Your next creative chapter
ArtCraft is a collection of free, open-source creative apps from Storyteller.ai, built in Rust for desktop and, where available, the browser.
Independent guide · Last updated 2026-10-14
01 / The big picture
ArtCraft brings image editing, vector illustration, video editing and more into a family of open-source creative tools. The official directory currently lists thirteen apps. This guide focuses on seven creative workflows, with practical notes on file compatibility and the early-stage status of each app.
¹ Check the license in each repository for the app and its components. Features and availability change by release.
02 / Start at the source
ArtCraft downloads should start at the official website or the storytold organization on GitHub. The ArtCraft Launcher offers a central way to install and update the apps. This independent guide links to those sources directly; it does not distribute installers or provide modified application builds.
Find platform-specific downloads on the official ArtCraft app pages.
getartcraft.com/appsInstall and update the suite through the official launcher project.
storytold/craft-launcherRead releases, source code, open issues and compatibility notes.
github.com/storytoldConfirm the storytold owner, established commit and release history, and the exact link from the official website. Keyword-stuffed repository descriptions and unsolicited .7z or .run archives are reasons to stop and verify. We never host application binaries.
03 / Image editing
PhotoCraft is an open-source image editor in the ArtCraft family, designed around familiar layered editing workflows. Its repository documents PSD and PSB handling, a brush engine and Color Lookup support. Treat file compatibility as something to test on copies, especially when your project uses complex Photoshop features.
04 / Vector illustration
VectorCraft is an open-source vector illustration app in the ArtCraft suite, aimed at familiar drawing and layout tasks. Its documented interchange includes SVG, PDF and PDF-compatible Illustrator files. Keep source artwork intact and compare the exported result carefully, especially for fonts, appearance effects and complex imported artwork.
05 / Video editing
FilmCraft is the ArtCraft video editor, with a familiar editing workspace and documented timeline interchange. Its repository describes formats including Final Cut Pro XML, AAF and OpenTimelineIO. Plan a deliberate handoff from Premiere Pro, checking media, timing and effects instead of assuming a native project will transfer unchanged.
06 / Photo library & RAW
LightCraft is an open-source photo library and RAW developer in the ArtCraft suite. Its repository documents XMP sidecars, presets and a growing camera support matrix. Test your own camera files, lens corrections and rendered colors before migrating a library; format support does not guarantee an identical Lightroom result.
07 / PDF workbench
PdfCraft is the ArtCraft PDF workbench for reading, organizing, combining, splitting and securing documents. It is presented as a native open-source application, with official builds for several platforms. Use a copy of important documents and check exported pages, forms and annotations before replacing your existing PDF workflow.
08 / Motion graphics & VFX
EffectCraft is an open-source motion graphics and visual effects app in the ArtCraft family. It targets composition-based creative work, with ongoing development documented in its repository. Start with a small test composition and verify the output you need before moving a production project or relying on existing plug-ins.
09 / Page layout & publishing
DesignCraft is the ArtCraft app for page layout and publishing, built as an open-source tool in Rust. It is still in development, so a careful document handoff matters. Begin with a short sample, then check typography, page geometry and exported output against your original before using it for delivery.
10 / Choose by workflow
ArtCraft is an emerging alternative for creative work, with a focus on native open-source apps and familiar workflows. Adobe remains a different ecosystem of mature tools, cloud services and integrations. Established free apps are another option. Choose by the files and features your work actually needs.
| Your workflow | ArtCraft | Adobe | Other free options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image editing | PhotoCraft | Photoshop | GIMP / Krita |
| Vector illustration | VectorCraft | Illustrator | Inkscape |
| Video editing | FilmCraft | Premiere Pro | Kdenlive / Shotcut |
| RAW development | LightCraft | Lightroom | darktable / RawTherapee |
| PDF workbench | PdfCraft | Acrobat | PDF Arranger |
| Motion graphics | EffectCraft | After Effects | Blender / Natron |
| Page layout | DesignCraft | InDesign | Scribus |
A starting-point comparison, not a claim of equal features or identical file compatibility.
11 / Get set up
ArtCraft installation depends on your operating system, processor and the app you choose. Start with the official app page or ArtCraft Launcher, then select the matching installer. Keep original project files and test copies first. Browser availability varies, so check the individual app page before proceeding.
Choose the official build for Apple Silicon or Intel. Follow the release instructions and keep a copy of your original projects.
Verify the source and architecture first. Follow the project and Apple’s documented guidance for a trusted app; keep system-wide security controls enabled.
Choose the installer matching your system from the app’s official page. Verify the release and follow the installation instructions. Use copied files for your first test.
Check the app page for packages appropriate to your distribution and processor. Follow that release’s instructions, then test import and export on a small project.
Open the official app page and look for its web build. Web availability and capabilities differ by app; FilmCraft is currently listed for desktop.
