If you're looking for alternatives to expensive Mac software, here are some safe, open-source or freemium options:

If a site asks you to update Flash or your browser to download a file, it is a virus.

| Paid Software | Free/Low-Cost Alternative | License Type | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) | Open Source | | Adobe Illustrator | Inkscape or Vectornator (now Linearity Curve) | Free / Freemium | | Microsoft Office | LibreOffice or Apple iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) | Open Source / Free | | Final Cut Pro | DaVinci Resolve (Hollywood-grade editing) | Free (Studio paid) | | AutoCAD | FreeCAD or QCAD | Open Source / Free | | Parallels Desktop | VMware Fusion Player (Personal Use) | Free | | CleanMyMac X | Onyx (Free maintenance tool) | Freeware | | Adobe Lightroom | Darktable or RawTherapee | Open Source | | Logic Pro X | GarageBand (by Apple) or Cakewalk | Free / Limited | | Microsoft Windows (VM) | UTM (based on QEMU) | Open Source |

The following sites are often cited by users in communities like r/Piracy and r/macapps as being more reliable due to active moderation and uploader verification systems: The Pirate Bay

Typical instructions from these sites:

Searching for "verified" cracked software on macOS is inherently risky, as these files are frequently used to distribute malware like the Atomic macOS Stealer

Malicious code that uses your Mac’s powerful M-series chip to mine cryptocurrency, slowing down your system. Bypassed Security: To install these apps, you often have to disable Gatekeeper System Integrity Protection (SIP) , leaving your entire OS vulnerable. Why Join the Navy if You Can Be a Pirate? - Gen Digital