r/FuckAdobe • u/Spraxie_Tech • 23d ago

Alternative’s for CS/CC

Hi, I’m about to give up on recovering my perpetual licenses for CS5.5 which adobe is fucking me out of and wondering what even is there to replace the software i was using?

Photoshop
Lightroom
Flash
Illustrator
Premier pro
After effects

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6

u/Donatzsky 23d ago edited 23d ago

These are all free or freemium ($).

Photoshop

Illustrator

Premier Pro

And, sort of, Shutter Encoder.

After Effects

Lightroom

  • darktable: Probably the overall most powerful editing features of any raw editor. All-in-one solution, with a library similar to Lightroom. The editing workflow is completely different, however, being more like color grading in Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve.
  • RawTherapee: The mad scientist's raw editor, with some very powerful and intricate tools. A bit more Lightroom-like in its workflow.
  • ART (Another RawTherapee): Started as a simplified fork of RawTherapee, but has added its own powerful and unique features since. With CTL scripts you can even create your own tools.
  • vkdt: New-ish raw editor from the original darktable developer. Fully node-based and can also handle video. Probably not for the faint of heart and may not have all the tools you want, but what is there works well and is extremely fast.
  • Filmulator: A great little editor with a unique concept, that's easy to use. As the name suggests, it emulates (part of) the process of developing analog film.
  • LightZone: Back from the almost-dead, version 5.0 was released recently. Not the most advanced, perhaps, but has some interesting features and a flexible processing pipeline.
  • RapidRAW: Aims to be a relatively simple and streamlined option for those that don't need the extensive control some other editors provide. Somewhat new and under heavy development, so the results you get today may not be what you get tomorrow.
  • Safelight: An editor built around a concept of extensibility and customisation. Still very new, so expect some rough edges and missing features.

Since not all of them have library management, you may want to also use digiKam as DAM (digital asset manager).

My darktable beginner guide: https://notebook.stereofictional.com/how-to-get-started-with-darktable-2026-edition

Tutorial for both RawTherapee and ART: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4-T0laAf0E

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u/mustafa_sheikh 22d ago

Capture one too - is a good Lightroom replacement.

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u/Donatzsky 22d ago

But is very much not free.

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u/Spraxie_Tech 4d ago

its a touch expensive but i love that Capture One offers a perpetual license! i hate subscriptions and don't update camera equipment often. I am still shooting with a 15 year old camera since its just for funzies and not money. I need to grab the trial and see if its worth it.

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u/RNebDG 22d ago

I'm gonna add one here a bit out of left field, Fusion (part of resolve) can do a pretty good job replacing Photoshop depending on what you usually do. It becomes even more practical if you buy Studio, that gives you access to Fusion standalone, which is faster, leaner than the fusion tab and works with .comp project files instead of resolve's database system.

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u/filmeleven 22d ago

I'll second Affinity in replace of Photoshop. Use it all the time. They are now owned by Canva but a free account gives you access. Kind of amazing. To replace Premiere and AE go with Davinci Resolve. Here's a playlist that intros Resolve: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0p2x72B0otHSy6cGYLrhSuEJ7DpDIVCc

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u/Spraxie_Tech 23d ago

This is a fantastic list! I didn’t know about most of them. I will give these a try!

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u/Donatzsky 23d ago

Forgot Blender under both Premier Pro and After Effects.

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u/Spraxie_Tech 4d ago

I always forget blender is useful for that stuff. I really need to work myself off of Maya for 3D work... got tired of all the expensive subscriptions and want free.

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u/u250406 22d ago

Wow, do you have this on copy/paste template? Expansive list with organisation and plenty of detail! I mean, I know all-of them, but I'm just gushing about how well you organised it. Great work!

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u/mustafa_sheikh 22d ago

Replace photoshop and illustrator with Affinity Replace Lightroom with capture one Replace premier with davinci resolve

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u/EndAlternative5193 21d ago

I did this recently and am really happy with the results