Alternate Resources to Adobe Apps

Overview

While Adobe app may be the first thought when completing a task other alternative apps might complete the same task just as well. These alternative apps often are less complicated and quicker than their counterparts in the Adobe suite. The list below has some of OIT’s recommendations. Please take a look before committing to using the Adobe suite.

Alternative Apps

Acrobat Alternatives (PDF)

Create and Manage PDFs:

Use Word or Google Docs to manage an ‘original’ from which PDF files are created as needed and then save as pdf, “print” to pdf, or export pdf.

Google Drive: You may convert any file into a PDF document by selecting Download, then PDF.
Microsoft Word: You may export any Word file to PDF by selecting "Export As," then PDF.

Edit an existing PDF:

Microsoft Word: You may open a PDF with Word, then choose to Edit document to make PDF content editable.
Google Doc: Upload PDF to Drive, open with Doc

Note: If you’re working with a scanned article or book, then you’re working at a disadvantage. Both Word and Doc will do their best to recognize scanned words and convert them to editable text, but the conversion is rarely 100% and you may lose all of the original formatting. For best results, consult a librarian to seek out a source that already has editable text.

Merge PDFs:

In Macs, the application Preview, which is native to Mac devices can merge PDFs.

Many free options also exist for merging PDFs in Windows:

Compress PDFs: free online tool
PDF Merger & Splitter: free desktop application

Photoshop Alternatives (Image Editing / Digital Painting)

macOS, PC & Linux (free): GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP)

Download here: https://www.gimp.org/downloads/

Tutorials: https://www.gimp.org/tutorials/

FAQs: https://www.gimp.org/docs/userfaq.html

User Guide: https://www.gimp.org/docs/

Premiere Alternatives (video editing)

For quick & simple editing

Windows only (Free): Video editor in the Photos app (Basic, but has basic functions)
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4051785/windows-10-create-or-edit-video

macOS only, (download free from App Store if not already installed): iMovie

20 minute iMove tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtHd0FIHrB8

In-depth “Ken Burns” in iMovie how to:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGsEqlJWNhA

iMovie 11 Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/imovie-11-essential-training/welcome?u=67946010

For more advanced features/editing:

macOS, PC & Linux (free): DaVinci Resolve
Download here: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/

Newest version quick start tutorial, approx 30 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63Ln33O4p4c

Linkedin Learning complete workshop series: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/learning-davinci-resolve-16/getting-up-to-speed-with-davinci-resolve-16?u=67946010

InDesign Alternatives (desktop publishing)

macOS, Windows & Linux (free): Scribus
https://www.scribus.net/

macOS & Windows (one time fee): Affinity Publisher
https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/publisher/

Audio Editing Options (podcasts, oral histories, etc.)

macOS, PC & Linux (free): Audacity
Download here: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/

Complete online FAQ and topic based resource guide: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/faq.html

Topic based tutorials (text & screenshots): https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/tutorials.html

Illustrator Alternatives (Illustration / Graphic Design)

macOS, Windows & Linux (free): Inkscape
Download here: https://inkscape.org/
NOTE: A 64bit version is in beta to use with Mac OS Catalina or later.

Tutorials: https://inkscape.org/learn/tutorials/

FAQs: https://inkscape.org/learn/faq/

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