ArtCraft has released free, open-source alternatives to Photoshop, Premiere Pro and Lightroom, built with AI coding tools - but they are still early projects.
Software engineer Brandon Thomas says he used AI coding agents to help build seven creative applications in Rust. As reported by PetaPixel, the aim is to offer familiar editing tools without an Adobe subscription.
What Can You Download?
- PhotoCraft: a Photoshop-style image editor with layers, masks and PSD support.
- FilmCraft: a Premiere-style video editor with timeline editing, effects and audio tools.
- LightCraft: a photo library and RAW editor inspired by Lightroom's cloud-style interface, rather than Lightroom Classic.
The wider lineup includes VectorCraft, PdfCraft, EffectCraft and DesignCraft for illustration, PDFs, motion graphics and page layout.
Downloads are available for Windows, macOS and Linux. Phoronix highlights the native Linux builds and the rapid release cycle behind the project.
AI-Built Does Not Mean Adobe's Code
The developers describe the apps as independent, clean-room implementations. They say the software recreates familiar behavior using new code, rather than containing Adobe's proprietary code.
That distinction matters because the linked Hacker News discussion uses “decompiled” in its headline. Commenters challenged that description and questioned how complete and dependable the applications really are.
These are early builds. PhotoCraft is labelled early alpha, while FilmCraft and LightCraft remain in development. Familiar panels and long feature lists do not prove that every tool, file or workflow will behave like Adobe's software.
Quick questions
Are the apps free?
Yes. The open-source Crafting Apps are free to use. ArtCraft also offers separate paid generative-AI services.
Can I replace Photoshop or Premiere with them?
Try your essential tasks first. The developers still identify gaps in performance, compatibility and professional workflows.
Do they run locally?
Yes. ArtCraft describes the desktop apps as tools that process files on your own machine.
Try a small project before making the switch.
Download PhotoCraft or FilmCraft and test with copies of your files before trusting an important project to an early build.
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