Playbook by MediaBistro | Tools & Software for Creative Professionals
Adobe Creative Cloud offers the comprehensive professional toolkit used across creative industries, while Lunacy delivers a surprisingly capable free alternative with AI superpowers. Your choice depends on whether you need the full breadth of Adobe's ecosystem or prefer a lightweight, cost-free solution for vector design work.
Adobe Creative Cloud represents the professional standard in creative software, bringing together over 20 applications including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Adobe Express. The subscription grants access to the entire ecosystem, with seamless file compatibility across apps and cloud storage for working across devices.
The platform serves everyone from solo freelancers to enterprise teams, offering advanced features that push creative boundaries. Regular updates bring new capabilities, and the Creative Cloud Libraries system lets you share assets and maintain brand consistency across projects. The learning curve is steep, but the depth of tools available means virtually any creative vision can become reality.
Lunacy started as a Sketch file viewer for Windows and evolved into a full-featured vector design tool that works completely offline. The software includes built-in AI capabilities for background removal, image upscaling, and text generation without requiring internet connectivity or additional subscriptions.
Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, Lunacy targets designers who want a streamlined workflow without the complexity or cost of professional suites. The interface feels familiar to anyone who has used modern vector tools, and the software handles common design tasks from logo creation to UI mockups. The free pricing model makes it accessible for students, hobbyists, and small businesses watching their budgets.
20+ specialized apps covering photo editing, vector design, video, web design, and 3D
Single focused application for vector design and UI work
AI features in Photoshop (Generative Fill, Neural Filters) and Adobe Express
Built-in AI for background removal, image upscaling, avatar generation, and text creation
Apps work offline but require periodic online authentication
Fully functional offline including all AI features
Native support for PSD, AI, INDD files plus imports for Sketch and Figma
Opens Sketch files natively, imports AI and PSD files with varying fidelity
Cloud documents, shared libraries, commenting, and version history
Export and share files; limited native collaboration tools
Mac, Windows, iPad (select apps), web versions available
Mac, Windows, and Linux desktop applications
The pricing difference is stark and potentially decisive for budget-conscious users. Adobe's subscription delivers professional-grade tools across multiple disciplines, while Lunacy eliminates cost as a barrier entirely. For occasional users or single-purpose projects, the $720 annual Adobe commitment may be hard to justify when Lunacy meets basic needs at zero cost.
Adobe Creative Cloud remains the professional choice when your work demands the full spectrum of creative tools or when client collaboration requires industry-standard formats. The subscription cost buys you depth, compatibility, and the confidence that you can handle any creative challenge that comes through the door. Teams already invested in the Adobe ecosystem will find little reason to look elsewhere.
Lunacy makes a compelling case as the sensible alternative for designers with focused needs and tight budgets. The AI features punch above the software's weight class, and the offline functionality means you are never held hostage by internet connectivity. If your work centers on vector design, UI mockups, or icon creation, and you do not need the full Adobe arsenal, Lunacy delivers remarkable value at an unbeatable price point. The software proves that professional-quality design tools do not always require professional-tier subscriptions.
