darktableLinux
vs
Adobe Camera RawWindows
darktable as a Linux alternative to Adobe Camera Raw
Updated
Our verdict
darktable is a solid replacement for Adobe Camera Raw for Linux users who need a free, open‑source, non‑destructive raw workflow. It covers the core tasks of opening raw files, adjusting exposure, white balance, contrast, sharpening, and exporting to JPEG/TIFF/PNG. It is best suited for photographers who work entirely on Linux and prefer a standalone application rather than a Photoshop plug‑in. If you rely on Photoshop integration or need advanced layer‑based editing, darktable will not replace those features.
- License
- GPL-3.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 5.6.2 (October 4, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both provide non‑destructive editing with a history stack
- Support for most modern camera raw formats
- High‑precision processing
- Export to common image formats (JPEG, TIFF, PNG)
- Batch processing capability
What is different
- darktable is a standalone desktop app; Adobe Camera Raw runs inside Photoshop
- darktable offers a lighttable/darkroom interface, not a layer‑based editor
- No direct Photoshop integration or PSD support
- darktable lacks some advanced color grading tools found in Photoshop
- Adobe Camera Raw can be used on Windows and macOS, darktable is Linux‑only
Opening your Adobe Camera Raw files
darktable can open the raw files that Adobe Camera Raw handles, but it does not read or write Adobe Camera Raw’s proprietary .xmp sidecar files. Exporting from darktable to JPEG/TIFF/PNG works normally, but any ACR‑specific metadata or Lightroom sync settings will not be preserved.
Switching from Adobe Camera Raw to darktable, step by step
- Export your raw images from Adobe Camera Raw to a folder as JPEG/TIFF if you need them for other apps.
- Install darktable via your distro’s package manager or Flathub.
- Import the raw files into darktable’s database using the lighttable view.
- Recreate your exposure, white balance, contrast, and sharpening adjustments in darktable’s darkroom mode.
- Export the processed images to JPEG/TIFF/PNG for use in other workflows.
- Use darktable’s batch processing to apply the same settings to multiple files if needed.
Key features of darktable
- Non‑destructive editing with a history stack
- Lighttable and darkroom modes
- High‑precision raw processing
- Geotagging map view
- Tethering support
- Print and slideshow modes
- Extensible via Python scripts
How to install darktable on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.darktable.Darktablesudo apt install darktablesudo apt install darktablesudo dnf install darktablesudo pacman -S darktablesudo zypper install darktableFrequently asked questions
Does darktable support tethering?
Yes, darktable includes a tethering mode that works with many DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Can I use darktable on Windows?
No, darktable is a native Linux application; Windows users typically use Adobe Camera Raw or other Windows‑only tools.
Is darktable free?
Yes, darktable is released under the GPL‑3.0+ license and is free to download and use.
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