI powered tools such as selection, upscaling, and some ways to integrate generative fill, whether in-house or external. With regards to A.I, we're still struggling with an 'image Trace Tool', so, like ah Finishing the plug-in system and code API. ah, you do realise that you have to have you computer plugged in at the socket, for it to switch on to use our products Make an Affinity Infinity software with all Personas in one software. I really don't want to switch softwares when I can have everything in one place. Canva have told us to forget about that More brush management features such as sub-folders, the ability to R click to select brushes, etc. NOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooo

I will reserve my judgement in regards to this being a good thing or not. From my own experience software have developed for the worse after being acquired by much bigger companies that have vastly different business values. Examples such as Substance when bought by Adobe and Pixologic ZBrush being bought by Maxon. I don't know anything about Canva or their business culture, but I will give you over at Serif the benefit of the doubt about your decision to merge with them. Ever since I picked up Affinity back in 2017 I have come to appreciate how you have developed Affinity into something I rely on for work. You deserve that much at least. Good that you are making a promise to uphold the values that made people want to buy your software. Just to make things crystal clear however, if you break them I will simply start looking elsewhere for software that suit my needs and move on. I have learned to become a wanderer ever since Adobe began its subscription crusade over a decade ago. No hard feelings if it happens, since I have gotten used to that trust being broken. Also remember that Affinity only got to this point because of people not wanting to be forced to subscribe to Adobe, so if you are going to add subscriptions, having perpetual licenses will be key to retaining our trust. As for what I want to actually see being developed now when you have some serious capital to back up your development, then here's a list! Linux version, or at least make it fully compatible with Proton/Wine/whatever. Pretty sure you can afford it now! An animation timeline for Designer and Photo with proper GIF and vector support. I want to do animated vectors in an intuitive way that's at least on par with Illustrator+After Effects. 3D perspective tools and grids. Fix Windows specific drawing bugs. Vector brushes and erasers. More vector tools. I.e. free form gradients, blending one shape into another, node clean-up operators (merge, simplify, etc.), and more. Auto-trace for Designer. Been a decade since you said you wanted to add it in. More game development tools for textures. Been 4 years since that teaser. Cleaner lasso selections with both mouse and tablet. AI powered tools such as selection, upscaling, and some ways to integrate generative fill, whether in-house or external. Finishing the plug-in system and code API. Make an Affinity Infinity software with all Personas in one software. I really don't want to switch softwares when I can have everything in one place. More brush management features such as sub-folders, the ability to R click to select brushes, etc. Don't disappoint!

I noticed that many people write about the fighting with maintaining old programs. They write about compatibility modes, about old systems and even about dedicated machines not maintained for decades! I wonder why nobody uses virtualization? Personally, I have Linux as the main system, but all older programs, as well as Affinity, I run on VMware Workstation, losing capacity maybe 5%. And as the main computer has a strong processor with 24 cores and a lot of RAM, in practice I completely do not feel a slowdown. But the advantage is that such a virtual is portable to a new computer (it's just a few files!) and ready to run immediately. In addition the system, in this virtual machine, can be cut off from the Internet, without anti-virus and updates: fast, clean and safe. It maintains communication with the local network and resources, e.g. with NAS. In this way, you can have any "frozen" application for any long time. Including, for example, the active AD 2.0 license, even when the servers are turned off. I recommend!

For the doubters, as with any VC funded company (who also dabbles in AI), this is what will inevitably happen: https://americandialect.org/2023-word-of-the-year-is-enshittification/ So now it's only a question about WHEN, but the shitty thing is that Affinity quite recently denied there even was a question of IF: Now that their true colors have been revealed, you can't trust anything anyone from that company says ever again and we can safely assume that the timeline to things going down the drain has been accelerated. https://mastodon.cloud/@designthinkingcomic/112172752241749103 So... guess I'm forced to look at Inkscape once again for an Illustrator alternative. At least there's some more options for Photoshop alternatives. Not really any alternatives for Indesign, though? At least not for Linux (which I'm probably moving to in the next few years due to the similar crap happening to Windows).