Affinity Designer 2: Tutorial for Beginners [2024]

[@TechnicallyTrent]

✅ Download my FREE PDF with 10 more Affinity Designer tips here: 👉 trenttech.gumroad.com/l/affinitydesigner_10_Tips (Cost is $0 but a small donation helps support this channel! 😇)

[@michaelgoodman8849]

Do you have any information on using templates?

[@cbow7961]

I'm only 23 minutes in, and I perceive you are a great teacher. Thank you! To me, unless I have a teacher, Affinity is a challenge to learn. It's like no other. Open a blank page, with no manual, and begin clicking. 😂 Thank you for this video! My design life just got easier!!!

[@_stefanozamuner_]

Sir, you are THE BEST person ever! I'm currently switching from adobe to affinity and you're such a savior..I've been using adobe since 15 years but somehow affinity apps feel very different and I was stuck..till now, thanks!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks Stefan, I'm happy it was useful!

[@jumpropemf]

I usually don’t finish tutorials but this one was well made. Finished all 2 hours

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks so much for the donation, @jumpropemf! I appreciate it.

[@emmamarx9284]

Right?? I didn’t even skip ahead, every minute of this was packed with knowledge and no annoying filler. May the art gods bless this man 🙏

[@johntraiger8003]

We don't know what we don't know. You certainly help to dispell the ignorance with your wealth of knowledge. Thanks so much for a great job.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks for watching, @johntraiger8003!

[@DolphinWantsPeace]

I wonder how many people googled "how to lock children" 😂 Amazing tutorial, I've learned extremely much from this and I'm gonna repeatedly come back to this video. Really well done!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Ha, yes, "lock children" could be taken the wrong way out of context....

[@shunimax]

Fellow Brazilian here. Great course, the best i found on youtube!!! THANKS!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks for watching!

[@motube08]

Amazing tutorial!!! This is the BEST one I've seen to date. You have catered to my learning style completely. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks, @motube08 , glad it was helpful!

[@KismetBP]

Just swapped after 30 Years using Adobe to Affinity Designer & Photo. Fantastic overview and I am only 20 minutes in. +1 Sub. Ok back to watching the rest. ❤

[@uhoku_official]

This is the best, most concise tutorial I’ve seen! Thank you for your time.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks so much for your comment and the tip, Julie!

[@uhoku_official]

Hey Trent, wondering if you have a tutorial re: debossed/engraved effect for an illustration.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Hi Julie, I do not have a video on Bevel/Emboss yet. However, I want to create a video on all the FX (which is where the Bevel option is), so stay tuned :)

[@saksornboonta4322]

I’m new to Affinity Designer 2 and this video has helped me a lot. You’re the best teacher, thank you!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Hi @saksornboonta4322, glad it was helpful!

[@milicentart]

Amazing intro that’s useful . I learned a lot.

[@alurachambermusic7597]

This is the best tutorial I’ve found on KZbin!!! Well done!

[@daled9510]

This is amazing thank you. I bought affinity a while ago but was too intimidated on how to begin learning. With all the hype surrounding it at the moment, it has spurred me on to try and learn it and your lesson has made it make a lot of sense.

[@the_stixXx]

This guy knows how to teach!

[@MuraliKrishnaKunapareddy]

Best crisp tutorial for real starters. Great work!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks for watching, @MuraliKrishnaKunapareddy!

[@ashayramolia]

This course is perfection, Through and thorough.

[@craigbaldwin4935]

Just purchased AD a few days ago and really impressed with the functionality and smooth feeling of it. Your explanations are perfect, clear and concise, no wasted time.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks Craig!

[@dplj4428]

Thank you @TechnicallyTrent for stating this video features Windows version, 2.x Just subscribed. Mainly have used on iPad but considering resurrecting my M1 Mac Mini.

[@markbettels3757]

Your videos on Affinity Designer are absolutely great. I really enjoy your videos and I discover something new every day. Thank you for your effort and keep it up.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

No problem, Mark...thanks for watching!

[@olgamobiel]

Great video! Clear explanations with many good examples in a pleasant pace: not too fast, but not too slow either. Top teacher! Thank you for your time. 👍

[@CarolusChess]

Very impressed, I learned a lot!

[@dripxstreetwear]

Eye opener! This is the best tutorial I've watched in two years regarding tutorials for designer software. Definitely what I needed and I even now understand how and why vector holds quality and why png etc does not [bonus]. Absolutely brilliant! Heading to purchase this software now that I have confidence to invest and learn from your videos.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks @dripxstreetwear, glad to hear it was helpful! Have fun learning :)

[@dripxstreetwear]

@@TechnicallyTrent , so far so bad 😂😂. Typography is something I would like to make my niche, I have wondered through programmes such as Kittl, They're brilliant it does most for you, but they become a dime a dozen and there is no way to manipulate to your own unique style. Could you recommend some beneficial videos for a beginner wanting to focus on typography in Affinity please?

