Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro and Lightroom are popular creative tools, but their subscription costs can be a concern for people who only need basic editing features.
Now, a project called ArtCraft is attracting attention by offering seven free, open-source applications designed around some of Adobe's best-known creative programs.
The interesting part? Software engineer Brandon Thomas says he used artificial intelligence to help build the applications in Rust, a programming language used to develop software.
The project is ambitious, but there is an important catch: the apps are still in early development.
What Is ArtCraft?
ArtCraft is a collection of creative applications intended to provide alternatives to several Adobe Creative Cloud programs.
Instead of building just one image editor, the project covers photo editing, video editing, illustration, motion graphics, document handling and page layout.
The goal is to offer familiar creative workflows without requiring users to pay for an Adobe subscription to access the applications themselves.
According to PetaPixel, Thomas used Anthropic's Claude Opus 5.5 AI model as part of the development process.
Here are the seven applications attracting attention.
1. PhotoCraft — An Alternative to Photoshop
PhotoCraft is designed around the image-editing workflow associated with Adobe Photoshop.
It is aimed at users who work with images, layers and other editing tools. Its familiar interface could make it easier for people already accustomed to Photoshop to explore the project.
However, looking similar to Photoshop does not mean every feature works in the same way. Users should test its capabilities with copies of their files before relying on it for important projects.
2. FilmCraft — An Alternative to Premiere Pro
FilmCraft targets video editors who want a workflow similar to Adobe Premiere Pro.
Video editing software can be expensive, especially for beginners, students and independent creators. A free alternative could be useful if it supports the editing features they actually need.
For now, FilmCraft should be treated as an experimental option rather than a guaranteed replacement for a professional video-editing setup.
3. LightCraft — An Alternative to Lightroom
LightCraft focuses on photo management and editing inspired by Adobe Lightroom.
It is worth noting that the project is modelled on Lightroom's cloud-style workflow, not Lightroom Classic.
Photographers interested in trying it should check whether its photo organization, editing tools and file handling meet their needs before moving an existing photo library.
4. VectorCraft — An Alternative to Illustrator
VectorCraft targets vector illustration and design workflows similar to Adobe Illustrator.
Vector graphics are commonly used for logos, icons, illustrations and artwork that needs to scale without losing image quality.
Designers may find this project interesting, but they should verify its export options and compatibility with their existing design files before using it for client work.
5. EffectCraft — An Alternative to After Effects
EffectCraft aims to provide tools associated with motion graphics and visual effects.
This category can be particularly challenging because professional workflows may depend on complex effects, animation controls and specialized project files.
Its progress will be worth watching, but it is too early to assume that it can replace an established motion graphics workflow.
6. DesignCraft — An Alternative to InDesign
DesignCraft focuses on page layout and publishing workflows.
Applications in this category are useful for arranging text, images and other elements in magazines, brochures, documents and multi-page publications.
Professional designers should check font handling, layout accuracy and export quality before using it for finished publications.
7. PrintCraft — An Alternative to Acrobat Pro
PrintCraft is associated with PDF and document workflows similar to Adobe Acrobat Pro.
PDF tools can be useful for viewing, managing and working with documents. However, anyone who relies on advanced PDF editing, forms, digital signatures or specialized document standards should verify that the required features are available.
Why Is AI Important to This Project?
Traditionally, developing a large collection of creative applications would require substantial engineering time.
AI coding tools can help developers generate code, explore implementation options and accelerate parts of software development.
But AI does not automatically make an application reliable. Software still needs testing, debugging, security reviews and ongoing maintenance.
ArtCraft is an interesting example of how AI-assisted development could make ambitious software projects more achievable. Whether the applications can deliver a dependable professional experience is a separate question.
Are These Apps Really Ready to Replace Adobe?
Not yet.
The applications are new, and the project has described its software as being in alpha or early development.
Professional creative work often depends on more than the basic editing tools. Users may also need reliable performance, accurate colour handling, support for existing file formats, plugins, accessibility and predictable exports.
A familiar interface is useful, but it is not proof of equivalent functionality.
There are also potential legal questions whenever software closely recreates another product's interface and workflows. The project's open-source approach does not automatically resolve every possible intellectual property concern.
Should You Download ArtCraft?
If you enjoy testing new software, ArtCraft may be worth exploring.
Before installing anything, visit the official project website or repository, review the licensing information and download only from sources you trust.
Use copies of your files rather than originals, keep backups, and avoid relying on early builds for urgent client projects or critical work.
If you need a mature free creative tool today, established alternatives such as GIMP for image editing, Kdenlive for video editing, and Inkscape for vector graphics may be safer starting points.
Final Verdict
ArtCraft is an ambitious experiment in AI-assisted software development. Its seven applications aim to provide free, open-source alternatives to popular Adobe creative tools.
The biggest question is not whether AI can help build software quickly. It is whether the resulting applications can become stable, capable and reliable enough for everyday creative work.
For now, ArtCraft is a project to watch rather than a complete replacement for Adobe Creative Cloud.
Would you try a free, open-source alternative to Photoshop or Premiere? Let us know in the comments.
Sources:
- PetaPixel: https://petapixel.com/2026/10/07/someone-rebuilt-free-open-source-versions-of-photoshop-premiere-and-lightroom-using-ai/
- ArtCraft official website: https://artcraft.ai/
- ArtCraft GitHub: https://github.com/storytold