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Free and Open Source Software

Free alternatives to paid software.

Audio Tools

Audacity

Audacity is a free and open source audio recorder and editor that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can be used to create podcasts, make ringtones, do voiceovers, and transform media from one format to another. It is incredibly versatile, and can be used for some of the functions of Adobe Audition, Sound Forge, and GarageBand.

MuseScore

MuseScore is a scorewriter for Windows, macOS, and Linux, comparable to Finale and Sibelius. It claims to be the world's most popular notation software. It has been involved in a number of intriguing crowd-sourced music projects.

Video Tools

DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a video editor that includes features for color correction, audio mixing, and creation of visual effects. It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is a free alternative to Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, and other video editors. While the paid version has more features, the free version is sufficient for many users.

HandBrake

HandBrake is a free and open-source transcoder for digital video files. It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux, and can be used to convert video files from one format to another. As one of the most popular video transcoders, it has a lot of tutorials and support for advanced features.

Kodi

Kodi is a free and open-source media player software application. It was developed by the XBMC Foundation. It features a 10 foot user interface for use with televisions and remote controls. It can be used with most streaming media, such as videos, music, and podcasts, and has many customizable features. It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. It includes presets for many popular websites like Twitch, Youtube, and Facebook and is often used to stream games. It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Streamlabs

Streamlabs OBS is a user-friendly free and open source live stream software that is often used for gaming and is compatible with Twitch, Youtube, and other popular formats. It supports interaction with viewers and a number of widgets. It also includes a mobile app. A paid upgrade includes additional features. It works with Windows and Mac.

VLC

VLC Media Player is a free and open-source cross-platform media player software. It will play most multimedia files and works with Windows, Mac, and Linux.