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 did so 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 AI enthusiasts’ attention. Thomas has released 13 free, open-source apps on his website, called ArtCraft. These apps aim to replicate the core functionalities 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 Apple and Google’s app stores. However, significant concerns persist about the overall usefulness, security and long-term viability of vibe-coded apps. Apple removed some apps that help people vibe code this year because the apps didn’t comply with Apple’s developer rules.
But in the US’s current affordability crisis — and with legacy tech companies constantly raising their prices — a cheaper, AI-created alternative to Photoshop or Microsoft Word can be an attractive option for a subscription-weary consumer.
This certainly isn’t 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 content creation and editing. Google and Apple each have their own versions of Microsoft’s core business apps.
But ArtCraft’s vibe-coded apps and other potential AI-made apps allow individual users to avoid handing over their cash and data to a major 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 inspect the privacy and safety policies before using them. This is especially important for vibe-coded apps.
“Vibe coding can make it super easy to swap out old software tools, but it’s legally questionable,” said CNET’s Blake Stimac, a vibe coding expert. “What works great for you as a quick fix could easily turn into a legal battlefield 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 sole downfall of legacy software companies like Adobe and Microsoft. But they do highlight the growing frustration with those companies, particularly as subscriptions become even more expensive and their programs become bloated with AI features.
In March, Adobe reached a $150 million settlement with the US government to resolve a federal lawsuit alleging that the software giant trapped consumers in subscription plans with hidden fees and an intentionally convoluted cancellation process. Under the terms of the agreement, Adobe will pay a $75 million civil penalty and provide $75 million in free services to affected users, though 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 a few Windows AI features due to negative feedback, it is still plowing ahead with billions of dollars in AI development.
The appeal of ArtCraft and other open-source vibe-coded apps is their ability to let individuals customize programs and avoid hefty subscriptions. The pitch is tailor-made for tech enthusiasts: If you only need limited access to these programs and can set them up yourself for free, why would you pay for Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft Office?
But that certainly won’t be the case for everyone. For one, many folks won’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 likely prefer the safety and privacy guarantees that Adobe and Microsoft offer, even if they aren’t always ironclad. Better the devil you know…
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