Someone just rebuilt free, open-source version versions of the Adobe Creative Suite, check out the 7 crafting apps from ArtCraft.
The ArtCraft crafting apps is a collection of seven open-source creative applications developed by Brandon Thomas. It was inspired by familiar tools in Adobe’s lineup, covering everything from photo and vector illustration to video production and page layout. The lineup features PhotoCraft (image editing), VectorCraft (vector art), FilmCraft (video editing), LightCraft (photo libraries and RAW development), PdfCraft (PDF work), EffectCraft (motion graphics), and DesignCraft (page layout).
These creative applications, built from scratch in Rust, prioritize performance and memory safety. They function as native apps for macOS, Windows, and Linux, avoiding Electron or web views. Additionally, many are compatible with browsers via WebAssembly.
The project incorporates familiar layouts and keyboard shortcuts, local file processing, and controls tailored for AI agents. It features the Model Context Protocol (MCP) that enables AI systems to integrate with external tools and services. Thomas utilized Claude Opus 5.5 to create “clean-room” replacements, which are independently built implementations of Adobe’s software, developed without using the original program’s code.
What’s Ready and What Isn’t?
PhotoCraft and PdfCraft are in early alpha, whereas five other applications are still under development, indicating that the project is not yet a mature, full-featured alternative to Adobe. Thomas anticipates achieving full feature parity within a month, although this remains an expectation rather than a confirmed milestone. For the most current development status, visit getartcraft.com/apps before organizing a workflow around these tools.
The crafting apps are free, while ArtCraft’s AI image and video generation service runs on a credit-based system, which should not be confused with the apps themselves.
Exciting Potential, With a Reality Check
Early enthusiasm for open-source, AI software is rational, particularly for creatives weary of subscription fees. However, professionals may be cautious about relying on such tools for client work due to concerns about stability, compatibility, and reliable workflows. At the time of the report, Adobe had not provided comments.
For Davao’s creative community, the project is important as it may help students with portfolios, freelancers with expense management, cosplayers with graphic creation, and small studios with new workflows if it develops into a reliable alternative.
Consider trying the alpha version, giving feedback, and sharing it with peers, while ensuring that your important projects are backed up and current tools are accessible, as it’s still in early development.
You can also check out our article about free tools content creators should check out.