These are notable programs I've used over the years. Some can be great tools to start with for any kind of creative projects.
Software
Video
VEGAS Pro💵
2017 - Present
A powerful video editing program. I mean, what can I say? It's pretty good at what it does, and every YouTuber uses it...or at least that was mostly true back in the day. I know there's probably better alternatives now, but my workflow is so heavily integrated with this that I don't see myself switching any time soon.
OBS Studio⭐
2018 - Present
A free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. Absolute cinema, highly recommended. I may have had trouble getting used to it initially, but with a little bit of tinkering, you can truly make it your own. It also has community supported plugins and tools to extend functionality.
Honorable Mentions:
PowerDirector - Beginner-friendly video editing software I used from 2017-2018. Shoutout to my step-dad for buying it for me.
Blender - A free and open source 3D graphics software I used from 2017-2020. I used it for pre-made templates for channel intros, and it also has a built-in video editor. I tried it briefly in 2017, but it might not be the best one to start with?
Windows Movie Maker - My first video editing software that I used from 2016-2017. It was very limited and I had to do some 'outside the box' thinking in some cases, but it served me well — especially for those videos gaining thousands of views.
Photo
GIMP⭐
2017 - Present
A great alternative to Photoshop. I use this for creating thumbnails, cover arts, or any kind of photo manipulation. There's always been some stigma online for using this, and I can somewhat understand why, but it was never a horrible option. In fact, I'd say they really stepped up their game with the 3.0 update (i waited 7 years for non-destructive editing, acknowledge my patience.) But yeah, you can make some great stuff with this, I'd recommend it.
Inkscape⭐
2019 - Present
A free and open-source vector-based graphics editor. I use this either on its own or in tandem with GIMP, when needed. When I was using Adobe Illustrator in my digital art class during high school, I wondered if there were any free alternatives that I could use for my own projects. That's when I found Inkscape, and it's been useful for creating logos and artworks.
Honorable Mentions:
Blender - A free and open source 3D graphics software I used from 2017-2020. Used for thumbnails.
Pixlr - An online photo editor I used from 2016-2017. Used for thumbnails.
BeFunky - An online photo editor I used from 2016-2017. Used for thumbnails.
Audio
FL Studio💵
2024 - Present
A powerful digital audio workstation. After many years using LMMS, I wanted an upgrade for more faster and efficient music production, and I'd say it's a worthy investment. And there's lifetime free updates, who doesn't love that?
LMMS⭐
2018 - 2024
A free and open-source digital audio workstation. This was my main program to create instrumentals for the longest time. There's a bit of a learning curve, but that's to be expected from any kind of DAW, especially if you're starting out. I'd recommend using the nightly build, as that's currently where the focus is, but expect fluctuating stability.
Audacity⭐
2016 - Present
A free and open-source audio editing software. It's a simple program that anyone can use for recording and editing audio. And for a time, I even used it to make beats...but it was very unorthodox. I think it's easier now to do it if you wanted to, but to think I made a popular song with it lol!
Adobe Audition💵
2019 - Present
A powerful audio editing software. I mainly use it for recording vocals and mastering.
Misc
Notesnook⭐
2024 - Present
A free and open-source note-taking software. I use it for writing scripts for videos, lyrics, and personal notes in general. I discovered it after being fed up with my old phone's built-in notes app, and it's been a lifesaver.
The following is a list of things that I personally use, and not necessarily for the EDX project.
Obsidian✨
2025 - Present
A flexible note-taking software. I use it for writing and worldbuilding crap that'll scorch my brain neurons if I don't jot them down within the next 5 minutes.
Jellyfin⭐
2024 - Present
A free and open-source self-hosted media server. I use it for archiving videos with friends.
Navidrome⭐
2025 - Present
A free and open-source self-hosted music server that I've used since 2025. That's one paid subscription down!
VSCodium⭐
2025 - Present
An free and open-source IDE that I've used since 2025. Basically VSCode, but without the proprietary Microsl-...oh and it's also how I made this website!
Websites
/Meta%20(Obsidian)/TIG%20Nodes.png)
The Integral Guide✨
2024 - Present
A free online resource of mental health tools, practices, and insights.
FMHY⭐
2024 - Present
A website I've used since 2024 with the largest collection of free stuff on the internet. You could spend hours looking through it. You might even find it useful to you...