- Open-source programs are free to use, and their code is open for others to inspect and improve.
- Download only from the official website of each project.
- Free tools can handle much of a creator’s workflow, so start with these before paying.
The short answer
Many professional-quality creative tools are free. Some are open source, which means the programming code is public and the community helps to improve them. Others are free but not open source. This guide lists well-known options for musicians and creators, and explains how to download them safely. To understand the idea, see open source explained.
Audio and music
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Audacity | Free, open-source audio recorder and editor |
| Ardour | Open-source digital audio workstation for recording and mixing |
| LMMS | Open-source music production program for making beats and tracks |
| MuseScore | Open-source notation software for writing and printing sheet music |
| Surge XT | Open-source synthesiser plug-in |
Some popular free DAWs are not open source. See choosing music production software to compare options, and choose a laptop for music production for hardware.
Video and streaming
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| OBS Studio | Open-source program for recording and live streaming |
| Kdenlive | Open-source video editor |
| Shotcut | Open-source video editor |
| VLC | Open-source player that opens almost any media file |
| HandBrake | Open-source tool for converting video files |
For phone editing, read video editing on a phone.
Images and design
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| GIMP | Open-source photo editor |
| Krita | Open-source digital painting program |
| Inkscape | Open-source vector graphics editor for logos and posters |
| Blender | Open-source 3D, animation and video editing suite |
Use these to make cover art, posters and social media graphics. See take better photos with your smartphone for photo tips.
Safe downloading
- Search for the tool’s official website, and avoid ads and copycat sites.
- Check the address carefully before you download.
- Avoid cracked or pirated software. It often contains malware. See fake apps and malware.
- Keep the program updated.
- Read what the program is allowed to do on your computer.
Understand licences
- Open-source licences usually allow you to use, share and modify the software.
- Some licences have rules about how you share changes.
- You still own the music, images and videos you create with the tools, but check any rules for sounds, fonts and effects that come with them.
- Free plug-ins and sample packs have their own licences. Read them, especially before commercial release. See how to protect your music copyright.
Support the projects you use
- Donate if you can.
- Report bugs politely and share tutorials.
- Tell friends about tools that help you.
- Learn more about contributing in open source explained.
Choosing between free and paid
Free tools are a great start, but paid tools sometimes offer polished workflows, support or bigger sound libraries. Use free options until you hit a clear limit. Then pay only for what solves a real problem.
Quick checklist
- Download from official websites only
- Avoid cracked software
- Learn each tool’s licence
- Back up your projects. See back up your phone and laptop
- Support the projects you rely on
Key points to remember
A creator with a laptop and the right free tools can produce music, video and artwork of professional quality. Start with one tool at a time and learn it well.
