How to Ditch Adobe and Save Money

Removing Adobe apps from your computer is a big decision, especially when you've been using them for years as a photographer or content creator. These tools are deeply ingrained in the creative process for many, but they also come with a significant financial burden. If you're looking to cut costs or avoid subscription fees, alternatives can be crucial for maintaining your workflow without breaking the bank.

Coming to you from Joris Hermans, this informative video walks through various alternatives to Adobe's Creative Suite, focusing on options that offer either free access or one-time payment structures. Hermans begins by acknowledging Adobe's strength, particularly in programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, which have become industry standards. However, he also emphasizes the growing frustration with Adobe's subscription model, especially for small creators or hobbyists who find the costs prohibitive.

One of the standout alternatives Hermans discusses is Affinity Photo, which he highlights as a smooth transition for those familiar with Photoshop. Affinity Photo is a one-time purchase, making it a more affordable long-term solution. Hermans also touches on Luminar Neo, which leans heavily into AI tools, but ultimately, he finds Affinity Photo to be a better fit for his needs, particularly in photo editing and creating thumbnails. While it may not fully replace Lightroom for managing large photo libraries, Affinity Photo serves as a robust alternative for those who don’t need extensive organizational tools.

In addition to photo editing, Hermans explores video editing alternatives. He strongly recommends DaVinci Resolve for those looking to move away from Adobe Premiere Pro. DaVinci Resolve offers a free version packed with professional-grade features, although it comes with a steeper learning curve. For those who need additional capabilities, the Studio version of DaVinci Resolve is available as a one-time purchase with free updates, making it an attractive option for content creators. Hermans notes that while DaVinci Resolve also replaces tools like Adobe Audition and After Effects, it may not be ideal for team collaborations where Adobe’s ecosystem is still prevalent. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Hermans.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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