Adobe Photoshop vs darktable

Adobe Photoshop9.4Visit darktable8.8Visit

Higher score Adobe Photoshop #1 in Photo Editing Software 9.4/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 6 of 6 features Try Adobe Photoshop

vs

darktable #4 in Photo Editing Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Visit darktable

• Adobe Photoshop fits best

  Professional compositing and advanced editing

• darktable fits best

  Free open-source RAW cataloging

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Side by side

Feature	Adobe Photoshop 9.4/10 Visit ↗	darktable 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	8.8
Ranking	#1 in Photo Editing Software	#4 in Photo Editing Software
Best for	Professional compositing and advanced editing	Free open-source RAW cataloging
Pricing model	Paid	Free
Starting price	—	Free plan
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	7 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs · 24/7	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features Adobe Photoshop 6/6 · darktable 4/6
RAW photo support	✓	✓
Layer editing	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Masking tools	✓	✓
Batch editing	✓	✓
Cloud sync	✓ (best)	—
AI retouching	✓	✓
Specs
Platform	Multi-platform	Multi-platform
Our review
Pros	Editable layers, masks, Smart Objects, and Camera Raw support Batch processing, automated conversion, and cloud documents Generative Fill, Generative Expand, and AI-powered Harmonize	Non-destructive RAW processing preserves original images Cataloging, masking, batch editing, and tethered shooting in one workflow Runs across Windows, macOS, and Linux with GPL licensing
Cons	Desktop, web, and mobile versions have different feature sets Web and full desktop access require a plan or trial Cloud storage ranges from 100GB to 1TB by plan	Tethered live view is limited to some camera brands The workflow is centered on desktop cataloging and RAW development Cloud synchronization is outside the documented workflow
Our verdict	Adobe Photoshop is an image-editing application for creating, retouching, compositing, and transforming photos and graphics. It is aimed at professionals and advanced editors who need editable layers, masks, RAW adjustments, batch… Read the review →	darktable is an open-source photography workflow application and RAW developer for photographers who want a free desktop system for organizing and processing digital images. Its virtual lighttable manages digital negatives in a database,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Adobe Photoshop — where it wins

  • Editable layers, masks, Smart Objects, and Camera Raw support
  • Batch processing, automated conversion, and cloud documents
  • Generative Fill, Generative Expand, and AI-powered Harmonize

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop, web, and mobile versions have different feature sets
  • Web and full desktop access require a plan or trial
  • Cloud storage ranges from 100GB to 1TB by plan

• darktable — where it wins

  • Non-destructive RAW processing preserves original images
  • Cataloging, masking, batch editing, and tethered shooting in one workflow
  • Runs across Windows, macOS, and Linux with GPL licensing

  Where it doesn't

  • Tethered live view is limited to some camera brands
  • The workflow is centered on desktop cataloging and RAW development
  • Cloud synchronization is outside the documented workflow

• Adobe Photoshop9.4/10 · 7-day trial

  A deep, multi-platform editor for compositing, retouching, RAW work, and AI-assisted edits.

  Try Adobe PhotoshopFull verdict →
• darktable8.8/10 · Free plan

  A free, cross-platform RAW workflow with cataloging, masking, batch editing, and AI tools.

  Visit darktableFull verdict →