[@TechnicallyTrent]

For typography, I just released a video on the Artistic Text tool: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4XUgamPm7CBe6c I will be releasing a video on the Frame Text tool in a few days. I focus more on how the tools work than actual typography concepts. But I do want to create a general Typography 101 video about how type can be used with graphic design. Stay tuned!

[@dripxstreetwear]

@@TechnicallyTrent watched this within one hour of release, even my hubby who has absolutely no interest at all commented on how easy anyone can follow along to your tutorials. Getting to know what each tool is capable of is fundamental, I find your video length perfect and not to over whelming.Thank you Trent, keenly waiting for your next release, no pressure or anything 😅

[@al_raven]

"I can drag them into my compound..."😂 who knew affinity Tutorials could get so spooky!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Ha, yes, some comments can definitely be taken out of context ;)

[@janmaslow1128]

You truly are a really superb teacher - clear and thorough, anticipating and addressing our potential areas of confusion. And this is such a generous offering. Thank you so much!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks Jan, no problem!

[@jacisiehl5002]

Best instruction video I've seen in a long time. Wish I'd seen this a month ago when I started my journey. Would like to see a video that could help importing jpg black and white line art into AD and then how best to create Celtic Knots, from simple Trinity to complex designs. So many options and hard to tell which is the best; pen tool or shapes, when to add or subtract, or when to use Shape Builder or compounds. No one addresses these as they don't involve many of the graphic tools that AD offers. But, still you clarified so much in the crash course.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks for the comment, @jacisiehl5002! Yes, black and white raster lineart provides a particular challenge. One thing you can try is converting it to vector with Creative Fabrica's free tool. The results can be hit or miss, but it is worth a shot: www.creativefabrica.com/features/vectorize-image/ref/2746202/ I show how to use it, along with coloring line art with Vector Fill and raster painting, in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpjVl4SaaZp5gJo

[@yurtiburti]

Thank you so much, I am very grateful for your kindness in sharing this information for free. This makes it so much easier for a newcomer to learn how to operate the seemingly overwhelming software. Much love.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks @ethosuniverse, I'm glad it was helpful for you!

[@mnaarob1353]

I always appreciate this kind of content. Thanks a lot.

[@August_2456]

you can right clcik on shape or any text and click on convert to curves

[@fandydiadline]

My first 30 minutes using Affinity Designer; 😐 I'll adapt using this tool for a few coming weeks.

[@fandydiadline]

First 1 hour; Designer 2 generally runs smoother and is more efficient on lower-end hardware.

[@ethanunick83]

Man thank you so much for all the hard work I'm sure went into this. This was the best most comprehensive Affinity tutorial Ive ever taken. I feel like it filled in so many gaps in my knowledge that were bugging me! All the best to you!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks @ethanunick83, I appreciate it!

[@adada1st]

Nice tutorial, very helpful! I recently swapped from Adobe to Affinity and your videos made my (designer) life so much easier. Thank you so much!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

No problem, @adada1st!

[@gloups825]

Thank you for this tutorial! I've just finished it after years of laziness. I finally feel at ease and I really feel like I understand a lot of the software!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks @gloups825, I am glad it was helpful!

[@limec4t]

thanks for this excellent tutorial , 1:46:14 you just made that pixer ball

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Ha, I didn't even notice it was the Pixar ball. Coincidence I suppose ;)

[@MichaelIannuzzi-ti3nr]

Incredible resource, thanks man

[@spqm]

This is great, thanks for putting this together. I've known some of this stuff for two decades from photoshop and similar tools, but your straight to the point approach doesn't feel redundant. Keep it up!

[@mzak79a]

Thanks for your efforts, it surely helped me understand Affinity features and their uses. 🌟👍

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Glad to hear that!

[@samygdis2753]

Hello!! new subscriber 🥳 thank you, what an awesome video 👍👍

[@markbarrett2023]

I have been using Affinity since it was released, this is one of the best overview videos I have seen, Nice work!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks Mark, I appreciate it!

[@Urbanmediashowcase]

Great informative video. Just left adobe CC for affinity. This will help me with functions I'm not familiar with. Thank man.

