darktable

darktable-org/darktableReviewed by Radar

What it does

darktable is a desktop program for photographers. It keeps your pictures in a catalog, lets you browse them on a virtual light table, and develops RAW files from digital cameras with tools for exposure, color, noise and lens fixes. Edits never overwrite the original file. It covers much of the same ground as Lightroom, but the project itself says it is not meant as a free Lightroom replacement. Windows, macOS on Apple Silicon and Linux have ready installers; a graphics card helps.

The project itself says it is not a replacement for Lightroom.

How easy it is to install

A · download and open · Windows

The project publishes a ready Windows installer (darktable-5.6.2-win64.exe, about 132 MB, plus a Windows on Arm version), so you download it and run it.

Numbers on GitHub

Stars: 13,368on Oct 31, 2026
Downloads: 9,131,43735,324 this week
Growth: +40stars in 6 days

Stars over time

Facts

Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux
You need to install: Nothing extra
Disk space: 141 MB–423 MB · from the installer
Accounts or keys: None
Cost: Free
License: GPL-3.0 (Copyleft)
Can replace: Lightroom, Capture One
Last update: Oct 31, 2026

Risk signals (1)

Infopipe to shell optional script
README.md, optional GPU speed-up for AI features: "irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/darktable-org/darktable/HEAD/tools/ai/install-ort-gpu.ps1 | iex" runs a script from the development branch without a chance to review it first. Not needed for normal use.
AI review

Evidence is shown in its original language.

What Radar could not check

How smooth editing is on Windows without a strong graphics card; the README warns Windows may have extra bugs and that printing is not available there.
How much extra disk space the optional AI models use after you download them in the app.
Whether your specific camera's RAW files and lens are supported.
Whether AI features with GPU acceleration work on your graphics card and drivers.