A software developer named Brandon Thomas is using artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate popular programs from Adobe and Microsoft. Under the ArtCraft brand, he has already made available free alternatives to tools for editing images, videos, and other creative content, as well as his own versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
The programs are open source and were developed with AI assistance, in an initiative that challenges the traditional model of paid and subscription-based software. At the same time, the project faces criticisms related to cybersecurity, the ethics of code generated by artificial intelligence, and the ability to maintain so many programs under the responsibility of a single developer.
Project recreates Adobe programs with AI
At the beginning of October, Thomas shared on Reddit a project to rebuild the entire Adobe Creative Suite. The user u/ai_art_is_art was identified by the site Tom’s Hardware as Brandon Thomas, a software engineer who uses artificial intelligence in app development.
With the help of technology, he recreated tools using Rust, a programming language.The collection includes PhotoCraft, FilmCraft, DesignCraft, EffectCraft, PdfCraft, VectorCraft, and LightCraft, alternatives that replicate the functions of well-known Adobe programs.
The programs were made available free of charge and open source. The main difference from the original tools lies in the access model: while Adobe programs require payment, the ArtCraft versions can be used at no cost.
Alternatives to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
After recreating Adobe programs, Thomas expanded the project to include Microsoft productivity tools. The new programs are WordCraft, DeckCraft, and GridCraft, developed as alternatives to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, respectively.
The developer also released other tools, such as SoundCraft, DesignCraft, and CADCraft. They are all part of the ArtCraft brand, which brings together applications focused on content creation with artificial intelligence and serves as a commercial initiative.
Despite the promise of free access, it remains unclear whether the programs will be able to attract and retain users in the long term. The initiative also raises questions about the viability of replacing established software with AI-assisted alternatives.
AI-generated code sparks controversy
The tools sparked discussions on Reddit and other platforms about the cybersecurity risks associated with AI-generated code. Concerns also include ethical issues related to the use of technology in programming.Some publications about the programs were removed from certain subreddits.
Thomas clarified that he is a software developer and knows how to program. Even so, there are questions about the ability of a single person to oversee and maintain so many apps. The project is open source and allows other community members to contribute to its development.
Thomas’s supportive stance toward artificial intelligence is also the target of criticism. His Reddit username, “AI art is art,” expresses this perspective.
Project also criticizes subscription model
Among supporters, the tools are seen as a form of protest against companies such as Adobe. Some of the criticism focuses on subscription models and the difficulties customers would face in canceling the company’s plans.
The reaction also fuels discussions about the future of paid software. On social media, users speculate whether AI-developed alternatives can reduce dependence on traditional programs, although it is still impossible to determine whether Thomas’s project will continue and gain significant adoption.
Ana Figueiredo is a technology editor at Olhar Digital. She has a degree in Journalism from the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU).
