Open-source creative tools
30 creative tools whose code is public under an OSI-approved license, rated for privacy with evidence. Picks first, then by score.
Blender Grade B
A 3D creation suite for modeling, sculpting, texturing, rigging, animation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking and video editing, extendable with add-ons.
GPL-2.0 or later. Source code
Cinelerra GG Infinity Grade B
A non-linear video editor and compositor for Linux, with multi-track editing, effects, transitions and titling.
GPL-2.0. Source code
DarkTable Grade B
A photography workflow application and non-destructive raw developer for managing and editing digital negatives.
GPL-3.0. Source code
FlowBlade Grade B
A multi-track non-linear video editor for Linux, based on the MLT framework.
GPL-3.0. Source code
FreeCAD Grade B
A parametric 3D CAD modeler for product design, mechanical engineering and architecture, with a Python scripting interface.
LGPL-2.0 or later. Source code
Gimp Grade B
A free, open source, cross-platform raster image editor for photo retouching, image composition and image authoring, with support for many file formats.
GPL-3.0. Source code
Glaxnimate Grade B
A vector animation program by KDE for creating 2D animations, with support for Lottie, animated SVG, GIF and video export.
GPL-3.0. Source code
InkScape Grade B
A free, open source vector graphics editor for illustrations, icons, logos, diagrams, maps and web graphics, using SVG as its native format.
GPL-2.0 or later. Source code
Kdenlive Grade B
A non-linear video editor from KDE, based on the MLT framework, Qt and FFmpeg.
GPL-2.0 or later. Source code
Krita Grade B
A free and open source digital painting application for Windows, macOS and Linux, developed by the Krita Foundation and KDE.
GPL-3.0. Source code
LibreSprite Grade B
An animated sprite editor and pixel art tool, forked from the last GPL-licensed version of Aseprite.
GPL-2.0. Source code
LMMS Grade B
A digital audio workstation for making music, with a pattern and song editor, piano roll, built-in synthesizers and support for VST and LADSPA plugins.
GPL-2.0. Source code
Natron Grade B
A node-based video compositing application for visual effects and motion graphics.
GPL-2.0. Source code
Pinta Grade B
A simple open source drawing and image editing program with layers, adjustments, effects and unlimited undo, for Windows, macOS and Linux.
MIT. Source code
RawTherapee Grade B
A cross-platform raw photo processor for non-destructive editing of raw digital photos.
GPL-3.0. Source code
Scribus Grade B
A desktop publishing application for page layout, with CMYK color, spot colors, ICC color management and PDF/X export for print.
GPL-2.0 or later. Source code
Tenacity Grade B
A multi-track audio editor and recorder forked from Audacity, developed by volunteers, with no telemetry.
GPL-2.0. Source code
VidCutter Grade B
A cross-platform tool written in Python for cutting and joining video files.
GPL-3.0. Source code
Wings3D Grade B
An open source subdivision 3D modeler with an AutoUV facility for unfolding a model's surface for painting and texturing.
BSD-style license. Source code
Ardour Grade C
A digital audio workstation for recording, editing and mixing multi-track audio and MIDI on Windows, macOS and Linux.
GPL-2.0. Source code
Audacity Grade C
A multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, macOS and Linux.
GPL-3.0 and GPL-2.0. Source code
OBS Studio Grade D
Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming on Windows, macOS and Linux.
GPL-2.0. Source code
OpenShot Grade D
A free, open source, cross-platform video editor for trimming, effects, titles and animation.
GPL-3.0. Source code
OpenToonz Grade D
A 2D animation program based on Toonz, used for traditional and digital animation, with scanning, ink and paint, and effects tools.
BSD-3-Clause. Source code
Pencil2D Grade D
A 2D hand-drawn animation program for sketching, inking and painting frame-by-frame animation with bitmap and vector layers.
GPL-2.0. Source code
Penpot Grade D
An open source design and prototyping platform for teams, based on open web standards such as SVG, CSS and HTML, available as a hosted service or self-hosted.
MPL-2.0. Source code
ShareX Grade D
Open-source screen-capture tool for Windows. Takes screenshots and short screen recordings, with annotation, OCR, a colour picker, and configurable save/upload destinations.
GPL-3.0. Source code
Synfig Studio Grade D
A 2D vector animation program that uses bones and interpolated keyframes to create animation without drawing every frame.
GPL-3.0. Source code
Upscayl Grade D
A desktop app that upscales and enhances low-resolution images locally using AI models, from the makers of the Upscayl Cloud service.
AGPL-3.0 for the desktop app. The optional Upscayl Cloud service is closed source. Source code
Shotcut Grade F
A free, open source, cross-platform video editor based on FFmpeg and MLT, with support for many formats and resolutions.
GPL-3.0. Source code
Compare all 41 creative tools, open source or not.