We Tried The New Photoshop Clone

Summary

The video reviews an early, free, open-source Photoshop clone, referred to inconsistently in the subtitles as Photopea and PhotoCraft. The project is described as a “clean-room” implementation based on Adobe’s public specifications and observed behavior, with no proprietary Adobe code. Its developer is also said to have created replacements for Illustrator, Premiere, Lightroom, After Effects, InDesign, and Acrobat.

A graphic designer tests the app by editing a Photoshop document. The interface looks familiar and can open Photoshop files, but many established Photoshop habits do not carry over: some keyboard shortcuts and controls behave differently, layer-panel interactions are limited, and text editing can be confusing. Adobe-synced fonts may not be available, and font browsing is less convenient. The reviewer also finds that a file saved by the clone will not open in the tested version of Photoshop.

Despite these rough edges, the app appears functional for basic image edits and casual projects. The designer concludes that it is not yet a professional Photoshop replacement, but could suit simple tasks such as making memes.

The video then discusses the broader implications of AI-assisted software analysis. Eric Raymond is cited as speculating that Photoshop may have been decompiled, though the creators describe their project as clean-room work, and the video does not establish that decompilation occurred. The presenter explains that traditional decompilers have existed for decades, but interpreting their output for large applications has been difficult. AI could make it easier to inspect software and reveal what data apps collect and where they send it.

The presenter says this capability is not yet fully realized, but argues that AI analysis could weaken the secrecy of closed-source software and help users investigate software on their own devices. The video characterizes Adobe software as spyware; this is the presenter’s stated view.

The video also promotes a Boston hackathon about investigating smart TVs for hidden spoilers.

Main Speakers and Sources

• Naomi Brockwell: Presenter and commentator on open-source software, AI, and privacy.
• Derek, the presenter’s graphic designer: Demonstrates the clone and gives an initial usability review.
• Eric Raymond: Cited for speculation about how the clone may have been made and for the argument that closed-source software may be losing its defensibility.
• The clone’s developers: Described as using public specifications and observed behavior in a clean-room project.