Vibe-code a Photoshop alternative with Codex: 20K users
Rebuilding a pricey tool people resent paying for can attract users fast.
Figures as shared by the creator · Reddit, r/vibecoding (checked Oct 22, 2026), not verified · source
From @AsejereDaDeje on Reddit (r/vibecoding) · Oct 2026 · Share
The Short Version
How u/AsejereDaDeje reached 20K users with OpenAI Codex, according to Reddit (r/vibecoding).
- What: u/AsejereDaDeje spent over $2,000 on AI coding (Codex) to build a Photoshop replacement and cancel his own Adobe plan, then kept building from user feedback.
- Result: The app crossed 20,000 users, he says it supports 99% of Photoshop's features (as posted in r/vibecoding, Sep 24, 2026).
- Made with: OpenAI Codex
| Who | u/AsejereDaDeje |
|---|---|
| Tool | OpenAI Codex |
| Money | Not disclosed |
| Timeframe | Oct 2026 |
| Source | Reddit (r/vibecoding) |
| Self-reported | Yes (money figures); platform numbers checked |
The workflow
Made With
OpenAI CodexUse · OpenAI's coding agent for ChatGPT, your editor and the terminalTry OpenAI Codex AIMore CasesWhere & With What
What They Did
- 1The moveu/AsejereDaDeje spent over $2,000 on AI coding (Codex) to build a Photoshop replacement and cancel his own Adobe plan, then kept building from user feedback.
- 2Step 2Build one small app for one job
- 3Step 3Launch with an honest post
- 4ResultThe app crossed 20,000 users, he says it supports 99% of Photoshop's features (as posted in r/vibecoding, Sep 24, 2026).
Quick Answers
What tools do you need?
OpenAI Codex (openai's coding agent for chatgpt, your editor and the terminal).
How much does it cost?
OpenAI Codex is paid or trial-based. Check each tool's site for current prices.
Is it allowed?
Follow the platform rules and disclose ads.
Watch out: 20K users is reach, not revenue; the post does not share earnings.
Try It Yourself
(Our template, not the creator's prompt.) I want to build a small paid app that fixes one annoyance: [problem]. Write the feature list for version 1 (one job only), a 5-step build plan with an AI coding tool, and a short honest launch post.
Starter tools
Your first step
Open OpenAI Codex, paste the prompt above and swap the [brackets] for your own niche.
Full write-up & sources
Source: @AsejereDaDeje on Reddit (r/vibecoding) · Oct 2026. Summarised in our own words; figures as shared by the creator · Reddit, r/vibecoding (checked Oct 22, 2026), not verified. Updated .
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