darktable vs Affinity Photo

darktable8.8Visit Affinity Photo7.7Visit

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

vs

Affinity Photo #22 in Photo Editing Software 7.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 6 features Visit Affinity Photo

• darktable fits best

  Free open-source RAW cataloging

• Affinity Photo fits best

  Free desktop editing with deep controls

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Side by side

Feature	darktable 8.8/10 Visit ↗	Affinity Photo 7.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	7.7
Ranking	#4 in Photo Editing Software	#22 in Photo Editing Software
Best for	Free open-source RAW cataloging	Free desktop editing with deep controls
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Features darktable 4/6 · Affinity Photo 5/6
RAW photo support	✓	✓
Layer editing	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Masking tools	✓	✓
Batch editing	✓	✓
Cloud sync	—	Not checked yet
AI retouching	✓	✓
Specs
Platform	Multi-platform	Desktop
Our review
Pros	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	Free plan includes RAW development, unlimited layers, and batch processing Advanced masking, retouching, HDR Merge, and Focus Merge tools Generative fill, expand, smart selections, and depth-aware masking
Cons	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	Available for macOS and Windows; iPad support is coming soon Some optional Canva AI tools require a Canva premium plan The extensive toolset may be more than casual editors need
Our verdict	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 →	Affinity Photo is professional photo-editing software for photographers, designers, and other visual creators. It runs on macOS and Windows and combines non-destructive editing, RAW development, layered compositions, masks, retouching, HDR… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• 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

• Affinity Photo — where it wins

  • Free plan includes RAW development, unlimited layers, and batch processing
  • Advanced masking, retouching, HDR Merge, and Focus Merge tools
  • Generative fill, expand, smart selections, and depth-aware masking

  Where it doesn't

  • Available for macOS and Windows; iPad support is coming soon
  • Some optional Canva AI tools require a Canva premium plan
  • The extensive toolset may be more than casual editors need

• darktable8.8/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit darktableFull verdict →
• Affinity Photo7.7/10 · Free plan

  A free desktop editor with deep controls for RAW, layers, masking, retouching, and batch work.

  Visit Affinity PhotoFull verdict →