As you may already know, Darktable is a free and open-source photography workflow application for image editing (that be used hand-in-hand with GIMP) with good support for Linux, Mac OSX, Solaris and Windows. It’s main purpose is to enhance a photographer’s workflow, permitting you to manage and adjust a large number of images efficient and easy.
Darktable operates in two modes: Lighttable (which allows you to export, sort and rename images) and Darkroom (which permits editing photos and raw files). The GUI looks very similar to Lightroom Classic, so if you have used that already, you might feel at home.
The Light Table is the image management section, permitting you to easily cull, organize, sort, tag and add metadata to your photos.
The Darkroom is where you edit your images. Here you can adjust the brightness and contrast to color calibration, apply hot pixel fixes and many others.
The latest version available is DarkTable 5.0.1, which comes with changes (the changelog is not yet ready):
- 105 commits to Darktable+rawspeed
- 57 pull requests handled
- 15 issues closed
How to install Darktable 5.0.1 on Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 24.04, and Ubuntu 24.10 and derivative systems (via PPA)
To install Darktable on Ubuntu, follow these steps:
(Optional) Step 0: Update Your System
Before installing any new software, it is recommended to update your system to ensure you have the latest packages and security updates. Run the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -yStep 1: Add the Darktable Repository
Darktable is not included in Ubuntu’s default repositories with the latest version, so you need to add the official Personal Package Archive (PPA) provided by the Darktable community. Execute the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/darktablePress Enter when prompted to confirm adding the repository.
Step 2: Update the Package List
After adding the Darktable repository, update the package list to ensure your system recognizes the new software source:
sudo apt updateStep 3: Install Darktable
Now that the repository has been added and updated, install Darktable with:
sudo apt install darktable -yAlternatively, you can launch it from the Applications Menu by searching for “Darktable.”
(Optional) Remove Darktable
If you want to uninstall Darktable, use the following command:
sudo apt remove --autoremove darktableTo completely remove Darktable, including all configuration files, use:
sudo apt purge darktable -yAdditionally, to remove the PPA repository, run:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/darktableFinally, to clean up unnecessary dependencies, execute:
sudo apt autoremove -yThis is everything. Enjoy!
How to install Darktable 5.0.1 on Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 24.04, and Ubuntu 24.10 and derivative systems (via Snap)
What is Snap?
Snap is a package management system developed by Canonical, the creators of Ubuntu. It allows applications to be packaged with all their dependencies, making installation easier and reducing compatibility issues across different Linux distributions.
One of the key advantages of Snap packages is that they run in a sandboxed environment, enhancing security and stability. Additionally, Snap packages are updated automatically in the background, ensuring that users always have the latest version of an application without manual intervention.
However, some users may find that Snap applications take up more disk space due to bundling dependencies, and they may have slightly slower startup times compared to traditional DEB packages.
Prepare Snap, if needed
On Ubuntu, Snap is pre-installed, but if you are using a Linux distribution where Snap is not integrated by default, you can install it using the following command:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapdAfter installing Snap, you may need to enable and start the Snap service:
sudo systemctl enable --now snapdInstall Darktable via Snap
To install Darktable using Snap, run the following command in the terminal:
sudo snap install darktableOptional: Uninstall Darktable Using Snap
If you ever need to remove Darktable, you can do so with the following command:
sudo snap remove darktableHow to install Darktable 5.0.1 on Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 24.04, and Ubuntu 24.10 and derivative systems (via Flatpak)
What is Flatpak?
Flatpak is another popular package management system designed to provide a consistent and secure way of distributing applications across various Linux distributions. Unlike Snap, which is developed and maintained by Canonical, Flatpak is an open-source project supported by the Freedesktop community.
Flatpak applications run in their own sandboxed environment, preventing them from interfering with system files. This ensures better security and isolation while allowing applications to run on any Linux distribution that supports Flatpak.
One of Flatpak’s main advantages is its decentralized nature. Users can download applications from Flathub, the main Flatpak repository, rather than relying on distribution-specific repositories. However, just like Snap, Flatpak applications can take up more space due to their bundled dependencies.
Setup Flatpak and Install Darktable
If you prefer to install Darktable using Flatpak, first ensure that you have Flatpak installed on your system. If Flatpak is not installed, you can set it up with the following command:
sudo apt install flatpakNext, add the Flathub repository, which hosts the Darktable Flatpak package:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoOnce Flatpak is installed and Flathub is added, install Darktable with:
flatpak install flathub org.darktable.DarktableOptional: Uninstall Darktable Using Flatpak
To remove Darktable if installed via Flatpak, use the command:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.darktable.DarktablePopular free photo editing software for Linux and Ubuntu
- GIMP – One of the most powerful open-source photo editors, often considered a free alternative to Photoshop. It supports layers, masks, filters, and various plugins.
- Inkscape – A vector graphics editor ideal for creating illustrations, logos, and scalable designs. It is a great alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
- RawTherapee – A high-quality RAW image processor designed for photographers who need advanced color correction, noise reduction, and image enhancement tools.
- Darktable – A professional-grade photo workflow application and RAW developer, similar to Adobe Lightroom, with non-destructive editing capabilities.
