Free or Cheap Alternatives to Popular Software That Will Save You Time and Money

Big, small, or in-between, the companies and organizations we work with are always looking for ways to streamline operations and reduce costs without sacrificing productivity or security. One area where this can be accomplished is software expenses. You don't need to break the bank to get the tools you need, and you don't need to use the most popular choice. Here are some free or cheap alternatives to popular software that will save you time and money.

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‍LibreOffice: The Microsoft Office Alternative

If you simply need to write a letter or a report, LibreOffice can do everything you need without requiring a hefty upfront cost or ongoing monthly or annual subscription. This free and open-source alternative offers applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, and it's compatible with Microsoft file formats.

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‍Inkscape: The Adobe Illustrator Alternative

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that rivals Adobe Illustrator. It has a robust feature set and a relatively user-friendly interface. Inkscape is perfect for graphic design, logos, and illustrations.

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GIMP: The Adobe Photoshop Alternative

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editing software that offers many of the same features as Adobe Photoshop. From photo editing to digital painting, GIMP has got you covered.

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OpenShot: The Video Editing Pro

OpenShot is a free and open-source video editing software that offers keyframe animation, unlimited tracks, and a user-friendly interface. It's perfect for creating promotional videos, tutorials, and social media clips.

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DaVinci Resolve Free: The Professional Video Editing Suite

DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editor used by everyone from hobbyists to major studios. Their free version contains most of the features you'll need to get your project to the finish line, and if your skills or projects outgrow the free version, upgrading to the full studio is a one-time payment. It's a great alternative to Adobe Premiere.

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Tenacity: For Audio Editing

Tenacity is a free and open-source multi-track audio editor. It runs on all major desktop platforms and supports plugins and scripting for more advanced workflows. For simple audio editing tasks, it's hard to beat.

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Zoho Mail: Email Hosting

If you have a small team (5 people or less) or are just getting started, Zoho Mail provides free email hosting with custom domain support for your organization or business. The free plan does limit you to using their web mail interface and mobile apps, but it's one of the few options for free email hosting with a custom domain. If you outgrow the free plan, the paid plans are a little less expensive than the popular alternatives.

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Affinity Suite: Image Editing, Vector Graphics & Desktop Publishing

If you're looking for powerful alternatives to Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign and don't mind spending some money on good software, consider Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Publisher as alternatives. They're not free, but they don't require a monthly or annual subscription, and they are feature-packed, regularly updated, and often on sale.

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Consider at least trying some of these free or cheap alternatives if you find they work for your needs. You'll save money and boost productivity. Let us know what you think of these suggestions, and please let us know if I've missed one of your favorite free or inexpensive alternatives.

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If you have any questions or just want to chat about technology, please reach out to us on LinkedIn or email us at solutions@invizio.com.

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