[@WickedWood]

Thanks for the content. I try to learn and become proficient with at least 1 new major software title each year (CAD, Design, Video, etc.) So this was my first stab at something from Affinity products. Needless to say, I watch a lot of tutorials to help me learn. You are an excellent instructor!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks for the donation @WickedWood, I appreciate it! And best of luck learning Affinity :)

[@August_2456]

brother thank you, i finally understood how to use affinity designer 😢..i was literally gonna give up and then i found this video

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Hi @August_2456, glad it was helpful and thanks for watching!

[@rjacksonartwork189]

Super thorough and helpful! Impressed by the knowledge and clarity, not to mention how direct/succinct everything was. Subscribed!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks @rjacksonartwork189!

[@nightxwave]

Thank you for this extremely valueable tutorial ;)

[@mtm7031]

I waiting this tutorial Thank you so much sir 🙏

[@rayne_stormzz]

Not a beginner, just deciding if I want to switch from Adobe to Affinity and super scared that I won't be as comfortable with it. I wanted to get more familiar with the similarities and differences and this video was a great help with that!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks @rayne_stormzz, glad it was helpful!

[@chrisvo9238]

It is incredibly awesome tutorials !!! Thank you.

[@pretschious]

Dang, two hours of nonstop high quality input, not a single second wasted. Thank you! 😊

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks for the donation, @pretschious....I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@antacyd]

You are amazing iv'e learned more in one video than ever wow!!!

[@trippie3268]

great video

[@gh0stransist0r]

Excellent video! I had trouble understanding the Pen Tool and you made easier to understand with how and when to use which mode.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Hi @gh0stransist0r, glad it helped!

[@TracyCul]

Trent, this is an incredible tutorial, thank you SO much!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

No problem, @TracyCul, glad it was useful!

[@Quoxz]

Checking this out because all of their stuff is on a big sale at time of writing. Bonkers that "it's a one time purchase" is a selling point these days.

[@golemtabak1183]

Thank you, that helped me a lot. Try to move from Illustrator to another Software after more than 30 years :D

[@mandlaeroll21]

Good teacher I salute you BOSS

[@doxhdoxh6470]

This video is very well made, you rarely find anything like it. Thank you 😀

[@RubeeA-nara]

awesome very thank

[@pedroarruda7878]

Fantastic Tuturial! Thank you!

[@cpapsales]

Best tutorial I have seen. Amazing work. Thank you!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks @cpapsales, glad it was useful!

[@marcusdelictus]

wow such handsome guy immediately subscribed

[@danielnorton9803]

45:15 view document in xray mode ctrl +Y 45:45 split view "Comma" key 46:12 personas 47:55 convert shape to curves

[@Redcapsseed]

you should get a million Sub by mow ,those teaching crab are even getting million subs , guys let all promote this guy , he is indeed the best that i have ever come acrose on youtub i nerva miss a step , from point to point it like am in the class room , am just here for the first time an am blown a way with quick understand of affinity, it my number one stop to all design software ,

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Hi @Redcapsseed, thanks for your comment! I can wish for a million subs some day ;)

[@indrasaputraahmadi3449]

amazing explanations , easy to understands, big thanks, keep sharing, subscribed your channel, wish your channel grow fast.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks, @indrasaputraahmadi3449, I appreciate it!

[@jamesualized]

awesome tutorial! learned a lot, thank you!

[@vs3183]

Thank you for the effort. Even though I have been using AD for quite sometime now, I enjoyed the video.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks, @vs3183!

[@carolinedaniell265]

Great tutorial 👌very clear instruction covering many really useful techniques which i didnt know about. It will be a major help to me. Thanks! Saved for future ongoing reference! 💛

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks @carolinedaniell265 , I am glad it was helpful!

[@UltraPatate]

2:29 Got the french version of the UNIVERSAL LICENCE for 89,99 euros(VAT included), NICE

[@HyexaMemes]

Thank you very much for your work, gave me a good idea of the program!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Great to hear!

[@frankbelt633]

Great course. Thank you so much.

[@MEHRDADSH-w6j]

Thanks!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks for the donation, @user-fl5tq5cn9w, I appreciate it!

[@alex_macieira]

This is an excellent video! Thank you so much

[@ekaetefujah]

Totally Awesome!!! Thank you

[@shanetrinidad24]

Thank you for such easy and absorbable instructions. I moved over from adobe due to the shenanigans that are going on there. but I'm very happy to move over and save money monthly, even though I am lost at what tool compares to the tools I used in illustrator.

[@iUnpopularLLC]

Love this, I'm looking to get rid of the adobe suite, it's over priced and crashes constantly. You are saving the day. Oh, and on Mac, to copy with alignment it's option not shift for anyone who spazzed out like me lol

[@TechnicallyTrent]

No problem, and thanks for the Mac info!

