GoKawiilDeveloper uses Claude AI to clone Adobe apps as free Artcraft suite
Developer Brandon Thomas built Artcraft, a set of free, open-source clones of Adobe Creative Cloud apps including a Photoshop substitute called Photocraft, using Claude Opus 5.5 to reverse-engineer the software in Rust. Thomas says the move was prompted by frustration with Adobe's subscription cancellation fees, and the apps mimic Adobe's interfaces closely enough to require little relearning. Testing found Photocraft handles basic tasks like resizing and masking well but suffers from bugs, instability, and an inability to open native PSD files.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The project suggests AI coding tools are lowering the barrier to replicating complex commercial software, which could pressure subscription-based companies like Adobe if clones mature. However, the current bugs and file-compatibility gaps indicate these AI-built clones may not yet be viable for professional or power users, meaning any competitive threat remains speculative for now.
- Artcraft offers free, one-to-one clones of Adobe apps built with Claude AI in Rust
- Photocraft mimics Photoshop's interface but lacks AI features and can't open PSD files
- Developer says frustration with Adobe's subscription cancellation fees motivated the project
Source: engadget.com — Steve Dent, 2026-11-01
Published there as: “AI software clones are coming for big-name companies like Adobe”
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