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darktable
What it is
darktable is a free photography workflow application for managing digital negatives and developing raw images. It keeps images in a database and provides a zoomable lighttable, while its editing process leaves original images unchanged. It imports standard, raw and high dynamic range formats, including JPEG, CR2, NEF, HDR, PFM and RAF. Color features include automatic display-profile detection on most systems and built-in ICC profiles for sRGB, Adobe RGB, XYZ and linear RGB. Many image operations can use OpenCL GPU acceleration, and tethered shooting with live view is available for some camera brands. Export choices include disk storage, email attachments, Piwigo webalbums and HTML-based galleries; many aspects can be scripted in Lua. Optional AI features include object masking, denoising and upscaling, but the Flatpak release does not include them as of September 2026. Downloads are available for Windows, macOS and Linux/Unix options. macOS bundles require version 13.5 or later. The project notes that its learning curve can be steep.
For and against
For
- Non-destructive editing leaves original images unchanged.
- Imports standard, raw and high dynamic range formats.
- Many operations can use OpenCL GPU acceleration.
- Exports include galleries, disk storage and email.
- Optional AI tools include masking and denoising.
Against
- Flatpak does not include AI features.
- macOS bundles require version 13.5 or later.
- DCP camera profiles are not supported.
- Presets from other programs are incompatible.
The verdict
darktable offers a free workflow for organizing and developing images, with broad format support and non-destructive edits. Consider the learning curve, platform requirements and feature limits of the Flatpak release before choosing it.
Who it suits
darktable suits photographers who want a free, multi-platform raw-processing workflow and control over editing. Its project notes that learning the software can take effort.
Plans and prices
darktable
Open source photography workflow application and raw developer · GPL version 3 or later
Read 29 Sep 2026 · darktable.org
On the record
- AI features
- AI features are opt-in and disabled by default; they support tasks including object masking, denoising, and upscaling.docs.darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- AI packaging limit
- The Flatpak release does not include darktable’s AI features, as of September 2026.darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- AI retouching
- Yesdarktable.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Automation
- Many aspects of darktable can be scripted in Lua.darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Batch editing
- Yesdarktable.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Cloud sync
- Nodarktable.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Color management
- It supports automatic display profile detection on most systems and built-in ICC profiles for sRGB, Adobe RGB, XYZ, and linear RGB.darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Editing
- Editing is non-destructive and leaves original images unchanged.darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Export and integrations
- The export system supports Piwigo webalbums, disk storage, email attachments, and HTML-based web galleries.darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Formats
- It imports standard, raw, and high dynamic range formats, including JPEG, CR2, NEF, HDR, PFM, and RAF.darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- GPU processing
- Many image operations can use GPU acceleration through OpenCL.darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes darktable as a flexible raw-processing toolbox that leaves users in control of their workflow and notes that its learning curve can be steep.darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- macOS requirement
- The provided macOS bundles support macOS versions starting with 13.5 (Ventura).darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Masking tools
- Yesdarktable.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Notable limits
- The FAQ says darktable does not support DCP camera profiles and that presets from other programs are not compatible.darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Platform
- multi-platformdarktable.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Platform downloads
- The install page provides Windows installers and macOS disk images, and points to Linux/Unix source, AppImage, package manager, and Flatpak options.darktable.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- RAW photo support
- Yesdarktable.org · read 20 Sep 2026
