Open-source project clones seven Adobe apps

Open-source project recreates Adobe app functions

In just three weeks, an open-source project has recreated antiestéticatures from seven key Adobe applications—Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, Lightroom, Acrobat Pro, After Effects, and InDesign—using artificial intelligence. The repository has accumulated 44,000 stars on GitHub and updates every three days. The proposal offers free software without subscriptions or cancellation fees for Linux, Windows, and Mac. The catalyst was the use of Claude Opus 5.5 to generate native Rust code that replicates the creative suite's functionality. This news shocked a sector accustomed to paying monthly religiously.

Is cloning Photoshop legal without using its code?

Legal questions dominate the discussion. The key lies in reverse engineering: analyzing a program's behavior to create another with original code. According to developers, AI performed this task by copying functions, not source code. Legislation may be more permissive than it appears. The "clean room" technique—used by Compaq in the 1980s to clone the IBM PC BIOS—suggests legality if one team observes behavior and another programs from scratch. AI accelerates this process unexpectedly.

Some argue judges will decide case by case, but by then, thousands of clones may circulate. Justice lags behind technology here. Countries outside US jurisdiction might ignore rulings easily.

Economic impact: Adobe and Silicon Valley domino effect

Adobe isn't the only target. The US software industry represents 8-10% of national GDP. A blow to this ecosystem would have profound consequences. Participants anticipate the mandatory subscription model is cracking. If a free alternative works, why pay? Others note companies value security and support, but cost savings are compelling.

The debate extends to Microsoft, Sony, and AWS. If AI can clone functionalities, closed software loses its defensive moat. Open source, once seen as idealistic, now threatens restrictive licensing business models.

What about GIMP and traditional free alternatives?

GIMP, the veteran free image editor, has long been the go-to alternative. However, its interface and learning curve faced harsh criticism. Unlike new clones, which aim to be functional replicas rather than distinct alternatives, users need learn nothing new. Menus, tools, and workflows remain identical, reducing friction to zero.

The paradox: GIMP failed to compete for decades, while AI achieved it in weeks—not by solving usability issues, but by eliminating the need to solve them, simply copying what already works.

Software future: subscriptions or open source?

Adobe's subscription model proved highly profitable through recurring revenue and captive customers. Yet it generated deep user resentment over feeling trapped. Free, functional clones could break this dynamic. Companies won't switch overnight; they need guarantees, support, and compliance. Open source can provide these but requires a service ecosystem still under construction.

Meanwhile, developers work tirelessly with frequent updates and constant improvements. Source code circulates freely, allowing anyone to modify or adapt clones. The question shifts from legality to how soon this becomes unstoppable.

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Key facts:

• 44,000 GitHub stars in under three weeks.
• Seven Adobe apps cloned: Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, Lightroom, Acrobat Pro, After Effects, InDesign.
• Updates every 3 days.
• US software industry represents 8-10% of GDP.
• Sector's total added value exceeds $1.9 trillion.