Things I want to do
This is a compilation of free alternative applications to paid Windows applications.
| Replace first | ||
| Image processing | Photoshop ClipStudio, etc. | Gimp paint |
| Draw | Illustrator, etc. | Inkscape |
| Video editing | premiere e etc. | AviUtl |
| 3D | Maya, etc. | Blender |
Image processing
Gimp
Features
This is a free image editing app similar to Photoshop.
It has all the basic functions, such as layers and filters.
It also supports reading and writing PSD format for Photoshop.
Disadvantages
It doesn’t have the assets or AI integrations found in paid apps.
There is relatively little information available online.
It might have fewer features, like Clip Studio Paint, as it’s specialized for drawing. (This is just my impression, as I haven’t used Clip Studio Paint myself.)
Download site
paint
Features
This is the standard paint software included with Windows.
The new version is more convenient as it now supports transparent PNGs and layers.
While it has a limited set of functions, some operations (such as cropping and background removal) are easier to perform compared to other apps.
Disadvantages
It has limited functionality.
You can edit layers, but you cannot save them.
Draw
Inkscape
Features
You can create and edit vector images such as free SVG files.
It also has a wide range of features.
Disadvantages
There is little information available online.
Even if I have something I want to do, I’m often unsure whether the app lacks the necessary functionality or if there’s a lack of documentation.
(In my environment) it sometimes crashes.
Download site
Video editing
AviUtl
Features
This is a free video editing app.
There are also many plugins.
If done correctly, it can do things that other free apps can’t, such as 4K output and MP4 output.
Disadvantages
The initial hurdle is quite high.
In the initial display, you cannot preview videos.
Web resources are a mixed bag, containing a lot of outdated information, so creating a good learning environment requires some effort.
Download site
３D
Blender
Features
This is a 3D modeler/renderer used by professionals.
Functionality can also be extended with extensions.
I appreciate that there are many users and plenty of resources available.
Disadvantages
I’m overwhelmed by the sheer number of things I can do.
Furthermore, if you go even further, you’ll end up writing flowcharts and Python code, so it’s a deep rabbit hole.
Download site
コメント