darktable vs GIMP

darktable8.8Visit GIMP8.7Visit

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

vs

GIMP #5 in Photo Editing Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 6 features Visit GIMP

• darktable fits best

  Free open-source RAW cataloging

• GIMP fits best

  Free layered editing and extensibility

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Side by side

Feature	darktable 8.8/10 Visit ↗	GIMP 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.7
Ranking	#4 in Photo Editing Software	#5 in Photo Editing Software
Best for	Free open-source RAW cataloging	Free layered editing and extensibility
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features darktable 4/6 · GIMP 3/6
RAW photo support	✓ (best)	—
Layer editing	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Masking tools	✓	✓
Batch editing	✓	✓
Cloud sync	—	Not checked yet
AI retouching	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Platform	Multi-platform	Multi-platform
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 and open-source across Windows, macOS, and Linux Layers, masks, high-bit-depth processing, and broad format support Extensible through plug-ins, scripting, and command-line batch processing
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	RAW workflows require darktable or RawTherapee plug-ins Desktop-focused rather than a cloud-based editing workflow Volunteer-community maintenance may not suit buyers seeking a commercial vendor
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 →	GIMP is a free, open-source desktop application for creating, editing, retouching, and composing images. It is aimed at photographers, artists, designers, and other image creators who need layered editing without a paid license. Its core… 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

• GIMP — where it wins

  • Free and open-source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Layers, masks, high-bit-depth processing, and broad format support
  • Extensible through plug-ins, scripting, and command-line batch processing

  Where it doesn't

  • RAW workflows require darktable or RawTherapee plug-ins
  • Desktop-focused rather than a cloud-based editing workflow
  • Volunteer-community maintenance may not suit buyers seeking a commercial vendor

• darktable8.8/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit darktableFull verdict →
• GIMP8.7/10 · Free plan

  A capable free editor for layered work, masking, scripting, and plug-in-based RAW workflows.

  Visit GIMPFull verdict →