Find available web builds (opens in a new tab)12 / Optional AI tools
ArtCraft creative apps are free to use, while hosted AI generation is a separate service with credits and its own pricing. Buying the Craft Switcher Kit does not include AI credits. Check the official pricing page for current model availability, account requirements and any paid AI options.
Use the current official pricing page to compare AI options. No AI credits are bundled with this kit.
See official AI pricing (opens in a new tab)13 / Your weekend starting point
Craft Switcher Kit is an independent collection of guides and creative assets for exploring an Adobe-to-ArtCraft workflow. It combines migration notes, shortcut references, color LUTs, photo presets and brush tips in one download. You pay once for the kit; the ArtCraft software itself remains free.
A practical PDF covering 13 topics, from file handoffs to a calmer first week.
A printable PDF with quick references for four creative apps.
.cube files with a visual contact sheet so you can choose a look.
Editable .xmp starting points for your photo workflow.
PNG brush shapes to import through Define Brush from Selection.
Preview images, a start-here file, license and version history.
Assets are supplied for you to test in your workflow. We have not independently verified every file in every ArtCraft release.
ArtCraft itself is free. You’re paying for our guide and assets, not the software.
14 / A realistic starting point
ArtCraft is worth exploring if you can test an emerging tool alongside your existing workflow. It is not a promise of complete Adobe compatibility. Start with a duplicate project, check import and export results, and keep your established tools available until your essential work survives the round trip.
Personal projects, learning and experimentation, where you have time to test new tools and report issues.
Mixed creative work. Try a complete round trip in ArtCraft while keeping your current tools for production.
Deadline-critical work that depends on specific plug-ins, exact color output or complex proprietary formats.
The official directory labels PhotoCraft and PdfCraft “Early alpha” and the other five apps covered here “In development”. This guide is based on published documentation, not a hands-on benchmark.
Check current official status (opens in a new tab)15 / Before you switch
ArtCraft is changing quickly, so the most useful answers distinguish official product facts from practical migration advice. These questions cover price, downloads, compatibility and the independent Craft Switcher Kit. For new releases or feature changes, follow the linked official app pages and repositories before making a workflow decision.
ArtCraft is a suite of free, open-source creative apps from Storyteller.ai. The official directory lists thirteen apps; this guide focuses on seven workflows for image editing, illustration, video, photography, PDFs, motion graphics and publishing.
The creative apps are free and open source. Hosted AI features have separate credits and pricing. Craft Switcher Kit is an optional paid guide and asset bundle, not a software license.
Use getartcraft.com and the storytold organization on GitHub. Confirm the repository owner and release history, and inspect checksums where provided. An official source is a verification step, not a guarantee that every early build is free of bugs.
ArtCraft is from Storyteller.ai. Official source repositories are published under the storytold GitHub organization. This independent site is not part of that team.
The official app directory describes the creative applications as native apps built in Rust. Several also have WebAssembly builds for the browser; check the individual app page for availability.
Yes. Official repositories provide the source and license files. The core repositories reviewed for this guide use MIT or Apache-2.0 licensing; consult the license for the specific app and any bundled components.
PhotoCraft documents PSD and PSB support. Complex text, effects, smart objects or other features may behave differently, so test a duplicate document and compare a round-trip export.
The documented route includes PDF-compatible .ai files as well as SVG and PDF. Save a PDF-compatible copy in Illustrator and check fonts, effects and geometry after import.
Plan to exchange timelines through documented formats such as FCP7 XML, AAF or OTIO. Do not assume direct .prproj compatibility. Relink media and inspect timing, transitions and effects.
LightCraft documents XMP sidecar and preset support. Presets are a starting point: camera profiles and processing differences can change the result. Test on copies of your own RAW files.
First check the app source, processor architecture and current installation instructions. If macOS blocks a verified official build, follow Apple’s guidance and the project’s documented installation steps. Do not disable system-wide security controls.
The official directory lists macOS, Windows and Linux builds for the apps covered here. Most also list a web option; FilmCraft is listed for desktop. Availability can change by release.
Several apps are early alpha or in development. Test the formats, export quality and reliability your work needs. Keep existing tools available for deadline-critical projects until you have verified your own workflow.
Version 1.0 includes a migration guide PDF, shortcut sheet PDF, twelve .cube LUTs, twelve .xmp presets, sixteen PNG brush tips, previews, a README, license and changelog. Video lessons are not included in v1.0.
No. Craft Switcher Kit is an independent guide and asset bundle. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by ArtCraft, Storyteller.ai or Adobe, and it does not include their software.
The kit costs $19 USD once, using Stripe or PayPal when purchases are open. After payment is confirmed, download the latest kit from your account. Free updates cover ArtCraft 1.x. Request a refund within fourteen days through account support; completed refunds end download access.
Checked 2026-10-14. Product facts come from the official sources below; migration suggestions are our editorial guidance.
Your tools can change.
Your creativity stays yours.
Craft Switcher