The Checklist
If the rest of this wiki hasn't scared you away from trying Linux, then you're probably intent on moving to it for a time to see if you'll like it. But before you even do that, it's important that you prepare yourself for the reality that comes with using Linux full time.
Linux has improved dramatically, but it undoubtedly has compromises and if you professional work with any of the following software, you'll want to be really honest with yourself about the potential concessions you may have to make. Here's a list of commonly requested programs and their equivalents ranked by ease-of-installation.
Office Suites (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Slideshows)
Libre Office
Libre office is Linux's best Microsoft suite alternative. It's free and retains nearly all of the Microsoft functionality. As a result, it has begun to be used as a replacement for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint by governments in Europe as well as the government of China. It also may look somewhat dated or ugly initially but thankfully can be themed and has a large number of community made themes.
Graphic Design
Gimp
Gimp is recommended often but anyone who actually does graphic design as a living will tell you that Gimp is seriously lacking, both in functionality and in having rational workflows or keybindings. In essence, DO NOT USE GIMP
Affinity
Thankfully, the Affinity suite is often available in community packages and is present in the community repos for the two biggest home distros: Fedora and Arch. Affinity is an actual Adobe replacement so if you need to find a substitute please just use this.
Music
DAW Availibility
The following DAWs currently have native Linux versions:
- Reaper
- Bitwig Studio
- Soon to be (FL Studio), disclaimer: this may not be available for a long time so at the bottom I'll list how to get a wider range of commercial DAWs working.
Plugins
Linux actually introduced a revised and improved native called JACK recently but most commonly used commercial plugins still use the Windows/MacOS formats VST2, VST3, and CLAP. When you need to use a program that is typically Windows exclusive you can use a tool known as WINE, experienced users will know about WINE but if you've ever owned a Steam Deck and wondered how Linux can play so many Windows games nowadays you've probably then heard of Proton.
Proton was created by Valve as a way to more quickly, easily, and comprehensively use WINE. As a result while Proton is normally aimed at games it can actually be used for anything on Windows. There will be a much deeper dive present in the WINE and Proton sections respectively but what matters is that there's a tool for music plugins called YaBridge. It essentially does what Proton does for games for music plugins! It will not work for everything but will cover most of the popular plugins with relative ease.
Basically, if you're looking for plugins check if it has a Linux version first than use YaBridge for anything else. (Also, use Github and Linux specific subreddits to look for more options as users are constantly making new, advanced, powerful, and good looking plugins all the time).
Video
Kdenlive
Kdenlive is KDE Plasma's native video editor and it's surprisingly capable sitting somewhere between Sony Vegas and Final Cut Pro. It's not as advanced as Adobe Premiere/After Effects or Avid Live but is good for most intermediate video work. If you do need a professional grade video editor though there is an option.
DaVinci Resolve
I'm very pleased to say that DaVinci Resolve is available on lots of distros (though whether it's system packages or User Repos requires you to check by distro). Just check to see if your distro supports it and if not you can always use a tool known as DistroBox.
Digital Art
Krita
Krita is actually owned by the KDE Plasma devs meaning that one of the biggest illustration tools used by digital artists is native on Linux by default.
3d Modeling/Animation
Blendr
Blendr is also natively on Linux and like Krita is available in Flatpaks, making it very easy to install and use. Use sytem packages for both if you prefer though.
Games
Games are a huge deal for the average user and so there's lots of work already put out there to try and bridge the gap for users wanting more options.
Because of this Games will reserve their own page so I can cover them in-depth.
