In this current era of Vibe coding—using AI to create mobile and desktop apps—it was probably only a matter of time until someone made free versions of popular apps. That happened this month when a Reddit user announced that he had done just that with popular but expensive Adobe and Microsoft programs.
The person behind the project is Brandon Thomas, a software engineer who uses the handle “u/ai_art_is_art” on Reddit, where the tools first caught the attention of AI enthusiasts. Thomas has released 13 free open-source apps on his website, called ArtCraft. These apps aim to replicate the core functions of Adobe and Microsoft programs, including Photoshop, Word and PowerPoint – or, as Thomas calls them, PhotoCraft, WordCraft and DeckCraft.
Vibe coding has taken off for software developers and AI enthusiasts, leading to AI-made apps flooding the Apple and Google app stores. However, significant concerns exist about the overall usefulness, safety, and long-term viability of vibe-encoded apps. Apple has removed some apps that help people vibe code this year because the apps don’t meet Apple’s developer rules.
But in America’s current affordability crisis—and with legacy tech companies constantly raising their prices—a cheaper, AI-created alternative to Photoshop or Microsoft Word may be an attractive option for a subscription-weary consumer.
This is certainly not the first time a startup has tried to compete with legacy software companies like Adobe and Microsoft. Canva, Affinity and CapCut are extremely popular Adobe alternatives for creating and editing content. Google and Apple each have their own versions of Microsoft’s core business apps.
But ArtCraft’s vibe-encoded apps and other potential AI-made apps allow individual users to hand over their cash and data to a big tech company. Using an open source AI model on your own device, for example, gives you more control over your data than using a cloud-based app through a subscription.
As with all apps, CNET recommends you review the privacy and security policies before using them. This is especially important for vibe-encoded apps.
“Vibe coding may make it super easy to replace old software tools, but it’s legally questionable,” Blake Stimac, a Vibe coding expert, told CNET. “What works well for you as a quick fix could easily turn into a legal battleground the second you try to share it with the world.”
Representatives for ArtCraft and Adobe did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Microsoft declined to comment.
Will Vibe coding kill legacy software?
It’s unlikely that vibe-coded apps will be the only downfall of legacy software companies like Adobe and Microsoft. But they highlight the growing frustration with these companies, especially as subscriptions become even more expensive and their programs are bloated with AI features.
In March, Adobe reached a $150 million settlement with the US government to resolve a federal lawsuit alleging the software giant trapped consumers in subscription plans with hidden fees and a deliberately convoluted cancellation process. Under the terms of the agreement, Adobe will pay a civil penalty of $75 million and provide $75 million in free services to affected users, although the company continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Microsoft has embedded its Copilot AI throughout its software ecosystem, despite notable user backlash. While the company recently removed some Windows AI features due to negative feedback, it is still ahead with billions of dollars in AI development.
The appeal of ArtCraft and other open-source vibe-coded apps is their ability for individuals to customize programs and avoid hefty subscriptions. The pitch is tailored for tech enthusiasts: If you only need limited access to these programs and can install them yourself for free, why would you pay for Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft Office?
But that will certainly not be the case for everyone. For one, many people don’t want to take the time to figure out how to download and configure an open source AI app. Meanwhile, businesses and professional creators will probably prefer the security and privacy guarantees that Adobe and Microsoft offer, even if they are not always in line. Better the devil you know…
See full bio