So, is there a way to pay less for the features that we do use?
1GIMPThe Best Free Alternative for Photoshop
GIMP is the most popular free alternative to Photoshop.
It’s an open-source image manipulation program offering extensive photo editing and graphic designing features.
Partially supported; lacks AI capabilities.
Content-Aware Fill
Fills selected areas with seamlessly blending content.
Partially supported; less sophisticated.
Adjustment Layers
Non-destructive tools for color and tonal adjustments.
Partially supported by GIMP 2.99.18.
Layers
Allows stacking edits without altering the original image.
Healing Brush
Fixes imperfections by blending them with surrounding areas.
Partially supported; less control.
Masking
Hides or reveals image portions without deletion.
you’re free to install GIMP from theMicrosoft Store.
2InkscapeThe Best Free Alternative for Illustrator
Inkscape is a leading free alternative to Illustrator.
This open-source vector graphics editor includes comprehensive tools for creating scalable vector artwork.
Not supported; manual recoloring only
Smooth Slider
Adjusts line smoothness manually to refine drawings.
Partially supported; limited control
Style Picker
Extracts and applies styles and colors from images.
Partially supported; clones colors only
Text to Vector Graphic
Converts text into vector graphics using AI.
Partially supported; manual vectors only
SVG Compatibility Enhancements
Improved SVG file support for better web standards compatibility.
Supported
Perspective Drawing Tools
Tools for creating accurate perspective drawings and 3D effects.
Partially supported; basic tools
you’ve got the option to install Inkscape from theMicrosoft Store.
3ScribusThe Best Free Alternative for InDesign
Scribus is a popular free and open-source alternative to InDesign.
Object Styles
Useful for applying consistent styles to objects like images and frames in creative projects.
Partially supported; basic styling
Color Management
Important for ensuring that the colors in personal projects appear as intended.
I’m talking about the free version here.
Here’s how DaVinci Resolve compares to Premiere Pro’s most popular features.
Premiere Pro Features
DaVinci Resolve (Free Version) Compatibility
Auto Reframe
Automatically adjusts video for different aspect ratios.
Partially Supported; manual setup necessary
Lumetri Color
Simple yet powerful color correction, essential for enhancing videos.
Supported; using own tools
Essential Graphics
Allows easy creation and customization of graphics.
Partially Supported; node-based
Proxy Workflows
Enables editing on less powerful systems.
Auto Color
Quick way to correct color, useful for novices.
Partially Supported; needs manual input
Motion Graphics Templates
Pre-designed templates to enhance videos.
Partially Supported; using Fusion tool
Multi-Camera Editing
Useful for creating content with multiple camera angles.
you’re able to download the free version ofDaVinci Resolve from their official website.
Partially supported; masking
Puppet Tool
Transforms static images into animated characters by defining movement points.
Supported; Grease Pencil
GPU Accelerated Effects
Leverages GPU for faster processing and rendering of effects.
Supported; Cycles, Eevee
3D Camera Tracker
Tracks 3D camera movement in 2D footage to integrate 3D elements.
Supported; camera tracking
you’re free to install Blender from theMicrosoft Store.
6AudacityThe Best Free Alternative for Audition
Audacity is a highly capable free alternative to Audition.
It is perfect for multitrack audio editing and recording.
Partially supported; less flexible
Waveform Editing
Visual representation aids precise edits.
Partially supported; less precise
Effects Rack
Customizable panel for managing multiple effects.
Partially supported; basic management
Spectral Frequency Display
Detailed spectral view for precise noise reduction and sound isolation.
Partially supported; less detailed
Audio Restoration
Advanced tools for restoring and repairing audio.
Partially supported; less sophisticated
Batch Processing
Automates repetitive tasks for multiple files efficiently.
Partially supported; limited scope
Loudness Metering
Tools for monitoring and adjusting loudness to broadcast standards.
Partially supported; basic levels
you might install Audacity from theMicrosoft Store.
Supported; Styles
Local Adjustments
Essential for fine-tuning specific parts of an image, greatly enhancing editing precision.
Supported; via modules
HDR Output
Important for hobbyists interested in landscape and high-dynamic range scenes.
Supported; Filmic RGB
Tone Curve
Provides control over tonal range, crucial for detailed image refinement.
Supported; tone curve module
Lens Blur
Adds artistic effects to images, simulating depth of field and bokeh.
Partially Supported (limited by module capability)
Spot Removal
Useful for cleaning up images by removing unwanted elements.
Detail Enhancement
Includes sharpening and noise reduction, important for image clarity.
you could downloadDarktable from their official website.
Also, depending on the scope, many of these tools can be used for professional workloads.
