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Software · head to head

Adobe Lightroom vs darktable

Adobe Lightroom logo

Adobe Lightroom

Software

Photo editing and organization software for photographers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
darktable logo

darktable

Software

Free open-source RAW photo editor and digital darkroom

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Adobe Lightroom no layer support for complex edits, requiring Photoshop for advanced manipulation; darktable interface has a steeper learning curve than commercial editors with more guided workflows.
  • They diverge on capability: Adobe Lightroom covers RAW photo editing, darktable covers Non-destructive RAW editing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Adobe Lightroom and darktable actually diverge.

Attributes where Adobe Lightroom and darktable differ
AttributeAdobe Lightroomdarktable
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Apple TVwindows, mac, linux
Founded1982Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Adobe Lightroom

  • RAW photo editing
  • Non-destructive editing
  • Batch processing
  • Color correction
  • Lens corrections
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Adobe Stock
  • Adobe Portfolio

Only in darktable

  • Non-destructive RAW editing
  • Virtual lighttable
  • Wide camera RAW support
  • Tethered shooting
  • Color management and modules

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Adobe Lightroom

  • Photo editingnot darktable
  • RAW processingnot darktable
  • Photo organizationnot darktable
  • Client galleriesnot darktable

darktable

  • Processing RAW photos without paying for a subscription editornot Adobe Lightroom
  • Organizing and cataloging large personal photo librariesnot Adobe Lightroom
  • Tethered shooting directly into an editing workflownot Adobe Lightroom
  • Applying non-destructive edits that preserve the original RAW filenot Adobe Lightroom

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Adobe Lightroom

  • No layer support for complex edits, requiring Photoshop for advanced manipulation
  • Generative credits limited and require monthly replenishment, restricting AI features usage
  • Cloud storage required for full functionality and syncing
  • No dual monitor support within the application

darktable

  • Interface has a steeper learning curve than commercial editors with more guided workflows.
  • Lacks the AI-based generative editing tools found in newer commercial competitors like Luminar Neo.
  • No official mobile app, limiting editing to desktop platforms only.
  • Community-driven support model lacks the dedicated customer support of paid software.

Pricing, plan by plan

Adobe Lightroom

Free
  • Lightroom Plan (1TB)$11.99/month
    • Lightroom cloud storage with 1TB
    • 100 generative credits per month
  • Photography Plan$19.99/month
    • Lightroom and Lightroom Classic
    • Photoshop
    • 1TB cloud storage

darktable

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full RAW editing and lighttable features
    • Open-source under GNU GPL v3
    • No account or subscription required

Which should you pick?

Choose Adobe Lightroom if

  • You need raw photo editing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Apple TV.
  • You also want non-destructive editing.
Adobe Lightroom review

Choose darktable if

  • You need non-destructive raw editing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux.
  • You also want virtual lighttable.
darktable review

Questions people ask

Is Adobe Lightroom or darktable better?
Neither clearly leads. Adobe Lightroom starts at Free and darktable at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Adobe Lightroom or darktable?
Adobe Lightroom starts at Free and darktable at Free.
Does Adobe Lightroom or darktable run on more platforms?
Adobe Lightroom runs on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Apple TV. darktable runs on windows, mac, linux.
Can I use Adobe Lightroom for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Adobe Lightroom best used for?
Adobe Lightroom is most often used for photo editing, raw processing, photo organization, client galleries. Of those, photo editing and raw processing are not what darktable is typically brought in for.
What can Adobe Lightroom do that darktable cannot?
Adobe Lightroom covers RAW photo editing, Non-destructive editing, Batch processing, Color correction. darktable covers Non-destructive RAW editing, Virtual lighttable, Wide camera RAW support, Tethered shooting.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Adobe Lightroom: Can I edit photos offline in Lightroom?

Yes, you can edit locally stored photos without syncing to the cloud. Lightroom lets you access photos from your device through the Local tab and edit them independently of cloud connectivity.

Source
Adobe Lightroom: What are generative credits and how many do I get?

Generative credits limit AI-powered edits like Generative Fill and Expand. Plans joined before June 17, 2025 receive 100 credits monthly; newer plans get 25 credits. The Photography Plan with 1TB includes 500 credits.

Source
Adobe Lightroom: Can I use Lightroom and Photoshop together?

Yes, you can open photos from Lightroom in Photoshop by right-clicking and selecting Edit in Photoshop. When saved from Photoshop, the edited image reappears in Lightroom automatically.

Source
Adobe Lightroom: What platforms does Lightroom support?

Lightroom is available on desktop (macOS and Windows), mobile (iOS and Android), web browser, and Apple TV, allowing access across devices.

Source
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