Developer behind free Adobe alternatives launches open-source Microsoft Office rivals

The developer behind ArtCraft, a collection of free, open-source alternatives to Adobe’s creative software, has expanded the project with three new applications designed to compete with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

The new tools, called WordCraft, GridCraft and DeckCraft, aim to provide users with free alternatives to Microsoft’s productivity applications without requiring a subscription which you can download on the getartcraft.com website.

The project is led by software developer Brandon Thomas, who has spent approximately 15 years working in software engineering. Thomas has been developing ArtCraft as an alternative to commercial software, with a particular focus on making professional tools accessible across different operating systems.

The latest additions expand ArtCraft beyond creative applications into productivity software, putting the project in competition with another major player in the subscription software market.

Free alternatives to Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Each of the three new applications targets a familiar Microsoft Office product.

WordCraft is designed for document creation and editing, positioning itself as an alternative to Microsoft Word.

GridCraft focuses on spreadsheets, offering an alternative to Microsoft Excel, while DeckCraft targets presentation creation, competing with PowerPoint.

All three applications are open source and available through the ArtCraft project’s GitHub repositories. Users can access the software without paying subscription fees, while developers can inspect and contribute to the underlying code.

Thomas has also used Anthropic’s Claude AI to accelerate development of the applications, demonstrating how AI coding tools are making it easier for independent developers to build increasingly ambitious software projects.

The applications are designed to offer a consistent experience across Windows, macOS and Linux, reducing dependence on software tied to a particular operating system.

However, the new tools are still relatively early in development and are not yet complete replacements for Microsoft’s established productivity applications.

Taking on subscription software

ArtCraft’s expansion reflects growing interest in alternatives to subscription-based software.

Microsoft and Adobe have built substantial businesses around recurring subscriptions, offering access to productivity and creative applications through Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud.

While these services provide regular updates, cloud integration and collaboration features, their recurring costs can be a barrier for individuals and smaller organisations.

ArtCraft takes a different approach by making its applications free and open source, allowing users to access the software without committing to ongoing payments.

The project also offers an alternative for users who want greater control over their software and prefer applications that can run across multiple operating systems.

ArtCraft is not alone in challenging established software providers. Canva has also expanded its position in professional creative software after making Affinity free in October 2025.

Affinity combines photo editing, vector design and page layout tools into a single application, offering an alternative to several Adobe products. Its core design features are free, although certain AI capabilities require a paid Canva subscription.

More applications could be coming

Thomas is considering expanding ArtCraft into additional categories of professional software.

Members of the project’s growing community have suggested alternatives to computer-aided design applications, including software that could compete with Autodesk products.

One proposed application, CADcraft, would extend the project into engineering and technical design software. However, it remains a community suggestion rather than a confirmed product launch.

The expansion highlights how AI-assisted software development and open-source distribution are creating opportunities for smaller developers to challenge established technology companies.

Whether ArtCraft can attract users away from Microsoft Office will depend on how quickly its applications mature, particularly in areas such as document compatibility, advanced spreadsheet functionality and presentation tools.

For now, WordCraft, GridCraft and DeckCraft represent another attempt to provide free alternatives to software that has traditionally required paid licences or subscriptions.

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