vkdt

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Score7.7

Rank#39 of 160

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onLinux, macOS, Windows

Summary

vkdt is a free workflow toolbox for processing raw photographs and video. Its processing pipeline uses a node graph that can connect multiple inputs and outputs, with GLSL shaders and Vulkan. Photography tools include colour management, noise profiling, a folder-based image database, automatic parameter optimisation, and U-Net-based denoising. The maker also describes real-time workflows for animations, timelapses, and raw video, including Magic Lantern MLV and MotionCam footage. Documented inputs include JPEG, OpenEXR, raw stills, MLV, MotionCam raw video, and video; listed exports include JPEG, OpenEXR, JPEG XL, and video. A command-line utility is included, and it uses export nodes in place of display nodes. vkdt is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows through source releases, nightly AppImage and Windows builds, and NixOS packages. It requires a Vulkan-capable GPU. The maker recommends 4 GB of video RAM, or at least 8 GB for large graphs or images above 50 megapixels.

Who it is for

vkdt may suit photographers and video makers who want a node-based raw workflow, including timelapses or supported raw video. It is also relevant to users who need command-line exports and have a Vulkan-capable GPU.

What is good

Free workflow toolbox
Node graph supports multiple inputs and outputs
Includes denoising and automatic parameter optimisation
Handles raw stills, timelapses, and video
Command-line utility supports export workflows

What to know first

Requires a Vulkan-capable GPU
At least 8 GB VRAM recommended for large graphs or images above 50 megapixels
Some source files contain GPLv3 code

Verdict

vkdt brings photography and video processing into a Vulkan-based node workflow, with a command-line utility and several distribution options. Check GPU compatibility and memory guidance before choosing it.

vkdt plans and pricing

All plans

vkdt Free Free/open-source photography workflow toolbox jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026

Compared on photo editing software

Free plan: Yesjo.dreggn.org

Facts

Purpose: vkdt is a workflow toolbox for processing raw still photographs and video.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
Processing: Its processing pipeline uses a flexible node graph with multiple inputs and outputs, implemented with GLSL shaders and Vulkan.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
GPU performance: The maker lists GPU-only processing as a feature and says the application is designed with high performance in mind.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
Photography features: Listed features include colour management, noise profiling, a folder-based image database, automatic parameter optimisation and U-Net-based denoising.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
Video and animation: The maker describes real-time support for animations, timelapses and raw video, including Magic Lantern MLV and MotionCam raw video inputs.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
File formats: The module documentation lists inputs including JPEG, OpenEXR, raw stills, MLV, MotionCam raw video and video, plus outputs including JPEG, OpenEXR, JPEG XL and video.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
Command line: vkdt includes a command-line utility, and its CLI replaces display nodes with export nodes.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
Platforms: The maker says vkdt runs natively on Linux, builds and runs on Macintosh computers with Intel or Apple silicon, and has caveats on Windows; an Android port is unfinished.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
Hardware requirements: The maker says vkdt needs a Vulkan-capable GPU and recommends 4 GB of video RAM, or at least 8 GB for large graphs or images above 50 megapixels.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
Licence: The maker says the code is licensed under the 2-clause BSD licence unless otherwise marked, and notes that some source files contain GPLv3 code.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
Distribution: The download page links to a source release, nightly AppImage, nightly Windows binaries and NixOS packages.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
Support: The maker directs users to the #vkdt channel on oftc.net or the pixls.us discussion forum for support.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026
Website privacy: The download page states that the website is JavaScript-, cookie- and tracker-free.jo.dreggn.org · 2 Oct 2026