RawTherapee
Free, open-source raw photo processor with detailed controls
Ranked 8 of 8 in best photo editing software
Detailed raw conversion with dark frame, flat field and hot pixel corrections, free under GPLv3. Its interface is dense and it has no layers, so it covers less ground than darktable's library tools.
Best for Detailed raw conversion without a subscription
About RawTherapee
RawTherapee converts raw camera files into finished images through a pipeline of adjustments. Its site lists multi-frame raw handling, dark frame subtraction, flat field correction and hot or dead pixel correction, which matter for technical photography as well as general editing. The program is available as downloads for Linux, macOS and Windows and as source code.
The interface is dense, and new users often find it slower to learn than darktable or consumer editors. RawTherapee has no layered editing, so it works as a raw developer rather than a full image editor. Photographers who want fine control over raw conversion without paying for software will find it useful.
Key features
- Raw file processing
- Dark frame and flat field correction
- Hot and dead pixel correction
- Multi-frame raw support
- Source code available
Strengths
- Free software under GPLv3
- Fine control over raw conversion
Limits
- Dense interface with a learning curve
- No layered editing
Where RawTherapee ranks
| List | Rank | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Photo editing software | 8 of 8 | 78.0 | Detailed raw conversion without a subscription |
Alternatives to RawTherapee
All 7 alternatives
AffinityFree design app for vector, pixel and page layout work
Adobe PhotoshopLayer-based photo editing, retouching and compositing from Adobe
GIMPOpen-source image editor for retouching, painting and design
Pixelmator ProIs a one-time purchase.
PhotopeaAlso runs on Web.
Adobe LightroomAlso runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Questions about RawTherapee
- Is RawTherapee free?
- RawTherapee can be used without paying: Free software under the GPLv3 license. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is RawTherapee open source?
- Yes. RawTherapee publishes its source code under the GPL-3.0 license.
- Which platforms does RawTherapee support?
- RawTherapee is available on: Linux, macOS, Windows.
- What is RawTherapee best for?
- Detailed raw conversion without a subscription. In our ranking of photo editing software it is number 8 of 8 with a score of 78.0.
- What are the best alternatives to RawTherapee?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Affinity, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Pixelmator Pro.