Software Substitues
Losing Access to Adobe?
So you are graduating and not sure what to do about losing access to software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Premiere? On this page, we will lay out some useful alternatives that are either free or significantly less expensive than an Adobe subscription. These substitutions are very powerful pieces of software, some are even used professionally in industry. Many of the options we highlight are open-source, meaning they are developed by a large community of passionate users rather than by a company.
If you see a ⭐ next to a software below, note that this means it is recommended to users and has been used by either MML staff or others at Brown
Once you find an alternative software, you may also have to convert your creative project files so that they are compatible before you lose access to Adobe!
Photoshop Alternatives*
*2D raster-image editing software
GIMP (open-source) ⭐
Desktop Software (Mac + Win)
Photoshop Emulator and opens PSD files
Well supported, but a little quirky
FREE (open source)
Affinity Photo ⭐
Desktop (Mac + Win) or Ipad
Fullly functioning photo program
High-end professional Features
One time fee of $50 (free upgrades)
One part of Affinity Suite (like adobe suite) which work well with each other
PhotoPea (online/free)
Powerful and fully online
Opens PSD files + PSD Shortcuts
FREE but with ads on side
UI is a little older
Capable of really decent photo editing
An example of how an edited image looks on the popular alternative, GIMP, compared to Photoshop.
Illustrator Alternatives*
*2D vector-image editing software
Inkscape (open-source) ⭐
Desktop Software (Mac + Win)
Similar to Illustrator and opens .AI files
Well supported, lots of tutorials
FREE (open source)
Can open AI Files
Can be used for digital fabrication
Affinity Designer ⭐
Desktop software (Mac + Win)
Full-functioning vector based Program
High-end professional features
One time fee of $50
One part of Affinity Suite (like adobe suite) which work well with each other
Vectornator
Desktop software specifically optimized for the Mac
Also available for iphone or ipad
not available for windows
Is designed to be intuitive and responsive
Lots of learning resources for beginners
Opens .AI files natively
Completely free, including for commercial use
click on the image above to read an in-depth comparison between popular vector programs.
Online Option: Vectr.com
Vectr is a simple, free, easy to use, and online vector design program. It can be useful for simple illustration, logo design, or digital fabrication. Below is a video tutorial we created for laser cutting design that goes through the basic features of the platform.
Premiere Alternatives*
*video editing software
Davinci Resolve (Free) ⭐
Free version is very comprehensive
Professional and Cross-Platform
Can open Premiere Projects
Up to 4K editing, similar layout.
Full Feature for Individual Editing
Does lack collaborative features
Lacks more advanced color + FX features of Davinci Resolve Studio
Shot Cut (open-source)
Free and Open Source
Cross-Platform Desktop Software
Over 500 effects
Wide Format Support
Full editor with similar layout to premiere.
Community Support/Tutorials
Kdenlive (open-source)
Linux-based video editor but works on Windows and Macs as well
Completely free and open-source
Multiple video and audio tracks
Enable multicam editing
Enable animated keyframe for most effect
Screen and audio capture
Automatically backup
Davinci Resolve was used for editing and color correcting on Marvel Avenger’s Infinity War
Davinci Resolve's layout is very similar to Adobe Premiere
Alternatives to Audition for Podcasting
Audacity (open-source) ⭐
Open-source and 100% free
Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Great for recording
Supports multi-track
Lots of useful features, capable
Intermediate level software
Not the best for complex editing
UI is a little outdated
Vocal effects can only be added in post
Anchor by Spotify (free)
Very focused on interview/chat podcasting and publishing backed by Spotify
Browser based, with support via app for IOS and android
multiple guests can join a single podcast remotely
Beginer friendly with a focus on simple conversation style recording and editing
Built in publishing platform
No multitrack support
Audio quality is ok but not the best when using app.
A look at the Audacity UI
Editing podcasts in Audacity
Ableton Live/Logic Alternatives (Music Production)
Reaper ⭐
Free 60 Day Trial ($60, 1 time, license afterwards)
Multitrack Audio, Midi, Editing, Processing, and Mixing
1,000s of third party plugins
Free Notation Editor
Can be scripted and customized
Taught here at Brown as a professional software
VAST video tutorial library for getting started, different features, etc
LMMS (open source)
Ability to add notes within the project without needing a separate note-taking app
Bundled free plugins to use
Note playback via MIDI or typing keyboard
MIDI Editor
Separate editor for instruments
64-bit VST instrument support (for wine-based VSTs)
Built-in synthesizers that include some popular emulators for Yamaha and Roland
Feature-rich audio plugins built-in
You will also find the essential delay/reverb/compressor/limiter and distortion tools built-in
Spectrum analyzer
Tracktion Waveform (free)
Works across platforms: Mac, Windows, and Linux
Free and fully featured
15 refreshed audio effects
6 utility plugins
Spectrum analyzer
Dedicated Actions panel
No track count limits
No export/render restrictions
No 3rd-party plugin restrictions
A look at Reaper's UI
LMMS Tutorial for beginners
After Effects/3D Modeling/Animation Alternative
One of the best, expansive, open-source softwares out there
Free + Open Source, considered professional and used in industry
3D modeling, rigging, 2D + 3D animation, video editing, visual effects, particle systems, etc
Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux
Advanced Features, not just the basics
Lots of Plugins and 3D party support
Can do AE type animation and effects including keyframing
Incredibly helpful community forums and access to resources
Is constantly being developed an updated by an invested community
Next Gen, an animated movie on netflix used Blender as its main modeling and animation software
This now old recreation of Bruce Willis, shows off just how powerful and competitive Blender's rendering engine can be.
Full List of Software Substitutes
Includes options not listed above!
