darktable

by darktable project · Graphics, photo & 3D

Open sourceWindowsMacLinux

Open-source RAW photo editor and organiser.

Official download from darktable.org (opens in a new tab)

Opens darktable.org, darktable project's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is darktable?

darktable is a non-destructive RAW developer and photo library, often used as a free Lightroom alternative.

Key features

  • Non-destructive RAW editing
  • Photo library with tags and ratings
  • Masks and local adjustments
  • Tethered shooting

Best for

  • Photographers shooting RAW
  • Free Lightroom alternative
  • Batch editing shoots

Install

How to install darktable

  1. 1Open the official darktable download page on darktable.org.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac, Linux; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id darktable.darktable -e --source winget

  • Linux · Flatpak (Flathub)

    flatpak install flathub org.darktable.Darktable

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download darktable safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on darktable.org. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

darktable alternatives

Other graphics, photo & 3d apps, closest platform match first.

All design

FAQ

darktable questions

Where can I download darktable safely?

Download darktable only from darktable project's official site at darktable.org. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is darktable free?

Yes. darktable is open-source software and free to use.

Does darktable work on Windows, Mac and Linux?

darktable is available for Windows, Mac, Linux. Check darktable project's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install darktable from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id darktable.darktable -e); Flatpak on Linux (flatpak install flathub org.darktable.Darktable). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to darktable?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full graphics, photo & 3d list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.