Adobe Lightroom vs darktable

Fit:

Migration notes

Local RAW development and photo-library workflow. Official FAQ warns this is not a direct replacement: presets are incompatible, Lightroom edit import is old and unreliable, and edits may need rebuilding. Check camera support; do not assume Adobe cloud/library synchronization transfers.

Sources: www.darktable.org, www.darktable.org · checked 2026-10-21

Adobe LightroomPaid incumbent

Entry priceUSD 11.99 / seat / month

Pricing modelper-seat, billed annual

OwnerAdobe Inc.

Individual Lightroom plan US$11.99/month, annual commitment billed monthly; includes mobile, desktop, web and Lightroom Classic. Source

Adobe Lightroom plans reviewed
Lightroom	entry	USD 143.88 / user / yr

darktableOpen-source alternative

Fit for Adobe Lightroom

License

GNU General Public License v3.0 Permissions of this strong copyleft license are conditioned on making available complete source code of licensed works and modifications, which include larger works using a licensed work, under the same license. Copyright and license notices must be preserved. Contributors provide an express grant of patent rights. May Commercial useModificationDistributionPatent usePrivate use Must License and copyright noticeState changesDisclose sourceSame license No LiabilityWarranty Summary from GitHub's choosealicense.com

Paid-feature tier A

Self-host

Paid-feature limitsNone established

darktable plans reviewed
darktable	free desktop/core	Free

What you may give up

No paid-feature limits established for this edition.

Tier A: Locally operated desktop RAW developer and photo library application. Published workflow functionality available in the GPL edition; official source and installers available without a paid edition. Community Flatpak omits AI features: packaging limitation, not a paid software gate. License source

What running it takes

darktable desktop and local catalog storage

Hover or focus an icon for its name. Dashed means not established; struck through means no; grouped icons are alternatives.

Local desktop application, not a server deployment. No external database/cache/queue/SMTP service needed by documented binary installation. Build tools are separate from runtime. Infrastructure and staff time are not priced here; this page does not compare total cost.