At-Home Digital Creativity
Specialized digital creativity software available in Level Up is an invaluable part of your workflow, but when the Library is closed, what do you do when you can't access to it? Here is a list of some of our favorite alternatives to popular Level Up software that you can download and use at home, for free!
Photoshop Alternatives:
Photopea is an online photo editor with many of the features you use for most of your Photoshop projects. Photopea will have the tools you need from making quick selections, adjusting layers, to text tools and filters.
Krita is a great alternative for the brush tools you would use for digital painting and drawing in Photoshop. Features include a full suite of brush effects and adjustments to give you precise control and total creative freedom.
Illustrator Alternatives:
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor. This software can be used to create or edit vector graphics such as illustrations, diagrams, line arts, charts, logos, icons, and complex paintings.
Premiere/iMovie Alternatives:
Lightworks is a non-linear editing system with an interface similar to iMovie for editing and mastering digital video. It offers the widest native format support available, quick export to video hosting sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and tons of powerful, real-time effects with inbuilt presets.
Shotcut is a free and open-source cross-platform video editing application that supports hundreds of audio and video formats and codecs. You can edit audio, video, and apply effects just like in Premiere.
After Effects Alternatives:
Natron is a node-based compositing software application. This software allows for a wide array of effects applications to your video projects. It can track objects, rotoscope, remove your green screen background, and more.
Davinci Resolve is a video editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production tool. Whether you are looking to edit, color, or work with VFX, this is a terrific tool to complete your project.
Logic/Pro Tools Alternatives:
Audacity is an easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder. This app allows you to erase your mistakes, apply effects, and it has plugin integration for virtual instruments.
LMMS can arrange samples, synthesize audio effects, read MIDI instruments, and even track and sequence your music. It is a full-fledged digital audio workstation free of cost.
3D Modeling Tools:
Blender is an endlessly robust solution for both 2D and 3D creations. If you are looking to model, animate, create, or apply visual effects, sculpt, or simulate virtual environments this is the tool for you.
TinkerCAD is an incredibly easy-to-use web-based 3D modeling tool. Use this to build, place, cut, and mold your vision for a 3D object into reality.
Game Design Software:
Unity is a cross-platform game design engine used by professionals to produce interactive experiences and videogames alike. Use this tool to produce the next Untitled Goose Game, Beatsaber, or Cuphead.
Twine is an interactive storytelling application used to create self-contained adventures. Use it to tell a story with endless paths and uncounted endings. This is an excellent tool to create a choose-your-own-adventure or visual novel.