Is Open Source for You?
Why Open Source?
Imagine a world where software is developed for, and often by, the user community. You don’t have to trash your perfectly good computer 5 to 10 years after buying it, as they will still be supported, and run as efficiently as day one.
What’s more, the software packages that you use to build your business aren’t terminated because they no longer fit a larger corporate plan. (Even if an open source project ends, the software remains forever available for us to use how we see fit.)
Now imagine that all of this is made available for free, or for whatever you wish to contribute? This is the world of Open Source Software. And it is available to you right now, free to download, install and use.
Is Open Source for You?
Moving over to an open source life isn’t for everyone. If you are in a business that requires working with an all-Adobe team, and you are expected to hand off PSD or other files with all elements being 100% compatible and editable, then nothing does that like a true Adobe product. You need read no further.
But if you deliver illustrations or edited video as TIFF, JPG, EPS, SVG, MOV or MP4 file, how you create it, and in what applications, is up to you. I’ve had clients that loved being able to download Krita for free to open my work, rather than have to buy a subscription.
Hardware & OS Requirements
Most of what I discuss here can be accomplished using either old or new PC hardware, which you either purchased or built. Mac hardware is also an option.
You will find articles up here on CreativeBloq where I step you through building your own workstation from components. This is NOT a requirement, and it certainly isn’t for everyone. But it can get you a lot of computer bang for your buck, and it is not nearly as difficult as many assume it to be. Think Lego on steroids, everything snaps together.
If you are financially/morally/experientially committed to going open source, then I do think the best option here is to use some version of Linux. My favourite is Ubuntu Studio as it is specifically made for creatives (see my article on installing it in under 60 minutes). Not only is going Linux the best option, it is also the only viable option for older Macs and PCs that are no longer supported by Apple and Microsoft.
Too much change for you? You can go open source and still stay on your currently supported Mac OS X or Windows 11 boxes. While most open source software (OSS) may be created on/for Linux OS, most OSS applications get ported to both Mac and Windows.
2D Software Alternatives
Top on that list of tools would be a capable office suite. The options here have expanded over the years. And my personal choice has been Libre Office, which includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation app, drawing app, database and more.
Utilities:
No matter what operating system you decide to use, there are a ton of OSS applications that can come in handy. The few that come to mind first include VideoLAN (aka “VLC”) for both watching videos and a wide range of A/V modifications. Handbrake for converting video from one CODEC and format to another. And for scanning from your film or flatbed scanner is NAPS2. But should you require more capability or compatibility with older scanners and high-end units, take a look at VueScan. While it is proprietary, it is a great option available on Mac, Win and Linux, and can be had for under $20US.
Back-up Tools:
There are many OSS choices for backing up your data. Some get a bit too geeky for my tastes, but there are plenty to choose from.
Anti-Virus:
On Mac/Win there are plenty of antivirus options that are not OSS, but offer free versions. On Linux there has been one that is OSS called Clam AV. But in recent years it appears that others have popped up, along with some familiar commercial options as well.
Summary
As you dip a toe into the world of Open Source software, remember that no OSS project is trying to clone Adobe or other applications. Instead they are building the best apps they can. They will be different, so have an open mind, as if you were moving to a new country. Not better or worse, just different.
I’ve worked for years using the commercial tools, such as Adobe. And if I were to give it all a grade, it would be high, but it would not be 100. Maybe more like 85-90. And that would be costing me around $3,000US/year (Creative Cloud is over $700, Maya is almost $2,000 per year, plus the other tools).
Grading OSS is hard as I have not been on it long. But I am getting all my work done. I need to take off some points as there is a lack of good compositing options and I do miss After Effects. And I am relying on DaVinci Resolve, that is not truly OSS.
But with all that in mind, I’d give it a grade of 70. Maybe even higher, as I can still get my work done, and my annual cost is $0. Plus none of these OSS will ever be yanked from my hands against my will. That in itself is priceless.
FAQs
Q: Can I still use Adobe products?
A: Yes, you can still use Adobe products, but you’ll need to subscribe to their service.
Q: Are there any free alternatives to Adobe?
A: Yes, there are several free alternatives to Adobe, including Libre Office, Krita, and GIMP.
Q: Can I use Open Source software on my Mac or PC?
A: Yes, most Open Source software is compatible with both Mac and PC.
Q: Do I need to be technical to use Open Source software?
A: No, you don’t need to be technical to use Open Source software. Many of these applications are user-friendly and easy to use.
Q: Can I still get my work done with Open Source software?
A: Yes, you can still get your work done with Open Source software. Many of these applications are capable of producing professional-quality results.
