Adobe Creative Cloud is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to creative software, offering a wide range of industry leading apps including for graphic design, desktop publishing and video editing.
However, although Adobe often runs some heavily discounted Creative Cloud deals, it’s still not in everyone’s budget.
Many users don’t want to be locked-into a subscription model either so we took a look at some apps to replace Creative Cloud on your Mac.
Table of Contents
Is There Anything That Can Really Rival Creative Cloud?
The truth is, there’s nothing on the market that can offer everything that you get in Adobe Creative Cloud.
There simply isn’t a design suite that offers over 20 different apps for one subscription including industry heavyweights like Photoshop, Premiere Pro and InDesign (check out our Creative Cloud review for a look at everything you get).
That’s not to mention integration with huge stock photo resources like Adobe Stock which provide millions of professional photos, videos and other media.
However, there are alternative design suites that cover the essential apps and some standalone apps that can be used as alternatives to some of Adobe’s most popular software.
We looked at a range of pricing models, including one-time purchase graphic design software and even free open-source tools so all budgets are catered for.
| Type | Key Features | Best For | Price Model |
|---|
| Affinity Suite | Graphic Design, Photo Editing, Desktop Publishing | Professional vector, photo editing, publishing, Adobe file support, Apple Silicon optimized | Graphic Designers, Photographers, Publishers | One-time purchase ($69.99/app or $164.99 for the suite) |
| CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2024 | Vector Design, Photo Editing | AI-powered tools, RAW editing, typography tools, cross-platform compatibility | Illustrators, Graphic Designers, Teams | One-time purchase ($549) |
| Krita | Digital Painting, Illustration | HDR painting, brush stabilizers, layer management, graphics tablet support | Digital Artists, Illustrators, Comic Artists | Free (Open-source) |
| Pixelmator Pro | Photo Editing, Graphic Design | Machine Learning tools, vector graphics, RAW editing, non-destructive editing | Photographers, Digital Artists | One-time purchase ($49.99) |
| Sketch | UI/UX Design | UI/UX focused design tools, collaboration, plugin support | UI/UX Designers, Web/App Designers | One-time purchase ($120) |
1. Affinity Suite
If you’ve already been looking for some Adobe Creative Cloud alternatives, chances are you’ve already come across the Affinity Suite.
Created by Serif and consisting of Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, and Affinity Publisher, these apps are a solid and popular replacement for Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
One of the main reasons for this is that they come with one-time purchase licenses rather than a subscription model.
Affinity’s apps are powerful, professional-grade tools with native support for Apple Silicon Macs.
Affinity Designer offers vector illustration tools that rival Illustrator, while Affinity Photo’s RAW editing and retouching capabilities are a great alternative to Photoshop.
Affinity Publisher is an excellent option for DTP while Affinity Photo offers powerful photo processing tools for all levels of ability.
Why Affinity Suite?
- One-time payment: No recurring fees, making it ideal for creatives who don’t want subscription lock-ins. Although Affinity was recently taken over by Canva, the company has pledged to continue the one-time purchase option.
- Performance: The Affinity suite is optimized for Apple Silicon Macs, making it fast and responsive with the latest M-series Macs.
- Compatibility: It supports importing and exporting Adobe file formats, making the transition easier for those who are switching from Creative Suite.
2. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2024
CorelDRAW has been around for decades and remains one of the most popular alternatives to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop on Macs.
The 2024 version brings new features like AI-powered tools, advanced typography options, and improved collaboration tool , making it a perfect fit for both solo designers and teams.
While CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a one-time purchase, it comes with everything you need, including CorelDRAW for vector design, Corel PHOTO-PAINT for image editing, and AfterShot Pro for RAW photo editing.
It’s a fully-featured package for illustrators, digital artists, and photographers who want a professional-grade tool without the Adobe price tag.
You can read our full CorelDRAW review here.
Why CorelDRAW?
- AI tools: Intelligent tools that compete with Adobe Firefly to help you work faster.
- Performance: Optimized for the latest Apple Silicon Macs.
- One-time purchase: Ideal for users who dislike monthly subscriptions but still need a comprehensive suite.
3. Krita
For digital artists on a budget, Krita is an open-source painting tool that provides a free alternative to both Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Fresco.
While Fresco and Illustrator may appeal to illustrators, Krita delivers everything you need for creating stunning digital art, without a subscription or up-front cost.
Krita’s interface is intuitive and customizable, with features like brush stabilizers, HDR painting, and layer management that even rival Photoshop.
It also supports graphics tablets and stylus pressure sensitivity, making it an ideal tool for digital illustrators, comic artists, and concept designers.
Since Krita is open-source, there’s no official support but there is a pretty active and supportive community of users and developers.
You can read our full Krita review to learn more.
Why Krita?
- Completely free: Open-source, meaning no costs for full access to the tool.
- Pro Tools: Advanced painting tools and brushes that rival paid apps.
- Customization: Tailor your workspace to your needs with Krita’s flexible UI.
4. Sketch
If you’re a UI/UX designer looking for an alternative to Adobe XD or Photoshop, Sketch is a great choice.
Sketch was built from the ground up specifically for designing interfaces on Macs, making it one of the most popular tools for web and app design on macOS.
Sketch offers powerful vector editing tools, collaborative features, and a vast ecosystem of plugins that allow you to customize and extend its functionality.
While Sketch has now switched to a subscription model for updates, you can still keep using the software even after the subscription ends, although you won’t receive any new features.
