Sick of overpaying on Adobe? This free program works just as well

Adobe Illustrator is one of the best photo editing and graphic design programs money can buy. Depending on your plan, you may have to spend $20.99/mo on Illustrator. Luckily, we found the best free alternative to Adobe Illustrator in Inkscape.

You can use Inkscape to edit pictures, convert photos into vector images and even create your own artwork for NFTs. Tap or click here for everything you need to know about NFTs.

It’s an open-source graphics software that comes with a ton of drawing tools. Plus, its interface is even more accessible than Illustrator. Here’s all you need to know about this free program that works like Adobe Illustrator.

Kim’s a big fan of Inkscape

If you’re paying for Adobe Illustrator, you can cancel your subscription. You can get pretty much the same tools for free with Inkscape. Illustrator is the gold standard, but we recommend making the switch if you want more dollars in your pocket.

It’s been around for a long time, so there are tons of YouTube tutorials on how to use it. Here’s a quick one.

You can create logos, infographics, posters and flyers. It’s mainly used by people who want to create artwork, but photographers, marketers and graphic designers will also find it helpful.

If you aren’t focused on illustration and are more into photo editing, you might want to check out GIMP or Pixlr. They’re both great for serious photo editing. Tap or click here for our guide on powerful, free, easy-to-use photo editing software.

When researching the best free alternative to Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape is one of many programs. Here’s a quick comparison of Inkscape vs. Canva, another popular editing program that’s 100% free.

How Inkscape stacks up against other free design programs

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Free app to make smartphones easier to use for older folks

Your Android phone comes with many hidden features and tricks. Whether it’s a shortcut or an easier way to accomplish a task, there’s always something new to discover.

Did you know that you can set your Android phone to automatically lock depending on whether or not it’s moving or where it is currently located? Tap or click here to check out some of the best Android features you may not know about.

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Beep! Ding! Buzz!

The other day, I was at a friend’s house, and she used her microwave as a timer. I’m all for multitasking, but come on — terrible interface, beeping buttons and you have to walk across the room to turn it off! Forget that. Get one of these instead. 

  • Digital: Set your timer easily by rotating this model’s big, bright screen. Read: No repeated button pressing! It’s magnetic, too, so you can stick it to your fridge or exhaust hood. Grab it on sale now for 30% off ($14.03)
  • Visual: Countdown timers are usually seen in classrooms, but I find them useful for tracking time left! This one maxes out at an hour, so it’s perfect for quick timers. Plus, it’s 33% off ($16.14) and comes in 14 fun colors.
  • Verbal: I used to joke that in our house, Alexa was mostly an expensive kitchen timer, but honestly, she’s a great kitchen timer (no hands!) and not that expensive. This colorful Echo Dot is 50% off ($19.99) and available in four great colors. Love the teal!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

How to get the new and improved Windows Media Player

If you have been around computers for a while, there is a good chance that Windows Media Player was your preferred application for music listening. Everybody has now shifted towards streaming, and you can even see your most-played songs of the year in Spotify and Apple Music.

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So long, Google Play Music - Your guide to YouTube Music

If you were a Google Play Music subscriber, it’s time to say your goodbyes. The company announced Google Play Music is ending and will be transitioned over to YouTube Music. If you’re confused about how this change will work and exactly how YouTube Music works, we’ve got answers!

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Facebook's redesigned site is here - and soon there's no going back

Change can be tough. As humans, we grow accustomed to seeing the same things over and over in our daily lives, and anything that switches up our routines can feel intrusive or frustrating.

Think about the last time you had to learn a new software program or figure out how to navigate through a new computer. Chances are, it took a while to get used to before things felt seamless and routine, right? Ever wanted to write computer code? Tap or click here for free coding lessons from Microsoft.

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If you miss Windows Movie Maker, try this free alternative

For those who don’t want to pay for software, there are always open-source programs to turn to. Some of them are actually better and more user-friendly than their costly counterparts. But where do you start?

First, decide what program you like, but wish wasn’t so expensive — like Photoshop. This expensive program offers tons of features, but if you’re not a professional, is it really worth the price? Tap or click here for free alternatives to Photoshop.

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