TL;DR
- Adobe is no longer required for professional design work
- A modern design stack without Adobe is lighter and more flexible
- Affinity by Canva is now free and replaces multiple Adobe tools
- Figma handles web and collaboration beautifully
- Strategy, documentation, and handoff tools matter just as much as design tools
Adobe is no longer the default. For a long time, it felt mandatory. If you wanted to be taken seriously, you paid the subscription, learned the shortcuts, and dealt with the crashes. But things have changed.
Fast. In 2026, a modern design stack without Adobe isn’t a compromise. It’s often the smarter option. Tools are lighter. Workflows are faster. And you’re no longer paying monthly for features you barely touch.
This post breaks down exactly how to build a modern design stack without Adobe that still looks professional, works for real client projects, and supports how you actually work.
What a “Modern Design Stack” Actually Includes
Before we talk tools, let’s define the stack.
A modern design stack isn’t about having everything. It’s about covering your bases without friction. At a minimum, your stack should handle:
- Core design work
- Strategy and documentation
- Collaboration and feedback
- File storage and handoff
That’s it.
Anything beyond that is optional, not required. If a tool doesn’t make your work clearer, faster, or easier to sell, it doesn’t belong in your stack.
This mindset alone is why so many designers are building a design stack without Adobe.
Why Designers Are Ditching Adobe
This shift didn’t come out of nowhere.
Here’s what keeps coming up in conversations:
- Monthly pricing that adds up quickly
- Tools that feel bloated for simple tasks
- Features built for teams of 50, not solo designers
- Steep learning curves for things that should be intuitive
Adobe still works. No argument there.
But a lot of designers realized they were paying for power they didn’t need. And once alternatives got good enough, the switch became obvious.
A modern design stack without Adobe is about control. You choose tools that fit your workflow, not the other way around.
Core Design Tools for a Modern Design Stack Without Adobe
This is where most people get stuck, so let’s simplify it.
Affinity by Canva (Photo, Designer, Publisher)
Big update here.
Affinity is now Affinity by Canva — and it’s free.
That alone makes it one of the most compelling Adobe alternatives available right now.
Affinity covers:
- Photo editing
- Vector design
- Layout and print work
All without a subscription.
If your work includes brand assets, social graphics, PDFs, or print-ready files, Affinity fits cleanly into a modern design stack without Adobe.
It’s powerful, stable, and doesn’t try to be ten tools at once.
Read more about Affinity by Canva now being free and what that means for your workflow.
Best for:
- Brand visuals
- Marketing assets
- Print and digital layouts
Figma (Yes, It Still Counts)
Figma isn’t trying to replace Adobe.
It already did.
For anything web-based, systemized, or collaborative, Figma is non-negotiable in a modern design stack.
Why it works so well:
- Browser-based
- Easy client feedback
- Perfect for websites and brand systems
- Strong ecosystem of plugins
Figma pairs especially well with Affinity. One handles structured layouts and systems. The other handles detailed visual work.
Together, they replace multiple Adobe tools without the overhead.
Brand Strategy & Documentation Tools in a Modern Design Stack Without Adobe
Design isn’t just visuals anymore. And your stack should reflect that.
Notion
Notion has quietly become the backbone of many Adobe-free workflows.
Use it for:
- Brand strategy documents
- Workshop notes
- Client-facing explanations
- Internal systems
The biggest win? Reusability.
When your strategy lives in templates instead of one-off documents, your process tightens automatically. That’s a key part of building a modern design stack without Adobe.
Google Docs (Still Useful)
Not everything needs to live in Notion.
Google Docs still works well for:
- Simple collaboration
- Comments-heavy reviews
- Clients who want something familiar
The tool doesn’t matter as much as consistency.
Font Management in a Design Stack Without Adobe
This is usually the biggest hesitation. Good news: you have options.
Google Fonts
Free. Accessible. Easy to implement.
Downside? Overuse.
That doesn’t make them bad. It just means you need to be intentional.
