Free Adobe Lightroom alternatives

All Adobe Lightroom alternatives

1. D

   D

   darktable

   13.3KstarsLike

   darktable is a free, open source photography workflow application that acts as a virtual light table and darkroom for RAW files. It offers non-destructive editing with a scene-referred pipeline, parametric and drawn masks, color calibration tools, tethered shooting and a tagged image library. It runs on Linux, Windows and macOS and suits photographers who want advanced RAW processing without a subscription.

   6 darktable alternatives

   Pros

   • Free, open source RAW processing with no subscription
   • Scene-referred pipeline with advanced masks and color calibration
   • Runs on Linux, Windows and macOS, with tethered shooting

   Cons

   • Steep learning curve and a dense interface
   • No mobile apps or cloud sync

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   Photo Editing

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   Color gradingNon-destructive editingPhoto library managementRAW photo editing

   Visit websiteMore about darktable
2. 

   

   RawTherapee

   4.2KstarsLike

   RawTherapee is a free, open source program for developing RAW photos on Windows, macOS and Linux. It focuses on image quality, with several demosaicing algorithms, advanced noise reduction, color management and detailed tone and color tools, all applied non-destructively through processing profiles. It includes a file browser and batch queue but no catalog, so it suits photographers who organize files themselves.

   6 RawTherapee alternatives

   Pros

   • Free, open source RAW development with fine-grained controls
   • Several demosaicing algorithms and advanced noise reduction
   • Batch queue and processing profiles for consistent results

   Cons

   • No catalog or library management
   • Technical interface with a steep learning curve

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   Photo Editing

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   Color gradingNon-destructive editingRAW photo editing

   Visit websiteMore about RawTherapee
3. 

   

   Affinity

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   Affinity is a professional creative app from Canva that merges the former Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher into one program with vector, pixel and layout workspaces. It is free to download for Windows and macOS, while its optional Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan. It suits designers who want an alternative to Adobe subscriptions and can import PSD, PDF and IDML files.

   12 Affinity alternatives

   Pros

   • Free download combining vector, pixel and layout workspaces in one app
   • Imports PSD, PDF and IDML files from Adobe workflows
   • Professional tools without a mandatory subscription

   Cons

   • Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan
   • Smaller plugin and training ecosystem than Adobe’s
   • Imported Adobe files can need manual adjustments

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   Graphic DesignPhoto Editing

   Platforms

   WindowsMac

   Features

   Digital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingRAW photo editingVector editing

   Visit websiteMore about Affinity
4. 

   

   GIMP

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   GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open source image editor used for photo retouching, image composition and digital artwork. It offers layers, masks, selection tools, a wide range of filters and scripts and plugins in Python or Script-Fu. GIMP 3.0 added non-destructive filters and a refreshed interface, and it is a common Photoshop alternative for people who want to avoid subscriptions.

   12 GIMP alternatives

   Pros

   • Free, open source and available on Windows, macOS and Linux
   • Layers, masks, filters and scripting in Python or Script-Fu
   • Non-destructive filters since version 3.0

   Cons

   • Interface and workflows differ from Photoshop, which slows switchers
   • Fewer AI and generative tools than commercial editors

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   Photo Editing

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   AI image editingDigital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingPlugins & extensions

   Visit websiteMore about GIMP
5. 

   

   Remini

   4.6(356.1K) · App StoreLike

   Remini, owned by Bending Spoons, is a mobile and web app that uses AI to enhance photos and videos: it sharpens blurry or low-resolution images, restores old pictures and improves faces. It can also generate AI portraits of you in different styles from a few selfies, including professional headshots. The app can be used for free with limits, and a subscription unlocks more processing and features.

   8 Remini alternatives

   Pros

   • Sharpens blurry or low-resolution photos in a tap
   • Restores old pictures and enhances faces
   • Available on iOS, Android and the web

   Cons

   • Free version is limited, with frequent prompts to subscribe
   • Face enhancement can look artificial or alter features

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   AI Headshot GeneratorsPhoto Editing

   Platforms

   WebiPhoneAndroid

   Features

   Photo enhancementProfessional headshotsUpscaling

   Visit websiteMore about Remini