Navigate to the folder you want to import.Īs you work on an image within darktable, it does non-destructive editing.If the Import section in the left navigation isn’t expanded, do so by clicking the right-pointing arrow.

(Click the image to enlarge.)įollow these steps to import a folder full of images into darktable:

When you first run darktable, you will be greeted by the main interface with zero images added to the collection ( Figure A).įigure A Unlike The Gimp, darktable has but one window for the UI. Once it’s installed, darktable will be located in your Graphics menu on your desktop.

Install darktable by issuing the command sudo apt-get install darktable.

Update apt with the command sudo apt-get update.

Add the repository with the command sudo apt-add-repository ppa:pmjdebruijn/darktable-release-plus.

I’ll explain how to install darktable on Ubuntu. The installation is fairly simple, but you might want to install the stable release with the extra features. Once you get the feel for how darktable works and its UI, you will be able to enhance the images you’ve already created. You won’t create new images with it, and you won’t cut and paste or add layers or layer masks with it.

Tons of image filters and plugins (including basic, tone, color, correction, effects, artistic)ĭarktable isn’t just your average image editing tool in fact, it’s not an image editing tool at all.

Import raw and high dynamic range input formats.

Collect plugin allows for the execution of database queries.

These filters put some of those in standard raster image editors to shame and make for an incredible addition to your graphics design arsenal. The open source alternative to Lightroom is darktable.Īlthough darktable was created to serve as a virtual light table and darkroom for photographers, it has incredible filters and effects that can be applied to images of nearly any sort.

Many graphic design tools are useful to photographers and graphic designers one such example is Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, which is platform-limited and cost prohibitive for some small shops. Find out what darktable is and isn't, and get the basics on using the app. If Photoshop Lightroom is too pricey for your budget, you should try the open source alternative darktable. DIY: Enhance your graphic design work with darktable

Darktable