Adobe’s creative software has become an important part of how designers, photographers, and video editors work, but its subscription model has also attracted complaints from users who want more affordable alternatives. Now, a software developer has used Anthropic’s Claude to build 7 free alternatives to some of Adobe’s most popular applications.
The developer, Brandon Thomas, has introduced seven open-source applications under ArtCraft, a project that aims to recreate the features and familiar interfaces of Adobe Creative Cloud tools, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and After Effects.
Thomas says he used Anthropic’s Claude Opus 5.5 to help build the software in Rust, a programming language. Although the applications are available for free, they remain in early development and still lack some of the features available in Adobe’s products.
What Are the Seven Free Adobe Alternatives?
ArtCraft initially announced seven applications designed to perform tasks handled by Adobe’s creative software, although they were introduced at different stages of development.
These include PhotoCraft for Photoshop, VectorCraft for Illustrator, FilmCraft for Premiere Pro, LightCraft for Lightroom, EffectCraft for After Effects, DesignCraft for InDesign, and PdfCraft for Acrobat Pro, which Thomas also referred to as PrintCraft in his announcement.
However, not all seven applications are fully developed, as ArtCraft’s official website classifies PhotoCraft and PdfCraft as early alpha, while the remaining five are still listed as in development.
But each application is designed to offer familiar editing tools and layouts, allowing people accustomed to Adobe’s software to navigate them without learning an entirely different interface.
Thomas describes them as independent recreations of Adobe’s software, claiming they were developed without copying Adobe’s original source code.
Adobe’s Subscription Charges Helped Inspire ArtCraft
Thomas has explained that his frustration with Adobe’s subscription cancellation fees contributed to his decision to develop the alternatives.
Writing on Hacker News, he said he had encountered Adobe’s cancellation fees too many times and wanted to create software that people could use without depending on expensive subscriptions.
His complaints come months after Adobe agreed to a $150 million settlement with the U.S. government in March 2026 over allegations that it concealed early termination fees and made subscriptions difficult to cancel.
The agreement included $75 million in civil penalties and another $75 million in free services for eligible customers. Still, Adobe denied wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Thomas plans to fund ArtCraft’s continued development by charging for optional AI image-generation services, while keeping the creative applications themselves free.
ArtCraft’s Free Adobe Alternatives Still Have Major Limitations
Despite the attention surrounding the project, the 7 applications are far from offering everything available in Adobe Creative Cloud.
In an October 10 review, TechRadar tested PhotoCraft and FilmCraft and identified several problems affecting their everyday use.
PhotoCraft struggled to open HEIC images, a format commonly used by iPhones, while some editing controls behaved inconsistently. FilmCraft also experienced problems with basic video editing and audio playback, with the reviewer reporting that imported audio played as static.
Thomas initially claimed the applications could reach full feature compatibility with Adobe’s software within a month. However, he later acknowledged that achieving near-complete compatibility would likely take several months.
What ArtCraft Means for AI-Powered Software Development
ArtCraft adds to growing evidence that AI coding tools can help experienced developers create complex applications more quickly.
The project also offers an example of how developers are using AI to create free alternatives to established commercial software, particularly products that require recurring payments.
However, the project could face legal challenges over how closely its applications resemble Adobe’s software. While Thomas maintains that he developed the alternatives without copying Adobe’s original source code, recreating Adobe’s interfaces could reportedly raise copyright and patent concerns.
For now, the project demonstrates what AI-assisted software development can achieve, while leaving an important question about whether these rapidly built applications can eventually offer the reliability that professionals expect from Adobe.
