Software Suggestions

Adapted from a post originally written by "ghost malone" (@ghost_h_malone on Twitter) at http://artistic-anarchy.blogspot.com/2019/01/I-hate-adobe-and-so-should-you.html (11 January 2019), and shared with author's permission.

Original author's side note: Because I only have a PC, I've only looked at PC apps, though many of these may also be available for Mac.

All of these apps are free to use.
Italicized apps are free but have premium versions.
Bolded apps are what I have used and can personally vouch for, at least within the scope of my own work.

If You Draw or Design

Instead of PHOTOSHOP, try

Instead of LIGHTROOM, trytry

Instead of ILLUSTRATOR, try

Instead of INDESIGN, try

Instead of PREMIERE, try

Instead of ANIMATE/FLASH, try

Instead of AFTER EFFECTS, try

Instead of AUDITION, try

Instead of ACROBAT PRO, try

Instead of ADOBE STOCK, try

Instead of ADOBE FONTS, try

BONUS: If you need FREE MUSIC OR SOUND EFFECTS, try

If you need CLIP ART, try

If you need TEXTURES, try