Penpot
Close matchFree with paid extrasFree browser-based design tool for social posts, posters and layouts. Nothing to install and no Adobe account.
Your files: Cannot open Adobe Express projects. Imports SVG and PNG, and exports the same.
Does Adobe Express run on Linux?
Verdict: Yes
Yes. Adobe Express is a website first, so it works in Chrome or Firefox on Linux the same way it did on Windows, including the free plan. There is no Linux app to install and none is needed.
Adobe Express is the odd one out in Adobe's line-up. It was built to run in a browser, and Adobe's own page describes creating across a desktop browser and a phone rather than pushing an installer. Sign in on Linux with the same Adobe account and your templates, brand kit and saved projects are all there.
The free plan still works. Adobe lists Adobe Express Free at no cost with basic content creation tools and a limited allowance of generative AI credits, with paid tiers above it. None of that changes on Linux, because it is the same website.
Two small catches. Video export and the AI features lean on your internet connection rather than your computer, so a slow link is more noticeable than a slow machine. And the phone app is Android and iOS only, which is no different from Windows.
If you would rather not depend on an Adobe account at all, Penpot is a free browser design tool and Inkscape is a free installed one. Neither is laid out like Express, so there is some relearning.
What to use instead of Adobe Express
Inkscape
Different way of workingFreeFree installed drawing app. Better for logos and print artwork than for quick social templates.
Your files: No Express project support. Handles SVG, PDF and PNG.
GIMP
Different way of workingFreeFor photo-led graphics where Express was mostly doing crops, text overlays and resizing.
Your files: Opens JPEG, PNG, TIFF and .psd files.
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