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darktable

Free, open-source photo workflow app and raw developer with non-destructive editing.

Try darktable (opens the darktable website in a new tab)

Our verdict

For photographers who shoot raw and want a free lighttable and darkroom with colour management. Skip it if you need layer-based compositing or graphic design.

What it does well

  • Free and open source under GPL 3.0
  • Non-destructive raw development; originals are never modified
  • Manages a photo library and can use your GPU to speed up processing

Where it falls short

  • No official macOS release for Intel Macs
  • Aimed at raw development, not layer-based compositing or painting
  • The Flatpak build does not include the AI features

darktable calls itself an open source photography workflow application and raw developer. It works as a virtual lighttable and darkroom: it keeps your digital negatives in a database, lets you browse them, and develops raw images.

Edits are non-destructive, and the site highlights colour management aimed at accurate colour through to print and optional GPU acceleration. The software is released under GPL 3.0.

The install page offers a Linux AppImage (x86_64 and ARM), Windows installers (including Windows on ARM), and a macOS dmg for Apple silicon. It states no price.

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Last updated 16 October 2026. Facts checked against the official site on 16 October 2026. How we make money