It also does still offer a one-time purchase option for $120/seat, but this also does not come with any updates.
Why Sketch?
- Interface-focused: Tailored specifically for UI/UX design on Macs.
- Collaboration: Team features that make it easy to collaborate and get feedback on designs.
- Plugin ecosystem: Lots of possibilities for customization through a wide variety of plugins.
5. Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro is a more lightweight yet highly capable photo editor that offers a great alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
Unlike Photoshop, which can feel very bloated with features, Pixelmator Pro keeps it simple but effective without overwhelming you.
The interface is intuitive and easy to learn, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on features.
One of the standout features of Pixelmator Pro is its Machine Learning-based tools, like ML Enhance, which intelligently enhances photos with a single click.
It also supports vector graphics, RAW editing, and non-destructive editing.
Whether you’re a photographer or a digital artist, Pixelmator Pro packs a lot of punch at a fraction of the cost of Photoshop or a Creative Cloud subscription.
Why Pixelmator Pro?
- Ease of use: Simple but powerful, making it ideal for beginners to photo and image editing.
- ML tools: Effective Machine learning tools that enhance photos and learn the way you work.
- Price: A one-time payment with no subscription.
Conclusion
Choosing the right alternative to Creative Cloud depends on your specific needs and budget.
If you’re looking for a complete desktop suite for your Mac without a subscription, the Affinity Suite is the best all-around option.
If you need vector and photo editing with AI features, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2024 has everything you’ll need.
For simple, efficient photo editing, Pixelmator Pro is hard to beat.
Sketch is perfect for UI/UX designers, and Krita is the hard to beat for digital artists on a budget.
Alternatives To Specific Creative Cloud Apps
If you need alternatives to specific Creative Cloud apps on your Mac, the following may help narrow down your search.
What are some popular alternatives to Adobe Photoshop?
- GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): A free, open-source image editor offering a wide range of features comparable to Photoshop.
- Affinity Photo: A professional-grade photo editing software with a one-time purchase model, providing advanced tools for photographers and designers.
- Photopea: A web-based editor supporting PSD files, allowing users to edit images directly in the browser without installation.
For more options check out our look at the best Photoshop alternatives for Mac.
What alternatives exist for Adobe Illustrator?
- Inkscape: A free, open-source vector graphics editor suitable for creating illustrations, icons, and logos.
- Affinity Designer: A vector graphic design software offering a range of tools for illustrators and designers, available for a one-time purchase.
- CorelDRAW: A vector graphics editor with a comprehensive suite of design tools, available through a subscription or one-time purchase.
Check out our look at the best graphic design software for Mac for more options.
Are there substitutes for Adobe InDesign?
- Scribus: A free, open-source desktop publishing application ideal for creating brochures, newsletters, and magazines.
- Affinity Publisher: A professional publishing software offering advanced layout and design tools, available for a one-time fee.
- Canva: A web-based design platform with a user-friendly interface, suitable for creating various layouts and designs.
For more options check out our look at the best desktop publishing software for Mac.
What options are available instead of Adobe Premiere Pro?
- DaVinci Resolve: A free professional video editing software offering advanced editing, color correction, and audio post-production tools.
- Filmora: A user-friendly video editor with a range of effects and transitions, suitable for both beginners and professionals.
- Blender: Primarily known for 3D modeling, Blender also offers a built-in video sequence editor for basic to intermediate video editing tasks.
For more check out our guide to the best video editing software for Mac.
Are there alternatives to Adobe After Effects?
- Blender: An open-source 3D creation suite that includes capabilities for compositing and motion graphics, serving as a free alternative for visual effects.
- Natron: A free, open-source compositing software designed for visual effects and motion graphics.
- Fusion by Blackmagic Design: A professional visual effects and motion graphics software offering advanced compositing tools.
For more options, check out our look at the best 3D graphics software for Mac.
What are some substitutes for Adobe Lightroom?
- Darktable: A free, open-source photography workflow application and raw developer.
- RawTherapee: A free, cross-platform raw image processing program offering a variety of tools for high-quality image development.
- Luminar: A photo editing and management software with AI-powered tools, available for a one-time purchase.
For some free options, check out our look at the best free photo editing software for Mac.
Are there alternatives to Adobe XD for UI/UX design?
- Figma: A web-based interface design tool with real-time collaboration features, available in free and paid versions.
- Sketch: A vector-based design tool for macOS, popular among UI/UX designers, available through a subscription model.
- InVision Studio: A screen design tool with prototyping and animation features, offering a free version with basic functionalities.
What are some free drawing software options?
- Krita: A free, open-source digital painting program suitable for concept art, texture and matte painters, and illustrators.
- MediBang Paint: A free digital painting and comic creation software, offering cloud storage and cross-platform support.
- FireAlpaca: A free, lightweight painting software with simple tools and controls, ideal for beginners.
Check out out look at the best alternatives to Procreate for Mac for more options.
Are these alternatives compatible with Adobe file formats?
Many alternative programs offer compatibility with Adobe file formats, allowing users to import and export files such as PSD, AI, and PDF. However, some complex features or effects may not transfer perfectly, so it’s advisable to test or research compatibility before making your choice.
Are these replacements suitable for professional work?
Yes, many of these alternatives are designed for professional design and are used by professionals in various creative industries. For example, DaVinci Resolve is used in professional film editing, and Affinity Designer is recognized for professional graphic design work.
Discover more from MacHow2
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
