Brandon Thomas Releases Open-Source Microsoft Office Clones via ArtCraft GitHub

Brandon Thomas, the developer behind the ArtCraft suite of open-source creative tools, has announced the release of three new applications designed to replicate Microsoft Office functionality. According to Tom's Hardware, these tools are named GridCraft for Excel, DeckCraft for PowerPoint, and WordCraft for Word. Thomas made the code available for public download on the ArtCraft GitHub repository, positioning them as free alternatives to established commercial software.

Root cause

The development stems from Thomas’s desire to offer alternatives to what he describes as predatory subscription models employed by major technology vendors. Tom's Hardware reports that Thomas, who has 15 years of engineering experience, created these specific clones following the popularity of his previous Adobe alternatives. The move is characterised by the outlet as both a functional expansion of the ArtCraft suite and a targeted protest against business practices that force users into recurring payments for overlapping features.

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Attack path

These applications are distributed as open-source software through the ArtCraft GitHub account. Tom's Hardware notes that Thomas shared the new clones directly on this platform, allowing any user to download the code freely. The distribution method relies on the transparency of the GitHub ecosystem, contrasting with the closed-source nature of the Microsoft products they emulate. There is no indication of a supply-chain compromise or malicious intent in the release mechanism described by the source.

Affected versions

The source material does not specify version numbers for GridCraft, DeckCraft, or WordCraft. It only confirms that these are the current iterations released by Brandon Thomas on the ArtCraft GitHub repository. No previous versions or release candidates are mentioned in the reports from Tom's Hardware or Neowin.

Mitigation

• Verify the authenticity of the GitHub repository before downloading any code.
• Review the source code for potential vulnerabilities before deploying in production environments.
• Test the applications in isolated sandbox environments to assess compatibility with existing file formats.
• Monitor the ArtCraft Discord community for user-reported issues or stability concerns.

What it means for organisations

Operations teams should evaluate whether open-source alternatives align with their licensing strategies and compliance requirements. Procurement departments need to assess the long-term viability and support structure of community-driven projects versus commercial vendors. Security teams must verify that any adopted code meets internal standards for data handling and integrity. Leadership should be informed about the potential cost savings against the risks of adopting unvetted, rapidly developed software.

What to do and how to stay safe: ArtCraft

• Audit current software subscriptions to identify overlaps with free open-source alternatives.
• Check if the organisation’s IT policy permits the use of user-submitted GitHub repositories.
• Ensure that any data migrated to new formats is backed up before full adoption.
• Monitor vendor communications for changes in subscription terms or feature deprecations.

General security guidance from the TechSec Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Who created the new Microsoft Office alternatives?

Brandon Thomas, the developer of the ArtCraft suite, created GridCraft, DeckCraft, and WordCraft.

Are these applications free to use?

Yes, Thomas has shared the clones on GitHub, making them free for all to download according to Tom's Hardware.

Do these apps run on Linux?

The source material states that ArtCraft tools can run across Windows, macOS, and Linux with an identical user experience.