The Best Free Alternatives to Photoshop, Illustrator, and More

Open-source tools have come a long way, offering powerful alternatives to expensive software.

Here are seven free tools that rival the best paid creative software, helping you save money without compromising on quality.

1. Krita

A great alternative to Photoshop and Illustrator, Krita offers advanced brush engines, vector support, and animation tools. It’s perfect for digital artists and integrates with AI tools like Stable Diffusion through a plugin.

2. Inkscape

Inkscape is a solid replacement for Adobe Illustrator. It’s packed with vector editing features and a robust plugin ecosystem, making it ideal for screen design. While it doesn’t support CMYK for print, it’s perfect for digital projects.

3. Darktable

For photographers, Darktable provides RAW photo editing similar to Adobe Lightroom. It’s free and works well on Linux, Windows, and Mac, but lacks cloud syncing, so it’s better for local file management.

4. Kdenlive

Kdenlive is an open-source video editor that mimics Premiere Pro’s workflow. It’s great for non-professional video projects, offering plenty of features despite being a free tool. However, it can struggle with advanced color grading and effects.

5. GIMP

GIMP is the most popular open-source alternative to Photoshop. It offers powerful photo editing and a wide range of file compatibility, though the interface can be tricky for beginners. It’s a solid option for general photo manipulation.

6. Audacity

For basic audio recording and editing, Audacity is the best free option. It supports multi-track recording, simple effects, and plugin integration, making it perfect for podcasters and amateur musicians.

7. LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a free office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. It’s highly compatible with Microsoft Office files, making it a great alternative for those who want to avoid subscription fees.