darktable
Also called dark table, darktable raw
An open-source raw developer. darktable.exe is the process. It is not Lightroom.
What you need to know
darktable is a free raw developer. It is not Lightroom.
darktable.exe develops raws with XMP sidecars. Lightroom is Adobe's catalog. They are not the same library.
- What is it?
- Open-source raw developer
- Still current?
- Yes, see Current status
- Official download?
- Use the vendor link in this article
What is darktable?
darktable is an open-source raw processor and library. The Windows executable is darktable.exe.
If you have never used it
darktable is a free raw developer. darktable.exe is the process. It is not Adobe Lightroom. Lightroom is a Creative Cloud catalog. darktable uses a library plus XMP sidecars. Download from darktable.org/install.
What is it used for?
Browse a folder-based library. Lightroom Classic uses .lrcat. This is darktable.
Scene-referred modules. Lightroom has a different tone engine.
Edits can live next to the raw. Cloud Lightroom syncs through Adobe instead.
Who is it for?
- Photographers who want a free raw app
- People leaving Lightroom
- Anyone who opened Lightroom looking for darktable modules
Current status
darktable (2009) is a current open-source raw developer from darktable team. The vendor still points Windows users at https://www.darktable.org/install/.
How old is it?
darktable started in 2009 as a Lightroom-like open-source developer. Lightroom itself shipped in 2007 and later split into cloud Lightroom and Classic. darktable is still the GPL app.
Versions
Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.
System requirements
Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.
Minimum
| Operating system | A current supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per the vendor |
|---|---|
| RAM | Enough for Windows plus this app. Heavy projects want more. |
Resource profile
- CPU demand
- Follows what you open inside the app
- RAM demand
- Follows documents, tabs, or libraries
Installed processes
These executables belong to this product when it is installed.
| darktable.exe | Main Windows executable |
|---|
Startup components
darktable does not need to start with Windows.
File locations
| Typical install | C:\Program Files\darktable\ |
|---|
File formats
Common problems
Expected Lightroom presets
Modules and styles are different. Import is not 1:1.
GPU OpenCL off
darktable documents OpenCL. A driver issue looks like a slow export.
Getting unstuck
Confirm darktable.exe
Program Files\darktable is the app. Lightroom.exe is Adobe.
Install from darktable.org/install
Windows packages are listed there.
Start with OpenCL disabled as a test
darktable CLI flags are documented. This is not Lightroom GPU.
Alternatives
Lightroom, RawTherapee, and Capture One overlap. Lightroom does not replace a darktable library.
Official help and downloads
Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.
| Download | www.darktable.org/install/ Official installer or vendor page |
|---|---|
| Help | docs.darktable.org/ Vendor support |
| Official site | www.darktable.org/ Start here, not a random exe host |
Related hardware
darktable wants RAM for raws and a GPU if you enable OpenCL. It is not a Feex sensor.
Technical details
Technical details
Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.
- darktable official site · Vendor product page
- darktable help · Vendor support
- Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.
Was this article useful?
A yes or no is enough. Pick a reason if you want, or add a short note.
Thanks. That helps us improve this page.