darktable vs Pixelmator Pro

darktable8.8Visit Pixelmator Pro7.9Visit

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

vs

Pixelmator Pro #21 in Photo Editing Software 7.9/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 6 features Visit Pixelmator Pro

• darktable fits best

  Free open-source RAW cataloging

• Pixelmator Pro fits best

  Affordable Apple-native layer editing

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Side by side

Feature	darktable 8.8/10 Visit ↗	Pixelmator Pro 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	7.9
Ranking	#4 in Photo Editing Software	#21 in Photo Editing Software
Best for	Free open-source RAW cataloging	Affordable Apple-native layer editing
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free plan	$29.99/yr
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	30 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	macOS, iOS
Support	Community, Docs	Docs, Community
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features darktable 4/6 · Pixelmator Pro 5/6
RAW photo support	✓	✓
Layer editing	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Masking tools	✓	✓
Batch editing	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Cloud sync	—	✓ (best)
AI retouching	✓	✓
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	RAW processing supports more than 750 RAW formats Nondestructive layers, masks, and compositing tools Machine-learning enhancement, denoise, and background removal
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	The one-time purchase applies to Mac, not iPad No free plan is available Its workflow is not focused on batch editing
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 →	Pixelmator Pro is an image-editing and creative design application for Mac and iPad. It is aimed at photographers, designers, illustrators, and other Apple users who need RAW processing, nondestructive layer editing, compositing, color… 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

• Pixelmator Pro — where it wins

  • RAW processing supports more than 750 RAW formats
  • Nondestructive layers, masks, and compositing tools
  • Machine-learning enhancement, denoise, and background removal

  Where it doesn't

  • The one-time purchase applies to Mac, not iPad
  • No free plan is available
  • Its workflow is not focused on batch editing

• darktable8.8/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit darktableFull verdict →
• Pixelmator Pro7.9/10 · 30-day trial

  A capable Apple-focused editor with layers, RAW support, and a one-time Mac option.

  Visit Pixelmator ProFull verdict →