Free Software for development
Video Editing
- Simple yet packed with extensive features
- Has a built in tutorial
- I highly recommend it for everyone
- is 3D software but has a "Video Editing" mode built in
- As a video editor, it's hard to learn, but is extremely powerful, especially when it comes to animations and effects
- I only recommend it if you have specific animation needs
Photoshop
- Best choice for photo editing
- Capable for artwork and graphic art as well
- Best choice for artwork and graphic art
- Capable of photo edting as well
Illustrator
- Has much of the powerful vector editing features of Illustrator
3D animation
- Has much of the features of 3DS Max and Maya (sculpting, materials, 3D painting, deformations, rigging etc.)
- Is widely adopted, even in professional studios, and has many free tutorial videos
- Has been used in professional movies
- Has a fast GPU powered rendering mode called "Eevee" which none of the AAA software packages have - render animations in minutes, not hours
Music
- Best for composing music; has note editor, and instrument effects
- Best for recording live music and editing takes, layering recordings, mixing etc.
- Best for "chiptunes", loads and works with old "chiptune" music formats
- Costs $60 but it is a one off fee and does all of the above (can use it for free for 2 months)
- My personal choice for professional development, it is a breeze to work with and does everything I want
Audio editing
- Edit audio recordings, apply filters
- Supports multiple tracks
Pixel art
- Costs $30 but best choice for making retro-style artwork and animations, especially for video games
Programming
- Free student licence or $30
- Most fun to have making small retro styled games
- Built in programming, graphics editing, sound editing and music editing.
- Play its games in your web browser, check out the gallery on the website
