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Free RawTherapee alternatives

Top Photo Editing like RawTherapee

The most popular alternative to RawTherapee is darktable, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to RawTherapee are Adobe Lightroom, GIMP, and Affinity.

Most alternatives to RawTherapee are in the Photo Editing category, compared here by price, platform and features.

RawTherapee alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
4 apps

All RawTherapee alternatives

  1. darktable

    13.3Kstars

    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. Adobe Lightroom

    Adobe Lightroom is a non-destructive photo editor and organizer for processing RAW files, adjusting color and light, and managing large libraries with ratings, keywords and AI-based search. The cloud-based Lightroom syncs edits across desktop, web and mobile, while Lightroom Classic keeps catalogs on the local disk. Presets, masking and AI removal tools serve both enthusiasts and professionals.

    9 Adobe Lightroom alternatives

    Pros

    • Non-destructive RAW editing with powerful masking
    • Library tools with ratings, keywords and AI search
    • The cloud version syncs edits across desktop, web and mobile

    Cons

    • Subscription only, with no perpetual license
    • Choosing between Lightroom and Lightroom Classic can be confusing
    • Cloud storage adds to the cost for large libraries
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Color gradingCross-device syncNon-destructive editingPhoto library managementRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe Lightroom

  3. GIMP

    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

  4. Affinity

    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

RawTherapee vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of RawTherapee, compared with its most popular alternatives.

RawTherapee vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsColor gradingNon-destructive editingRAW photo editing
RawTherapeeFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
darktableFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
Adobe LightroomFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
GIMPFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
AffinityFreemiumWindows, Mac

RawTherapee alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to RawTherapee?

The most popular alternative to RawTherapee is darktable: Open source RAW photo workflow app and free alternative to Lightroom. Other great alternatives are Adobe Lightroom, GIMP, and Affinity.

Is there a free alternative to RawTherapee?

Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including darktable, Adobe Lightroom, GIMP, and Affinity.

Is there an open source alternative to RawTherapee?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including darktable and GIMP.

Is RawTherapee free?

Yes, RawTherapee is free to use.

Compare RawTherapee with its alternatives

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