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Affinity Designer vs StartIsBack

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Affinity Designer icon
Affinity Designer
StartIsBack icon
StartIsBack

Affinity Designer vs StartIsBack: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Affinity Designer: Affinity Designer is a vector graphics editor software for macOS, Windows, and iOS. It can be used to create digital paintings, logos, graphics, layouts, typography and more. Affinity Designer is developed by Serif as an affordable alternative to Adobe Illustrator.

StartIsBack: StartIsBack is a program that restores the classic Start menu interface and other Windows UI features to newer Windows versions like Windows 8 and 10. It brings back the familiar Start menu layout with expandable sections, pinned apps, recent items list, power options and more.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Affinity Designer StartIsBack
Sugggest Score — —
Category Photos & Graphics Os & Utilities
Pricing Paid —

Product Overview

Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer

Description: Affinity Designer is a vector graphics editor software for macOS, Windows, and iOS. It can be used to create digital paintings, logos, graphics, layouts, typography and more. Affinity Designer is developed by Serif as an affordable alternative to Adobe Illustrator.

Type: software

Pricing: Paid

StartIsBack
StartIsBack

Description: StartIsBack is a program that restores the classic Start menu interface and other Windows UI features to newer Windows versions like Windows 8 and 10. It brings back the familiar Start menu layout with expandable sections, pinned apps, recent items list, power options and more.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer Features
  • Vector drawing and editing tools
  • Pixel persona for raster editing
  • Non-destructive effects and adjustments
  • PANTONE color support
  • SVG, PDF, EPS, PNG and PSD export
  • Asset management panel
  • Perspective and isometric drawing tools
  • Brush stabilisation
StartIsBack
StartIsBack Features
  • Restores classic Start menu interface on Windows 8/8.1/10
  • Lets you customize Start menu layout and style
  • Adds quick access to recently used apps, files, folders
  • Lets you pin apps, programs, files, folders to Start
  • Adds power options like Restart, Sleep, Shut Down
  • Adds desktop context menu options
  • Lets you boot to desktop instead of Start screen

Pros & Cons Analysis

Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer

Pros

  • Affordable one-time payment
  • Fast performance
  • Clean and intuitive interface
  • Powerful vector and raster editing tools
  • Available on Windows, Mac and iPad

Cons

  • Lacks some features of Adobe Illustrator
  • Less third party plugin support
  • No animation or prototyping tools
StartIsBack
StartIsBack

Pros

  • Brings back familiar Windows 7 style Start menu
  • Highly customizable layout and appearance
  • Easy to configure and use
  • Lightweight program with little impact on performance

Cons

  • May not appeal to users who prefer Windows 8/10 style Start screen
  • Occasional minor bugs or glitches
  • Lacks some customization options of paid Start menu replacements

Pricing Comparison

Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer
  • Paid
StartIsBack
StartIsBack
  • Not listed

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Learn More About Each Product

Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
StartIsBack
StartIsBack
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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