“Free” apps from a commercial business are only “free” until they get a foothold, then they start limiting access, and putting new features behind the paywall.
No “war” on Adobe will succeed until businesses start using something other than Adobe software. If you want to earn money in visual arts, you must learn Adobe software. If you take classes, they all teach Adobe software. Beyond that, though, clients provide assets in proprietary Adobe formats, expecting the studio to use Adobe software.
I was a graphic designer for over twenty years. My preferred app for vector work and document layout was Corel Draw, it’s better than Illustrator in many ways, and replaced both Illustrator and InDesign for 99% of the work I did. But, I still needed to know Illustrator and InDesign, because clients provided assets, and incoming employees only knew Adobe and wouldn’t try anything else. Also, though, GIMP is still not a good substitute for Photoshop. I use it now, since I’m retired, but it’s still not as good.
I have been trying out alternatives for a few years now. I prefer EU software because USA is too nosy and pushy. I also prefer something I demo and the can buy once at reasonable value. I would also consider updates with a reasonable costs attached. I also prefer download to a cloud service.
I have been advocating alternatives in my workplace for maybe 4-5 years now, but TBH most places pick adobe for convenience. My last project was happy to follow my lead and saved the $$ so I was happy with that.
Inkscape has worked on windows and Linux for me pretty fine for years.
I have used Gimp and Blender years ago with students. Didn’t mind them, I will likely have a look at PhotoGimp. but I rarely do photo editing or webcontent anymore.
I do miss a layout alternative. InDesign is my last problem to solve. I prefer it to word/libreOffice and often use it even when just planning out recipes etc (I have recently made an effort to go back to analogue and i am in the process documenting them) .
I tried Scribus and found it very messy, and a hard learning curve.
I have also tried VivaDesigner which is OK but I have Linux which causes issues. It is also a subscription (European) and a bit on the pricey side. It more intuitive than Scribus but still has limitations in terms of text setting. I also find the export options in particular optimization is clunky. It does a good job at importing native InDesign files, 98% of content is intact.
“Free” apps from a commercial business are only “free” until they get a foothold, then they start limiting access, and putting new features behind the paywall.
No “war” on Adobe will succeed until businesses start using something other than Adobe software. If you want to earn money in visual arts, you must learn Adobe software. If you take classes, they all teach Adobe software. Beyond that, though, clients provide assets in proprietary Adobe formats, expecting the studio to use Adobe software.
I was a graphic designer for over twenty years. My preferred app for vector work and document layout was Corel Draw, it’s better than Illustrator in many ways, and replaced both Illustrator and InDesign for 99% of the work I did. But, I still needed to know Illustrator and InDesign, because clients provided assets, and incoming employees only knew Adobe and wouldn’t try anything else. Also, though, GIMP is still not a good substitute for Photoshop. I use it now, since I’m retired, but it’s still not as good.
True, but more competitors should mean the max price they can charge is lower. (Assuming no collusion/buyouts)
With that lived experience I’d love your thoughts on other apps, I use Inkscape and Scribus and Darktable now but looking around
I have been trying out alternatives for a few years now. I prefer EU software because USA is too nosy and pushy. I also prefer something I demo and the can buy once at reasonable value. I would also consider updates with a reasonable costs attached. I also prefer download to a cloud service.
I have been advocating alternatives in my workplace for maybe 4-5 years now, but TBH most places pick adobe for convenience. My last project was happy to follow my lead and saved the $$ so I was happy with that.
Inkscape has worked on windows and Linux for me pretty fine for years. I have used Gimp and Blender years ago with students. Didn’t mind them, I will likely have a look at PhotoGimp. but I rarely do photo editing or webcontent anymore.
I do miss a layout alternative. InDesign is my last problem to solve. I prefer it to word/libreOffice and often use it even when just planning out recipes etc (I have recently made an effort to go back to analogue and i am in the process documenting them) . I tried Scribus and found it very messy, and a hard learning curve. I have also tried VivaDesigner which is OK but I have Linux which causes issues. It is also a subscription (European) and a bit on the pricey side. It more intuitive than Scribus but still has limitations in terms of text setting. I also find the export options in particular optimization is clunky. It does a good job at importing native InDesign files, 98% of content is intact.
Agree, a lot of people advocate for Canva, it will only go the same way as adobe.