Overview

RawTherapee develops raw files from a broad range of digital cameras, including HDR DNG, and also processes JPEG, TIFF, and PNG. Its non-destructive, 32-bit floating-point engine lets photographers refine processing without altering the source image, making it a strong fit for iterative editing rather than a complete library workflow.

The project dates to 2004 and is released as libre software under the GNU General Public License version 3. Its range spans enthusiast newcomers through professional photographers, though newcomers should expect to engage with substantial processing controls rather than a narrowly guided editor.

Key features

Raw development and masking

Multiple demosaicing algorithms and advanced development controls give photographers meaningful influence over how raw data is rendered. Masking tools add control over adjustments, while the lack of layer editing makes RawTherapee less suited to workflows that depend on building composite images from stacked edits.

Batch work and handoff

Batch processing and copying or pasting parameters across files reduce repetitive work when developing a series of images. Command-line usage provides another way to work beyond the graphical interface. RawTherapee can also open raw images from GIMP as a plugin and return the edited image, or send processed images to GIMP or another editing tool in one click. These links make it easier to pair focused raw development with a separate editor, but do not replace broader photo-library tools.

Pricing

Free: 0.00 USD per free, billed free of charge. The plan includes RawTherapee under the GPLv3 license, with no digital asset management, printing, or uploading features. It suits photographers who want a no-cost raw-development tool and can handle those library and delivery tasks elsewhere; there are no paid tiers or seat and quota limits to weigh.

Platforms

RawTherapee is desktop software for Linux, macOS, and Windows. The macOS 5.13 build requires macOS Tahoe 26.0 or newer on Apple Silicon, or macOS Monterey 12.0 or newer on Intel. It must be installed in /Applications on macOS and will not start from another location, so users should account for that installation constraint.

RawTherapee 5.13 was released on July 26, 2026. Project documentation is provided through RawPedia, with a community forum for help.

Who it's for

RawTherapee is a good match for photographers who want fine-grained raw development, batch processing, and the option to hand work to GIMP or another editor without paying for the software. It is less appropriate as the sole tool for professionals who need digital asset management, printing, or uploading, or for editors whose work depends on layers.

Pros and cons

Pro: Non-destructive 32-bit floating-point processing and broad raw-camera support, including HDR DNG, suit careful raw development.
Pro: Batch processing and parameter copy-and-paste can reduce repeated work across image sets.
Pro: GPLv3 licensing and a free plan make the full raw-development tool available without a purchase.
Con: No digital asset management, printing, or uploading means professionals may need additional workflow software.
Con: No layer editing limits its role in layered or composite-image work.
Con: The macOS installation-location rule and version-specific OS requirements add setup constraints for Mac users.

Alternatives

darktable is another free, GPL-licensed raw developer for Linux, macOS, and Windows; consider it when you want an open-source photography workflow application instead.

FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO is a free macOS and Windows download that requires a compatible FUJIFILM camera connected by USB, making it relevant when that camera requirement fits your setup.

Hasselblad Phocus is a free RAW-processing download for Mac and PC, an alternative for readers considering that platform.

Nikon NX Studio is free desktop software for macOS and Windows; Nikon camera and file-format support varies, so check fit against your equipment.

vkdt is a free, open-source photography workflow toolbox for Linux, macOS, and Windows, worth considering when a workflow toolbox is the priority.

Canon Digital Photo Professional is included in initial software setup for Canon cameras and supports EOS digital cameras and RAW-capable PowerShot models.

Capture One is a paid option with a free trial and desktop RAW conversion, tethering, and advanced editing tools; it fits readers seeking those capabilities and willing to evaluate a paid product.

ON1 Portrait AI is a paid alternative with a free trial, for readers comparing portrait-focused software.

Browse more options in RAW Photo Processing Software, Photo Editing Software, and Batch Photo Processing Software.

Verdict

Choose RawTherapee if you want detailed, non-destructive raw development and batch tools without software fees, and can use other tools for managing, printing, or uploading your work. Look elsewhere if you need those workflow services in the same application or rely on layer editing.

	Pho.to	RawTherapee
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	—	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android	Linux, macOS, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Platform	multi-platform	desktop
AI retouching	Yes	—
RAW photo support	—	Yes
Layer editing	—	No
Masking tools	—	Yes
Batch editing	—	Yes

Pho.to vs RawTherapee

Pho.to

RawTherapee