Independent Foundries
If you want stronger differentiation:
- Pay once for quality fonts
- Check licensing carefully
- Use fewer families, not more
Fonts work across Affinity, Figma, and web projects with no Adobe dependency. Another win for a design stack without Adobe.
File Sharing, Feedback & Client Handoff in a Modern Design Stack Without Adobe
Your stack should make you look organized.
Not flashy. Organized.
File Storage
- Google Drive for accessibility
- Dropbox for clean folder structures
Pick one. Stick to it.
Feedback
- Figma comments for design feedback
- PDFs for final approvals
No email chains. No confusion.
This is where many modern stacks outperform Adobe-based ones. The workflow is clearer and easier for clients to follow.
Read this post about How to export final files for clients (formats, folders, and handoff best practices).
Optional Tools That Level Things Up
These aren’t required, but they’re nice additions:
- Mockup tools for presentations
- Lightweight animation tools
- AI tools for ideation and copy drafts
- Website builders that integrate smoothly with Figma
The rule stays the same.
If it doesn’t save time or improve clarity, skip it.
A Sample Modern Design Stack Without Adobe
Here’s a realistic setup:
- Affinity by Canva – core visual design (free)
- Figma – web, systems, collaboration
- Notion – strategy and documentation
- Google Drive – file storage and delivery
- Paid fonts (selectively) – brand differentiation
What this replaces:
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- Adobe Fonts
And yes, it’s cheaper. But more importantly, it’s calmer.
Less friction. Less switching. More actual design work.
Final Thoughts on Building a Modern Design Stack Without Adobe
You don’t need to suffer for your tools.
A modern design stack should support your workflow, your energy, and your business goals. Not drain them.
Affinity by Canva being free removes one of the biggest barriers to going Adobe-free. Combined with tools like Figma and Notion, you can build a stack that’s flexible, affordable, and genuinely enjoyable to use.
That’s the real upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really possible to build a modern design stack without Adobe?
Yes, it absolutely is. A modern design stack without Adobe is not only possible, it’s already the reality for many designers. With tools like Affinity by Canva, Figma, and Notion, you can handle everything from brand visuals and web layouts to strategy documentation and client handoff. The key difference is that these tools are more focused, easier to learn, and better suited to flexible workflows.
What tools replace Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign in a design stack without Adobe?
In a modern design stack without Adobe, Affinity by Canva replaces Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for most use cases. Affinity Photo handles image editing, Affinity Designer covers vector work, and Affinity Publisher manages layouts and print files. Combined with Figma for web and system-based design, this stack covers nearly everything Adobe is traditionally used for.
Will clients care if I don’t use Adobe tools?
Most clients don’t care what tools you use. They care about clear communication, strong visuals, and smooth delivery. As long as you provide professional files, organized folders, and easy-to-review designs, the tools behind the scenes don’t matter. A modern design stack without Adobe can actually improve the client experience because the workflow is often simpler and more transparent.
What if a client specifically asks for Adobe files?
This comes down to setting expectations early. In most cases, clients don’t need editable Adobe files. They need final assets they can use confidently. If Adobe files are required, you can either clarify alternative formats or decide on a case-by-case basis whether that project fits your workflow. Many designers using a design stack without Adobe include this clearly in their contract and scope.
Is a modern design stack without Adobe more affordable long term?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of a modern design stack without Adobe is cost control. With Affinity by Canva now free and tools like Notion and Google Drive offering generous free tiers, ongoing expenses drop significantly. Even when you add paid fonts or premium tools, the overall cost is usually far lower than maintaining an Adobe subscription year after year.
Can I grow or scale my business without Adobe?
Absolutely. Your ability to grow isn’t tied to software. It’s tied to your systems, positioning, and process. A modern design stack without Adobe often scales better because it encourages documentation, reusable templates, and cleaner workflows. As your business evolves, you can adjust tools without rebuilding your entire process.
Is switching to a design stack without Adobe difficult?
There is a short adjustment period, especially if you’ve used Adobe for years. But most designers find the transition easier than expected. The interfaces are intuitive, tutorials are widely available, and you can switch gradually rather than all at once. Many start by replacing just one tool and build from there.
