Tools for the work.
WHAT CATEGORIES ARE NEEDED
Photo editing Video editing Audio editing Graphic design Motion graphics
WHAT COMMERCIAL SUITES PROVIDE
Industry-standard tools, integration between them, and wide compatibility.
WHAT THEY COST
Continuing subscription, in foreign currency.
WHY THAT MATTERS HERE
Costs rise with exchange rates regardless of usage, and cancelling can lock files.
WHAT FREE AND OPEN OPTIONS PROVIDE
Capable alternatives in every category, sufficient for professional work.
WHAT EXISTS
A full photo editor A professional-grade video editor and colour tool An audio editor A vector design tool A page layout tool
WHAT THEY COST
Learning, and occasional compatibility friction with clients.
WHAT TO ASSESS
Whether clients require specific file formats.
WHY
Delivering files a client cannot open is a real problem.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What formats you must deliver, before choosing tools.
WHAT TO AVOID
Pirated software.
WHY
Legal exposure, malware, and files that fail at the worst moment.
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
Keeping working files openable in future.
WHAT TO EXPORT ALONGSIDE PROJECT FILES
A standard-format version of anything important.
