Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Darktable VS PhotoDirector

Compare Darktable VS PhotoDirector and see what are their differences

Darktable logo Darktable

darktable is an open source photography workflow application and raw developer.

PhotoDirector logo PhotoDirector

Easily edit, manage & share photos with one-click tools and easy-to-use layer editing tools - just like blending PS and LR into one! Try it for free now!
  • Darktable Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18
  • PhotoDirector Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-08

Darktable features and specs

  • Open Source
    Darktable is open-source software, meaning it's free to use and its source code is available for users to modify and improve. This can appeal to those who prefer community-driven projects.
  • Non-Destructive Editing
    The software ensures that the original image files are never altered. All edits are stored in a separate file, allowing users to revert to the original image at any time.
  • RAW Processing
    Darktable supports a wide range of RAW file formats from numerous camera manufacturers, offering high-quality RAW image editing capabilities.
  • Extensive Toolset
    Darktable offers a comprehensive set of tools for color correction, retouching, and other adjustments, comparable to other professional photo editing software.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, Darktable allows users to work on their preferred operating system without compatibility issues.
  • Active Community
    Darktable has an active community of users and developers who regularly contribute to forums, create tutorials, and develop plugins, providing robust support.

Possible disadvantages of Darktable

  • Learning Curve
    Darktable has a steep learning curve, which can be daunting for beginners who are not familiar with photo editing software.
  • Less Intuitive UI
    Compared to some commercial alternatives, Darktable's user interface is less intuitive, which may make it harder for new users to navigate and utilize all features efficiently.
  • Slower Performance
    Some users have reported that Darktable can be slower compared to other photo editing software, especially when working with very large files or complex edits.
  • Limited Integration
    Darktable does not integrate as seamlessly with other software in the Adobe ecosystem, which could be a drawback for those who rely on multiple Adobe products for their workflow.
  • Infrequent Updates
    Although the software is updated, it does not receive updates as frequently as some commercial alternatives, which can delay the release of new features or bug fixes.
  • Limited Documentation
    While there is a community and some documentation available, new users might find comprehensive guides and official tutorials lacking compared to more mainstream software.

PhotoDirector features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    PhotoDirector offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Comprehensive Editing Tools
    The software provides a robust set of tools for photo editing, including advanced color adjustments, layer editing, and content-aware editing, allowing for professional-level results.
  • AI-Powered Features
    PhotoDirector includes AI-based tools like AI sky replacement and AI object removal, making complex edits simpler and more efficient for enhancing photos.
  • Regular Updates
    As part of the 365 subscription model, PhotoDirector receives regular updates and new features, ensuring users have access to the latest tools and improvements.
  • Creative Content Packs
    Subscribers get access to a wide range of templates, effects, and design packs, facilitating creative possibilities and time-saving enhancements.

Possible disadvantages of PhotoDirector

  • Subscription Cost
    The 365 subscription model can be costly over time, making it less appealing for users who prefer a one-time purchase option.
  • Resource Intensive
    PhotoDirector can be demanding on system resources, which might slow down older computers or machines with limited processing power.
  • Limited RAW File Support
    Although PhotoDirector supports various file formats, it may have limited compatibility with some RAW file formats compared to other professional photo editing software.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Users have reported occasional glitches and bugs, which can disrupt the editing process and affect productivity.

Darktable videos

Free Lightroom Alternative: Darktable Review

More videos:

  • Review - darktable 3.0 How Good is it in comparison to other editing programs?
  • Review - Lightroom vs Darktable - the Key Difference ? 2019

PhotoDirector videos

Creative Professional Photo Editing Software for Creators of All Levels | Cyberlink PhotoDirector 10

More videos:

  • Review - Photodirector App Review - Photo Director Photo Editor App Review
  • Review - CyberLink PhotoDirector | Retouching Portrait Photos

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Darktable and PhotoDirector)
Image Editing
91 91%
9% 9
Graphic Design Software
Photo Editing
91 91%
9% 9
Digital Drawing And Painting

User comments

Share your experience with using Darktable and PhotoDirector. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Darktable and PhotoDirector

Darktable Reviews

Our 6 Favorite Free Photoshop Alternatives (2022 Update)
Darktable is a free, open-source photo editing software that is used by photographers and editors and is a wonderful alternative to the likes of Photoshop and Lightroom.
5 Best Linux Photo Management Software
Darktable is more of a photo editing application than an organizer. Darktable stands out for its own user interface regardless of the desktop environment you might be using, and of course for its editing capabilities. The basic features include:
Source: itsfoss.com

PhotoDirector Reviews

The best photo organizing software in 2022
Unfortunately, CyberLink PhotoDirector 365 can only import nine different image file formats, but does include up-to-date raw file support and, rather strangely, can import many more video file formats, though export options are limited. However, for the low cost and simple layout it’s a great option for those who want to get started organizing their photos and videos.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Darktable seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 8 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Darktable mentions (8)

  • Photomator for Mac
    I'm pretty new to photography. I understand a lot of the basics (ex-wife shot as a professional hobbyist for a few years) but never really paid much attention to her editing workflow. Adobe already gets me for $20/mo for Illustrator (because designers) and I looked at alternatives. I've been using darktable http://darktable.org since I got my camera about a month ago and it's nice enough for me. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • Nudibranch (Nembrotha cristata), Verde Island, Philippines, April 2023
    Thank you! The shot was gently edited in darktable. More TG-5 / single strobe examples here. Source: about 2 years ago
  • I've seen it with Adobe
    No, unfortunately not. But check out the free Darktable app which is similar on darktable.org and also this list https://petapixel.com/best-free-raw-editing-programs/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Exporting a RAW file. Is it possible without the format changing? If I export to another folder on my mac it becomes a .jpeg, to Lightroom it becomes a .jpg, to Photoshop it becomes a .tiff. I want to be able to edit the RAW file, a .dng in another app that is not Apple proprietary.
    It sounds like you might want non-destructive editing. Look at something like darktable.org or Lightroom. You can edit your RAW files in multiple different ways, i.e., effectively keeping multiple copies of edited RAW files around. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Software to edit and enhance Photos (JPG and RAW).
    If you're looking to learn more complicated software without having to rent it while you do, there's Darktable. Rawtherapee is another app in the same category, and usually appeals to people who don't like Darktable's interface. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

PhotoDirector mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of PhotoDirector yet. Tracking of PhotoDirector recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Darktable and PhotoDirector, you can also consider the following products

GIMP - GIMP is a multiplatform photo manipulation tool.

Adobe Photoshop - Adobe Photoshop is a webtop application for editing images and photos online.

Affinity Photo - Affinity is the imaging and design suite for creative professionals exclusively for Mac.

Krita - Krita is a professional FREE and open source painting program. It is made by artists that want to seaffordable art tools for everyone. Concept art. texture and matte painters, illustrations and comics.

Pixlr - Pixlr® makes it easy to transform everyday images into stunning works of art.

RawTherapee - RawTherapee is a free RAW converter and digital photo processing software.

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