darktable-org/darktable

What is it?

Key features

• 01Non-destructive raw development with edits stored separately from original files.
• 02Lighttable view for browsing and organizing a photo database.
• 03Darkroom view for adjusting and enhancing raw images.
• 04Export to local or remote storage.
• 05Lua scripting support for extensions such as HDR merge, panoramas and tagging.
• 06Optional AI features for object masks, denoise and upscale.

Use cases

• Organizing and developing a large collection of raw photos on a desktop.
• Editing camera raw files with a non-destructive workflow on Linux, Windows or Apple Silicon Macs.
• Tethered shooting with supported cameras through libgphoto2.
• Extending the workflow with Lua scripts for export and metadata tasks.

Quick start

1. 1

   Download the latest release package for your platform from the releases page

2. 2

   Install darktable from the Flatpak package

3. 3

   Check that the installed build includes Lua, OpenCL, OpenMP and Colord support

   darktable --version

Things to know

• !darktable is not a free replacement for Adobe Lightroom.
• !Big-endian platforms and 32-bit systems are not officially supported.
• !Some modules such as denoise, local contrast and retouch can be slow on lightweight hardware.
• !AI features are optional, disabled by default, and need a separate build flag and optional GPU runtime installs.

Topics

FAQ

What is darktable?

An open source photography workflow application and non-destructive raw developer for managing, editing and exporting digital negatives. darktable is a photography workflow application that stores your digital negatives in a database, lets you browse them in a zoomable lighttable, and develops raw images in a darkroom view. Edits are non-destructive, so the original raw file is left untouched while adjustments are recorded and can be changed later. Finished images can be exported to local or remote storage.

Is darktable free to use? What license does it have?

darktable is open source under the GPL-3.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.

Is darktable still maintained?

Actively maintained. The last commit to darktable was on Oct 20, 2026.

What can I use darktable for?

Organizing and developing a large collection of raw photos on a desktop. Editing camera raw files with a non-destructive workflow on Linux, Windows or Apple Silicon Macs. Tethered shooting with supported cameras through libgphoto2. Extending the workflow with Lua scripts for export and metadata tasks.

How do I install darktable?

Download the latest release package for your platform from the releases page Install darktable from the Flatpak package Check that the installed build includes Lua, OpenCL, OpenMP and Colord support: darktable --version

Where can I get darktable?

The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/darktable-org/darktable