Affiliate Networks: The Ultimate Comparison & Selection Guide

Introduction

Affinity Designer is a powerful vector graphics design software that offers professional-grade tools for illustration, UI/UX design, typography, and branding. As a versatile alternative to Adobe Illustrator, it combines pixel and vector workflows in one application with no subscription fees. This cheatsheet serves as your comprehensive reference guide to maximize efficiency and creativity in Affinity Designer.

Core Concepts

Personas

Affinity Designer uses three distinct workspaces called Personas:

Document Setup Essentials

• New Document: File > New (Ctrl+N / ⌘+N)
• Color Profiles: RGB for digital, CMYK for print
• DPI Settings: 72 for web, 300+ for print
• Artboards: Create multiple designs in one document

Key Tools & Functions

Selection Tools

• Move Tool (V): Position, scale, and rotate objects
• Node Tool (A): Edit vector points and curves
• Selection Brush (W): Paint a selection across objects

Creation Tools

• Pen Tool (P): Create precise paths with Bézier curves
• Pencil Tool (N): Draw freehand paths
• Rectangle/Ellipse Tools (M/L): Create basic shapes
• Text Tool (T): Add and edit text elements

Modification Tools

• Corner Tool (C): Modify corners of shapes
• Fill Tool (G): Apply gradient or color fills
• Transparency Tool (Y): Adjust opacity gradually

Essential Shortcuts

File Operations

• New Document: Ctrl+N / ⌘+N
• Open: Ctrl+O / ⌘+O
• Save: Ctrl+S / ⌘+S
• Export: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S / ⌘+Option+Shift+S

Editing Operations

• Copy: Ctrl+C / ⌘+C
• Paste: Ctrl+V / ⌘+V
• Cut: Ctrl+X / ⌘+X
• Undo: Ctrl+Z / ⌘+Z
• Redo: Ctrl+Y / ⌘+Y

View Controls

• Zoom In: Ctrl++ / ⌘++
• Zoom Out: Ctrl+- / ⌘+-
• Fit to Screen: Ctrl+0 / ⌘+0
• Actual Size: Ctrl+1 / ⌘+1
• Toggle Rulers: Ctrl+; / ⌘+;
• Toggle Grid: Ctrl+’ / ⌘+’

Selection & Transformation

• Select All: Ctrl+A / ⌘+A
• Deselect: Ctrl+D / ⌘+D
• Group: Ctrl+G / ⌘+G
• Ungroup: Ctrl+Shift+G / ⌘+Shift+G
• Lock/Unlock: Ctrl+L / ⌘+L

Working with Vectors

Path Operations

Node Editing Techniques

• Convert point types: Double-click nodes
• Add nodes: Double-click on path
• Delete nodes: Select node + Delete key
• Smooth control: Hold Alt/Option when adjusting handles

Layer Management

Layer Types

• Pixel Layer: Raster graphics (bitmap)
• Vector Layer: Scalable paths and shapes
• Text Layer: Editable text content
• Adjustment Layer: Non-destructive adjustments
• Group Layer: Container for organizing layers

Layer Operations

• Create new layer: Ctrl+Shift+N / ⌘+Shift+N
• Navigate layers: Tab / Shift+Tab
• Layer opacity: Adjust in Layers panel
• Blend modes: Change in Layers panel
• Merge layers: Ctrl+E / ⌘+E

Color & Gradient Management

Color Tools

• Color Wheel: Visual color selection
• Sliders: RGB, HSL, CMYK options
• Swatches: Save and reuse colors
• Eyedropper (I): Sample colors from artwork

Gradient Types

• Linear: Straight-line color transition
• Radial: Circular color transition
• Conical: Rotational color transition

Text Formatting

Text Styles

• Character Panel: Font, size, spacing options
• Paragraph Panel: Alignment, indentation options
• Text on Path: Layer menu > Text > Text on Path
• Text in Shape: Layer menu > Text > Text in Shape

Typography Shortcuts

• Font Size Up/Down: Ctrl+Shift+> / < or ⌘+Shift+> /
• Leading Up/Down: Alt+↑/↓ or Option+↑/↓
• Tracking Up/Down: Alt+→/← or Option+→/←

Export Options

Export Formats

• PNG: Web graphics, transparency support
• JPG: Photos, compressed images
• SVG: Scalable vector graphics
• PDF: Print-ready documents
• EPS: Industry-standard vector format

Export Workflow

1. Enter Export Persona or use File > Export
2. Set area/slices to export
3. Define formats, sizes, and quality settings
4. Configure file naming conventions
5. Export to destination

Common Challenges & Solutions

Performance Issues

• Challenge: Slow performance with complex designs
• Solution: Use symbols, reduce anchor points, optimize document size

File Size Management

• Challenge: Large file sizes
• Solution: Use symbols for repeated elements, optimize embedded images

Precise Alignment

• Challenge: Aligning objects perfectly
• Solutions:
  • Use snapping (View > Snapping Manager)
  • Use alignment tools in the context toolbar
  • Enable grid and guides (View menu)

Best Practices & Tips

Design Workflow

• Start with wireframes/sketches before detailed work
• Use artboards for multiple design variations
• Create and save style presets for consistency
• Name layers descriptively for easier navigation
• Use masks for non-destructive editing

Organization Tips

• Group related elements
• Use layer colors for visual organization
• Create symbols for repeated elements
• Save custom brushes and styles
• Use constraints for responsive designs

Keyboard Efficiency

• Learn tool shortcuts to minimize mouse movement
• Use spacebar for temporary access to Hand tool
• Hold Shift for constrained movements/proportions
• Use Alt/Option to duplicate while dragging

Resources for Further Learning

Official Resources

• Affinity Designer Workbook (official guide)
• Serif Affinity YouTube channel
• Affinity Spotlight tutorials
• Affinity Forums

Community Resources

• Affinity Revolution (YouTube channel)
• Affinity Designer templates on Creative Market
• LinkedIn Learning Affinity Designer courses
• Udemy courses for specialized techniques

Helpful Plugins & Add-ons

• Artlandia SymmetryWorks (pattern design)
• Astute Graphics plugins (compatible with Affinity)
• Free vector resources from websites like Freepik

This cheatsheet covers the essential tools, shortcuts, and techniques to help you work efficiently in Affinity Designer. Keep it handy as you create your vector masterpieces!