Though the program is optimized for many platforms, there is no Darktable for Android or iOS versions.Īmazing functionality. However, you can watch informative video tutorials to understand what is what. This photo editor has many different modules, which can pose difficulties for some users. Anyway, the software has graduated density features and grain controls, which you can use to produce a vintage effect. However, you can upload or create your own batch to facilitate photo editing. Unfortunately, you can’t use built-in Darktable presets simply because they don’t exist. Darktable also supports JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. The program boasts trouble-free operation with CR2, NEF, HDR, and PFM. Besides, you can examine metadata about each picture – the model of the camera and manufacturer, lens type, focal length, etc. Here you can arrange your files based on different parameters, combine them into collections and use rating. Many users decide on Darktable download because of the terrific cataloging capabilities it offers. These can be drawn or parametric masks, or both.Ĭonvenient catalog. However, Darktable has a specific function that allows altering only selected areas. While making changes in most modules, you will affect the entire picture. You can choose from different options including the rule of thirds, regular grid, perspective, golden ratio, etc.Īllows for local adjustments. The “composition” tool adds a grid to the image.
The “autocrop” function is enabled by default and automatically darkens cropped edges. You can adjust this setting by moving a slider or opening a separate menu. The “angle” function is designed to level the image horizontally. You can use it to crop the photo exactly the way you need it. The “Crop and Rotate” module is one of the most frequently used tools in Darktable. But if your camera doesn’t save GPS data for each shot or you sync a GPX file with imported photos, you’ll have to add location info manually. This is a really cool feature to find the necessary file in a huge library. If a photo comes with the geo info, you can see it displayed on the map. The photo editor offers a full set of tools for color correction including adjustment of exposure, white balance, sharpness, noise, color temperature, etc. There is also a helpful zoom control, which allows altering the size of the thumbnail.Ħ0+ modules for image editing. The central area of the window is dedicated to photo previewing. Most of the Darktable photo management operations are carried out in the Lighttable window, which was initially designed for this purpose. It simply has A LOT of tools, and as a result the interface ends up feeling a bit cluttered and confusing to a first time user.Great Lighttable window. If there is one flaw with the software I’d have to say that it boils down to its learning curve.
In fact, it is probably one of the better free options that I’ve come across in my travels. General Overviewĭarktable is no slouch when it comes to RAW file processing. Is it for you? I can’t say that for sure, but if you’re like me, and you’re saying – “Did he just say free?” – than why not head on over to Darktable’s website and get your own copy today. My intention here is to introduce it to you and share with you some of my experiences within the first few hours of opening it up. I’ve only spent a handful of hours with Darktable and therefore by no means have I mastered the workflow and features packed into it.
I’d like to preface this article with a simple disclaimer… I know most everyone loves free stuff and quality RAW file editors are not easy to come by with a price tag of $0.00, so I thought it would be worth taking a quick look at Darktable vs Lightroom here on DPS. Recently I was introduced to a free open source RAW file editor called Darktable.