vkdt
What it is
vkdt is a free, open-source workflow toolbox for processing raw still photographs and video on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its pipeline connects multiple inputs and outputs through a flexible node graph implemented with GLSL shaders and Vulkan. The maker emphasizes GPU-only processing and performance. Photography tools include colour management, noise profiling, a folder-based image database, automatic parameter optimisation, lens correction, local adjustments, and U-Net-based denoising. It supports real-time animation, timelapse, and raw-video work, including Magic Lantern MLV and MotionCam raw video. Documented inputs include JPEG, OpenEXR, raw stills, MLV, MotionCam raw video, and video. Exports include JPEG, JPEG XL, OpenEXR, PFM, H.264, ProRes, and video. A command-line utility uses export nodes instead of display nodes. A Vulkan-capable GPU is required; 4 GB of video RAM is recommended, or at least 8 GB for large graphs or images above 50 megapixels.
For and against
For
- Free and open-source workflow toolbox
- Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Node graph accepts multiple inputs and outputs
- Includes raw-video and timelapse workflows
- Offers command-line export processing
Against
- Requires a Vulkan-capable GPU
- 4 GB video RAM is recommended
- Large graphs may need at least 8 GB VRAM
- Some source files contain GPLv3 code
The verdict
vkdt combines node-based photo and video processing with GPU-focused performance and broad raw-media support. Its hardware requirement and technical workflow make it a specialized desktop option.
Who it suits
It suits photographers and video users handling raw files, timelapses, or animation on desktop operating systems. A Vulkan-capable GPU is required.
Plans and prices
vkdt
Free/open-source photography workflow toolbox
Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
On the record
- Command line
- vkdt includes a command-line utility, and its CLI replaces display nodes with export nodes.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The download page links to a source release, nightly AppImage, nightly Windows binaries and NixOS packages.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- File formats
- The module documentation lists inputs including JPEG, OpenEXR, raw stills, MLV, MotionCam raw video and video, plus outputs including JPEG, OpenEXR, JPEG XL and video.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- GPU performance
- The maker lists GPU-only processing as a feature and says the application is designed with high performance in mind.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Hardware requirements
- The maker says vkdt needs a Vulkan-capable GPU and recommends 4 GB of video RAM, or at least 8 GB for large graphs or images above 50 megapixels.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Licence
- The maker says the code is licensed under the 2-clause BSD licence unless otherwise marked, and notes that some source files contain GPLv3 code.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Photography features
- Listed features include colour management, noise profiling, a folder-based image database, automatic parameter optimisation and U-Net-based denoising.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Processing
- Its processing pipeline uses a flexible node graph with multiple inputs and outputs, implemented with GLSL shaders and Vulkan.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- vkdt is a workflow toolbox for processing raw still photographs and video.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to the #vkdt channel on oftc.net or the pixls.us discussion forum for support.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Video and animation
- The maker describes real-time support for animations, timelapses and raw video, including Magic Lantern MLV and MotionCam raw video inputs.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Website privacy
- The download page states that the website is JavaScript-, cookie- and tracker-free.jo.dreggn.org · read 2 Oct 2026