[@RicardoPunnjo]

1:35:00. magic !!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Yes, the Shape Builder is pretty awesome!

[@gvagear]

1:34:27 You can simply tap enter or backspace to add or substract the selected shapes.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Good point, thanks for the tip!

[@jeanweil4892]

Your tutorial is top notch!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks Jean!

[@JoseTorresCeledon]

Very helpful tutorial thank you sharing your knowledge I was wondering if you plan to do a tutorial like this for Affinity Photo Thanks in advance

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Hi Jose, thanks for the comment! Yes, at some point I may do a version for Affinity Photo. It is on my to-do list :)

[@August_2456]

for those who dont have a mouse to pan, i think navigator will help

[@habanero6332]

I love Affinity.

[@August_2456]

for windows 11, to delete the node, slect the point and click on delete key

[@Imercor1]

Excelllent tutorial ! Apprecieate it .

[@bbgee8503]

Grrrrrreat tutorial!

[@corinnecollins]

Thank you, I’ve never used a programme like this before am looking forward to learning…one thing I would love to do but am having problems with is adding text to a spiral. I have been playing all day with no luck, now to look at your other vids to see if there is anything on one of these.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Hi @corinnecollins, thanks for watching! I have a video for putting text on paths (and circles) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2jSeYyDpLKaitE I think I made that video before the Spiral tool existed, but the technique will work with Spirals as well. First make a spiral with the Spiral Tool. And then with your spiral selected, select the Artistic Text tool and hover over part of the spiral. You'll see your cursor change to indicate that you can start typing. Hope this helps!

[@corinnecollins]

Thanks so much perhaps you show a demo on your next live for me x

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Sure, I'll answer it on today's live stream :) @@corinnecollins

[@corinnecollins]

Thank you so much I’m in the UK and I think your live is at 15.00 my time 🤞🏻

[@hangnguyen9684]

Thank you so much for your tutorial!! It’s really helpful 🙏 would you do a tutorial for Affinity Photo?

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Hi @hangnguyen9684, thanks for your message! I would like to do a similar video for Affinity Photo, but I haven't planned it yet. But I hope to do it at some point!

[@JMaxwell1000]

Fantastic course!! This is incredibly useful. I just wish there was a way to block the images of the speaker popping up in a box in the corner. It distracts a great deal to see a talking, bearded-face, as handsome as he may be, moving its mouth in syn with cursor movements. I'd rather be able to focus solely on the Affinity canvas in the background.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Hi @JMaxwell1000, thanks for the feedback! Yes, I made this video back before I knew how to record my webcam and desktop separately. Hence, the webcam footage is "baked in" to the recording. In my recent videos (last few weeks), I found a way to solve this issue and am now able to isolate my webcam and desktop footage easily, allowing for more flexibility in editing. Thanks for watching! Trent

[@JMaxwell1000]

@@TechnicallyTrent Thank YOU for the incredibly useful video and your accurate, concise explanations. You've answered many of my questions and I'm now a subscriber. Great work here, Trent.

[@artysanmobile]

Oh, what I would give to be able to name layers directly in photo2 ipad. This is my number one beef with the program.

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Oh, I didn't know that was missing in the ipad version. I haven't used it too much. Yes, that is a super important feature I use all the time in desktop!

[@globalren]

Excellent tutorial!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks, @globabren , glad you liked it!

[@TerbrugZondolop]

Going to start replacing Adobe trash real soon. Going to follow this.

[@August_2456]

To add image, go to file, click on place

[@TyjuanCox]

Thanks!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Thanks so much for the donation, @TyjuanCox!

[@khelgarathalan1723]

What the heck?! You should have tutorials for everything t that can be learned. Amazing coverage of the program. Thank you!!! (5 ☆'s)

[@TechnicallyTrent]

No problem, @khelgarathalan1723!

[@klimaxsg]

Thank you for taking the time to make this fantastic video.

[@KarinaButavičiūtė]

Please do a iPad tutorial

[@ArmyLatinoUSA]

thank you!

[@flewuniverse2326]

thank you for the video bro

[@August_2456]

To permanently disable snapping, click on the magnet, then youll see enable snapping, remove the tick to disable it

[@gabrielmnt4119]

Thanks a lot, this was so helpful while switching from AI! Do you happen to have or are willing to make a crash course for Affinity Photo as well?

[@TechnicallyTrent]

Hi @gabrielmnt4119, thanks! I am in the early stages of planning an Affinity Photo tutorial. I'm not sure when it will be finished, but stay tuned!

[@DriRoPeloMundo]

awessome! ty for this!

[@TechnicallyTrent]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@trafferz]

Too good. Taking too many notes. I'll never get through this thing.