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Open source Adobe Lightroom alternatives

Top Photo Editing like Adobe Lightroom

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

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

Adobe Lightroom alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
3 apps

All Adobe Lightroom 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. RawTherapee

    4.2Kstars

    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. 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

Adobe Lightroom vs its alternatives at a glance

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

Adobe Lightroom vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsColor gradingCross-device syncNon-destructive editingPhoto library managementRAW photo editing
Adobe LightroomFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
darktableFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
RawTherapeeFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
GIMPFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux

Adobe Lightroom alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Adobe Lightroom?

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

Is there a free alternative to Adobe Lightroom?

Yes, 3 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including darktable, RawTherapee, and GIMP.

Is there an open source alternative to Adobe Lightroom?

Yes, 3 open source alternatives are listed, including darktable, RawTherapee, and GIMP.

Is Adobe Lightroom free?

Adobe Lightroom has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Adobe Lightroom with its alternatives

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