Free and open first

Best Content Creation tools in 2026

Software in this category lets you create, revise, and export digital work. This list is for people choosing software on a budget, whether they create alone or with a team.

31 apps
Research read 28 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Blender
by Blender
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

Blender brings a wide range of 3D and animation tools into one free, open-source desktop application.

8.9 Free plan Visit site
2

Adobe Express Video
by Adobe Express Video
Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+4

7.7 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
3

Adobe Firefly
by Adobe Firefly
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+1

Firefly combines image generation and editing with mobile access, Adobe integrations, and Content Credentials. The free plan is limited, and paid-plan prices are not provided.

7.6 Free plan Visit site
4

Adobe Photoshop
by Adobe Photoshop
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

Photoshop brings detailed image editing, compositing, and generative tools together across several platforms.

7.6 7-day trial Visit site
5

Adobe Premiere
by Adobe Premiere
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

7.5 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
6

Audacity
by Audacity
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

Audacity offers a broad set of desktop audio editing tools without a subscription. Its lack of a mobile version and MIDI sequencing may matter to some users.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
7

CapCut

Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

CapCut brings a broad set of editing and AI tools to mobile, desktop, and web, with a free plan and 4K export.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
8

Figma
by Figma
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

Figma covers several collaborative product and presentation workflows, with free and paid options. Check Starter's file and page limits and the billing terms for the plan or seat you need.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $12/user/mo (annual) Visit site
9

DaVinci Resolve

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

DaVinci Resolve covers a wide range of post-production work, with a free tier and a $295 Studio edition.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $295 Visit site
10

Descript
by Descript
Free plan MacWebWindows

Descript combines transcript-based editing with recording, AI assistance, and team collaboration. Its free plan has monthly usage and export limits, while paid plans start at $16/user/mo (annual).

7.2 Free plan · paid from $16/user/mo (annual) Visit site
11

Canva
by Canva
Free plan MacWindows

Canva combines a broad set of visual design tools with templates, exports, and collaboration.

7.1 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
12

Copy.ai
by Copy.ai
Free plan APIWeb

Choose Copy.ai if your team wants one platform for go-to-market workflows, sales prospecting, and marketing content, with integrations and brand voice controls.

7.1 Free plan · paid from $24/mo (annual) Visit site
13

InVideo AI

Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+2

Pick InVideo AI if you need text-to-video or image-to-video creation, AI avatars, and support for commercial use. The free plan has a weekly quota reset, while Ultra’s listed price is billed annually.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
14

Krita
by Krita
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1

Krita combines painting, animation, color-management, and plugin tools in a free, open-source program. Check the platform and memory requirements, particularly if you need an iPad or iPhone app.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
15

ElevenLabs
by ElevenLabs
Free plan APIWeb

7.0 Free plan · paid from $6/mo Visit site
16

GIMP
by GIMP
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

GIMP combines photo editing, artwork creation, and scripting tools in a free multi-platform program. Check the stated platform requirements and RAW support limitation against your needs.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
17

VEED
by VEED
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+1

VEED brings video creation, editing, subtitles, translation, and branding tools together across web and mobile.

7.0 Free plan · paid from $9/mo (annual) Visit site
18

GarageBand

Free plan iPhoneMac

GarageBand offers music creation, lessons, and sharing at no cost across Apple devices. Mac supports up to 255 tracks, while the iOS version supports up to 32.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
19

OpenShot Video Editor
by OpenShot Video Editor
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

OpenShot offers a broad set of desktop editing, effects, title, and recording tools under a free plan. Its listed platforms exclude browser-based and mobile editing.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
20

Rytr

Free plan APIExtensionWeb

Rytr combines short-form writing tools with tone matching, plagiarism checks and an API. The free plan has a monthly character cap; paid plans start at $7.50 a month.

6.9 Free plan · paid from $7.50/mo Visit site
21

Wondershare Filmora

Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

Filmora combines timeline editing, AI creation and analysis, and a large listed asset library.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
22

Adobe Illustrator
by Adobe Illustrator
Free trial iPhoneMacWeb+1

Illustrator covers detailed vector drawing, typography, pattern, recoloring, and AI-assisted creation across desktop, mobile, and web access.

6.5 7-day trial Visit site
23

Adobe InDesign

Free trial APIMacSelf-hosted+1

Choose InDesign for desktop page layout when you need its range of publishing formats, typography controls, and Adobe app integrations.

6.5 7-day trial Visit site
24

Adobe After Effects
by Adobe After Effects
Free trial MacWindows

After Effects focuses on animation and visual effects, with useful links to Premiere and Photoshop workflows.

6.3 7-day trial Visit site
25

Affinity Designer

Free plan MacWindows

6.1 Free plan Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Before selecting, review each option's free tier, entry paid price, and trial terms. Check content formats, AI generation, collaboration, export formats, supported platforms, and whether an open-source licence fits your needs.

Questions

Do content creation tools have free plans?

A free plan is offered by tools on this list. Check the plan details to see what you can use without paying.

Can I try a paid content tool before buying?

A free trial is offered by tools on this list. Review the trial length and payment terms before starting.

Which platforms can these tools run on?

This list covers macOS, Windows, web, iOS, Android, and API access. Check the tool's entry for its platforms.

What should I compare besides price?

Look at content formats, AI generation, team collaboration, export formats, supported platforms, and the terms for free plans and trials.

Are open-source options available?

Open-source code is available from listed tools. Review the licence if you need to inspect, modify, or redistribute that code.

Questions

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