ART
What it is
ART is a free, open-source RAW image processor for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Derived from RawTherapee, it aims for a simpler interface while retaining processing power and quality. Editing options include layers, batch work, and local adjustments made with drawn or parametric masks. Metadata tools include optional reading and writing of XMP sidecar files. A plugin system supports custom input and output formats, including true HDR output.
For color workflows, ART supports ACES CLF LUTs through OpenColorIO and CTL scripts through the ACES CTL interpreter. It also has automatic perspective correction adapted from darktable. Users can connect outside programs through user commands; documented AI masking and denoising workflows rely on separate open-source tools, and the project says full AI-tool integration is unlikely in the foreseeable future. ART is licensed under GPLv3 and comes without a warranty. Stable binaries are linked from GitHub releases, with additional builds listed for Windows, openSUSE, Arch Linux, and notarized macOS. The project directs questions and bug reports to its GitHub issue tracker and discussion board.
For and against
For
- Free and open-source under GPLv3.
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Supports local edits with drawn or parametric masks.
- Plugin system includes true HDR output formats.
- Includes automatic perspective correction.
Against
- The project provides no warranty.
- Documented AI workflows use separate open-source tools.
- The project says full AI-tool integration is unlikely soon.
The verdict
ART offers a broad RAW-processing workflow across three desktop platforms, including local masks and format plugins. Its project caveats include no warranty and limited integration of AI tools.
Who it suits
ART may suit RAW-photo editors who want a free, cross-platform tool with layers, masks, batch editing, and configurable formats. Users seeking AI workflows should note that the documented options rely on separate tools.
Plans and prices
ART
Free, open-source raw image processing program · GPLv3
Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
On the record
- AI integration limit
- The project says full AI-tool integration is unlikely in the foreseeable future; the documented AI workflows use external tools and user commands.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The FAQ describes ART as a developer-led open-source project intended to be useful to a wider audience and says users should consider other free raw-processing tools too.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Batch editing
- Yesartraweditor.github.io · read 20 Sep 2026
- Color tools
- ART supports ACES CLF LUTs through OpenColorIO and CTL scripts through the ACES CTL interpreter.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Current release
- The home page lists version 1.26.9, released September 16, 2026.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The official downloads page links stable binaries from GitHub releases and lists third-party Windows, openSUSE, Arch Linux, and notarized macOS builds.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- External tools
- User commands can integrate external programs, and the official documentation describes optional AI masking and denoising workflows using separate open-source tools.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Image formats
- A plugin system supports custom input and output image formats, including true HDR output formats.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Layer editing
- Yesartraweditor.github.io · read 20 Sep 2026
- License
- ART is released under the GNU General Public License version 3.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Local editing
- It supports local edits with drawn and parametric masking modes.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Masking tools
- Yesartraweditor.github.io · read 20 Sep 2026
- Metadata
- It supports metadata handling and optional reading and writing of XMP sidecar files.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Perspective correction
- ART includes an automatic perspective correction tool adapted from darktable.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Platform
- multi-platformartraweditor.github.io · read 20 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- ART is a cross-platform raw image processor derived from RawTherapee, designed for a simpler interface while retaining its processing power and quality.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- RAW photo support
- Yesartraweditor.github.io · read 20 Sep 2026
- Support
- ART comes with no warranty; users can ask questions or report bugs through its GitHub issue tracker and discussion board.artraweditor.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
