Developer Uses AI and Rust to Build Free Clones of Adobe and Microsoft Suites

A software engineer has expanded an open-source initiative designed to replicate costly proprietary software ecosystems using artificial intelligence and the Rust programming language. Developer Brandon Thomas, who previously released a collection of tools aimed at substituting Adobe's creative suite, has now launched applications built to mimic core Microsoft Office programs.

According to a report by Mashable Tech (https://mashable.com/tech/adobe-creative-suite-clone-app-maker-takes-on-microsoft-office), Thomas released WordCraft, DeckCraft, and GridCraft as alternatives to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. The new additions join earlier releases including SoundCraft, DesignCraft, and CADCraft, as well as his initial Adobe-focused roster: PhotoCraft, FilmCraft, EffectCraft, PdfCraft, VectorCraft, and LightCraft.

Thomas, initially known on Reddit under the handle u/ai_art_is_art before tech outlet Tom's Hardware reported his identity, wrote the applications in Rust with substantial assistance from generative AI. While Thomas runs ArtCraft as a commercial brand for AI art tools, he has framed the software clones as open-source projects and invited community members to contribute code.

The rapid rollout has sparked controversy in developer and creative communities. While Thomas has clarified that he is an experienced programmer, critics on Reddit and other platforms have cited concerns over cybersecurity risks, the long-term reliability of AI-generated code, and the feasibility of a single developer overseeing dozens of complex software applications. Several subreddits removed discussions of the tools following disputes over coding ethics and automated development.

Conversely, supporters view the software as a pushback against dominant subscription models, pointing to long-standing consumer frustration with licensing costs and difficult cancellation processes at established vendors such as Adobe. The project reflects wider experimentation with AI-assisted software development, where automated tooling is increasingly applied to software reverse-engineering and recreation.