Key points
- Brandon Thomas added three new apps to the ArtCraft suite on GitHub.
- The tools are GridCraft, DeckCraft, and WordCraft, targeting Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- The software runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux without emulation layers.
Brandon Thomas has released three new open-source applications designed to replicate Microsoft Office tools. According to Tom's Hardware, the developer added GridCraft, DeckCraft, and WordCraft to his ArtCraft project on GitHub. These apps serve as free alternatives to Excel, PowerPoint, and Word respectively. Users can download the software immediately without paying for subscriptions.
In plain English
The new applications aim to provide the same user experience across different operating systems. Tom's Hardware notes that while Adobe software requires compatibility layers on Linux, ArtCraft tools run across all three platforms while giving an identical user experience regardless of OS. This cross-platform support allows users to maintain consistent workflows regardless of their computer's operating system. The software is built to achieve parity with original programs.
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The background
Brandon Thomas is a software engineer with fifteen years of experience, according to Tom's Hardware. He previously gained attention for creating free open-source clones of Adobe applications. The developer responded to criticism about AI-generated code on his X account, asserting his coding skills. The ArtCraft project has grown into a suite of creative tools that challenge subscription-based business models.
What changes now
The release expands the ArtCraft ecosystem beyond creative applications into productivity software. Tom's Hardware reports that the Discord community is growing rapidly, with users requesting more tools. CADcraft is frequently discussed by engineering enthusiasts who dislike Autodesk. The new Office clones continue Thomas's pattern of creating free alternatives to major proprietary software suites.
What to do and how to stay safe: ArtCraft
- Check the official ArtCraft GitHub repository to download the latest versions of GridCraft, DeckCraft, and WordCraft.
- Verify that the software meets your specific compatibility needs for Windows, macOS, or Linux before installing.
- Review the open-source license to understand usage rights and limitations for your personal or professional work.
- Monitor the ArtCraft Discord community for updates, bug reports, and feature requests from other users.
Step-by-step guide: Smartphone Security Updates for Small Business Operations
General security guidance from the Patch Review newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Are these Microsoft Office clones free to use?
Yes, Brandon Thomas released GridCraft, DeckCraft, and WordCraft as free open-source software on GitHub.
Do these apps work on Linux systems?
Yes, Tom's Hardware states that ArtCraft tools run across Windows, macOS, and Linux without extra emulation.
Who created these new software applications?
Brandon Thomas, a software engineer known for previous Adobe clones, developed these tools using Claude.
