Ditching Adobe CC . . . what next?

[profmjh]

I have an annual subscription to Adobe CC — this is my second year and I will have spent around £360 total on it by the end of the year.

This is nuts, because — although I do use it — I use it rarely. I did one major project on it two years ago and then very little since.

What can I transition to that’s cheaper/free? Are there options that will allow me to open InDesign files? Or, can I export my InDesign files in some format that might make them editable?

I don’t want to keep sending £15 a month to Adobe for no real reason.

 

[robgendreau]

Search here, or preferable in the Digital Photography forum. It's been discussed perhaps more than any other subject there. Lots of other people want your money, and there are even free alternatives. If search doesn't cut it, a much more detailed explanation of your needs would help avoide people just arguing over what they like.

InDesign is a whole 'nother kettle of fish. Try the Design and Graphics forum for that. Again, describe your needs esp if you're trying for free or low cost alternatives.

 

[xylitol]

Do you only use InDesign occasionally? Then why aren't you on a monthly plan (£30/mo/single app) at those times when you use it?
If you don't really need the power of InDesign, you could try Swift Publisher. (I don't know about file conversions or the most practical file formats, sorry.)

 

[Tech198]

I have an annual subscription to Adobe CC — this is my second year and I will have spent around £360 total on it by the end of the year.

This is nuts, because — although I do use it — I use it rarely. I did one major project on it two years ago and then very little since.

What can I transition to that’s cheaper/free? Are there options that will allow me to open InDesign files? Or, can I export my InDesign files in some format that might make them editable?

I don’t want to keep sending £15 a month to Adobe for no real reason.

subscription services, to me, are a waste if u rarly use something. On the other hand if u get the most out of it, its cheaper than paying for a full blown package u get at the stores, or digital download. Probably even more of a saving if u use it in a "team".

Many Adobe packages subscriptions have individual options only for the product u use the most

You'll save money

 

[kissymac7]

Hi, try affinity photo/ affinity design. They soon should be releasing a indesign competitor. The softwares run 50 bucks and you can own them.

What do you mainly do? I know a fee other software alternatives I use that are pretty good

 

[shinji]

Scribus might work for you https://www.scribus.net

It's free and open source.

 

[zhenya]

The learning curve of figuring out what new software to use in replacement, how to use it to suit your needs, and the extra time you may spend searching for help every time you get stuck with a less commonly used piece of software would seem to tilt the economics in favor of paying Adobe pretty quickly. I mean 360 pounds over 2 years is pretty cheap as business expenses go. What's your time worth in comparison?

I agree with the other suggestions to just turn on and off the software subscriptions as you need them. That's the cost-effective way of using this kind of software, but they know most people won't do it.

 

[960design]

I have an annual subscription to Adobe CC — this is my second year and I will have spent around £360 total on it by the end of the year.

This is nuts, because — although I do use it — I use it rarely. I did one major project on it two years ago and then very little since.

What can I transition to that’s cheaper/free? Are there options that will allow me to open InDesign files? Or, can I export my InDesign files in some format that might make them editable?

I don’t want to keep sending £15 a month to Adobe for no real reason.

I ditched Adobe the moment CC started and I had over 10 years experience with Adobe Design products.

I switched to:
Pixelmator ( for quick edits )
Sketch ( layout designs )
Affinity Photo
Affinity Designer

Affinity products are more powerful, but for most of what I need Pixelmator and Sketch are my go to programs. I just have more experience with them. I do enjoy Affinity power though.

You have convinced me. I'm getting back into Affinity.