Most of us are registered for numerous digital subscriptions, which include streaming services, cloud storage, fitness apps and much more. This also extends to software subscriptions: both Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office (now Microsoft 365) ask for monthly or annual subscriptions if you want to stay informed.
Add $ 5 here and $ 10 there and you can soon notice that you pay more than you want every week. What you may not know is that for just about every paid software program that is there, there is a perfectly adequate and free replacement – so that you can reduce your dependence on software subscriptions.
Use Gimp instead of Adobe Photoshop
Gimp is an image editor full of functions. Screenshot: GIMP
The rather strange GIMP-Het stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program-Is a frontal challenger for Adobe Photoshop, with many of the same advanced functions that are offered in object selections and manipulations, layers and effects. Gimp does not have as much AI in it as Photoshop, but you may see that as an advantage.
Whether you want to touch and improve the photos you have taken, or you want to make digital art, Gimp can handle it all. Open the software and you will see that you get a wealth of tools to play with; There are numerous extensions and adjustments from third parties available-plus many tutorials and more help on the internet.
Download Gimp for Windows or MacOS.
Use LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office
LibreOffice Writer is a solid alternative to Microsoft Word. Screenshot: LibreOffice
Microsoft Office is now called Microsoft 365, but how you refer to it, it is anchored by Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Although Microsoft requires a one-off reimbursement or a regular subscription, you can use LibreOffice completely free-included the equivalent apps writer (documents), CALC (Spreadsheets) and impressions (presentations).
If you have experience with the use of the Microsoft apps, you immediately feel at home in the LibreOffice apps -and they can also import and export using office file formats. And only because you do not pay for the software does not mean that you are missing functions, because these programs are supported with a large number of useful options and tools.
Download LibreOffice for Windows or MacOS.
Use Tubi instead of Netflix
View as much as you want on Tubi, free. Screenshot: Tubi
When it comes to films and shows, there are numerous services that will charge you for access, including Netflix. Not so tubi, which is fully funded by advertisements. Okay, it may not have the newest and best selection of titles, but there is still enough to watch, completely free. You don’t get any viewing material quickly.
Tubi is one of a growing number of fast streaming services, which stands for free streaming television supported by advertisements; Others you may want to view include Pluto TV and the Roku channel. Although content on these platforms is usually older than on the alternatives, you will probably be surprised how many good things there are.
View Tubi on the internet, or on Android or iOS.
Use Keepass as your password manager
Keepass is a simple, simple password manager. Screenshot: Keepass
We have previously written about the benefits of using a password manager, but most of them need a subscription to use all their functions. If a password manager offers a free plan at all, it usually limits how many passwords you can save or how many devices you can synchronize, or apply some other restrictions.
Keepass is different, because it is completely free and open source (so that you can look at the source code yourself, if you want). It comes with many functions to keep your passwords safe and safe, and although there is only an official version for Windows, there are various unofficial ports, so that you can synchronize your passwords with macOS, Android and iOS too.
Download Keepass for Windows.
Use Openshot instead of Adobe Premiere Pro
Make videos with ease with Openshot. Screenshot: OpenShot
We will end where we started, with an alternative to a program from the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. Unless you are a professional filmmaker who needs the very best in the industrial standard tools, Openshot gives you everything you need in video processing functions and options, and it is capable of some impressive results.
The extensive list contains support for key frame animations, an unlimited number of tracks, easy-to-use scale and trim tools, composition, image overlays, title (including 3D titles) and support for a wide range of video, audio and image formats. Despite all those functions and more, you will not find it difficult to use.
Download Openshot for Windows or MacOS.
