Read my comprehensive review of Darktable to learn everything you need to know about this open-source, free raw editor. Can it assist you to create quality, cost-free photo editing and replacing Adobe Lightroom? Can you install it on a Linux or macOS laptop? Learn more below.
What Is Darktable?
Darktable is a free open-source raw editor that allows for non-destructive image enhancement. It enables beginners to perform basic photo editing, apply filters, and perform color correction.
The image editor has some good tutorials to help you learn the program faster. It is ideal for beginners learning how to edit photos for Instagram. If you are a professional photographer, however, you should use another photo editing software such as Lightroom or Affinity Photo.
Darktable can be used for advanced color correction and basic image editing. The photo editor includes a module for removing stains, creating various irregularly shaped areas, and cloning.
Darktable Review
The primary distinguishing characteristic of this program is that it markets itself as a free alternative to Adobe Lightroom and Apple Aperture and has open-source code. This implies that anyone can provide the application with additional features and functionalities.
Lightroom-like Interface
Darktable’s user interface is easy to use and was created in a way that even a novice would feel at ease using it. Nothing about it is overdone.
The five modules that makeup Darktable are Lighttable, Darkroom, Map, Slideshow, and Tethering. The functions are grouped in this way for convenience.
Since the Darktable and Lightroom user interfaces are so similar, switching to Darktable shouldn’t be a problem.
Easy method for managing your photos
The linking of pictures to geotags was made simpler with the creation of this module. If your photo already contains location information, it will appear on the map right away.
You can manually enter your position information if your camera does not automatically add GPS data to images or if something else prohibits you from doing so. Simply pick a photo and move it to the location of the associated photo session to accomplish this.
You can look up locations using maps. Additionally, other maps can be used, including Google Maps, Virtual Earth, OpenStreetMap, OpenCycleMap, etc.
Color Correction Tools
Using the many supplied sliders, you may use this tool to modify the dark and light areas of your image. The slider for shadows and highlights alters how dark or light shadows are. You can alter the saturation of colors in shadowy regions with the shadows color adjustment slider.
Deep Color Enhancement
The color category contains another fundamental instrument. Work with it to change the color or add new colors to a picture. The tool produces a result similar to what RGB curves produce, however it does so by shifting two points.
The light and dark dots, which can individually be given a different tint, are what create the shot’s lights and shadows.
Darktable Review | Price
The installation of Darktable is free, as I already explained. There are neither pro-versions nor paid memberships. If you’ve already made up your mind to install the application, go to the official website, select the “Install” tab, choose your OS, and press the “Download” button.
Darktable Review | Conclusion
Darktable is an excellent RAW picture editing program that provides strong support for escaping the Lightroom Trap. This feature-rich, potent software is adaptable, easy to use, and suitable for both amateur and professional photographers.
Additionally, and this is undoubtedly the finest part, it is completely free while confidently competing with some of the best editing platforms in the business. As I said earlier, you have nothing to lose by using this free program whether you’re new to photography or seeking a change in editing tools.
You’ll quickly come to appreciate and enjoy everything Darktable has to offer and step up your photo-editing game.
Darktable Review Free
Summary
Darktable is a free open-source raw editor that allows for non-destructive image enhancement. It enables beginners to perform basic photo editing, apply filters, and perform color correction.
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User Review
( votes)Pros
- Completely free
- Nondestructive image editing
- Open source
- Basic image enhancement
Cons
- No online or mobile versions
- Runs slower than alternatives