Overview

RawTherapee runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, developing raw files from a broad range of digital cameras, including HDR DNG. It also handles JPEG, TIFF, and PNG. A non-destructive, 32-bit floating-point engine preserves the original image while edits are refined, a useful foundation for photographers who want to revisit processing choices.

The project has been around since 2004 and is released under the GNU General Public License version 3. That makes it a no-cost option for both newcomers willing to learn its controls and experienced photographers who want a dedicated raw-development tool. The trade-off is scope: professionals who need digital asset management, printing, or uploading will need separate software.

Key features

Detailed raw development

Multiple demosaicing algorithms and extensive development controls let photographers influence how raw data becomes an image. That flexibility is a meaningful advantage for users who want to shape rendering rather than accept a narrow set of presets; newcomers may find the depth less approachable than a streamlined editor. Masking tools are available, but layer editing is not.

Batch work and handoff

Batch processing and copying or pasting editing parameters across files reduce repetitive work when developing a group of images. A command-line interface complements the graphical application for users who prefer that route. RawTherapee can also open raw images from GIMP as a plugin and return the edited image to GIMP, or send processed images to GIMP or another editor in one click. These handoffs extend its editing workflow without turning it into a library manager.

RawPedia documentation and a community forum are the project's support channels. On macOS, installation has a specific constraint: the application must be placed in /Applications and refuses to start from elsewhere. Version 5.13, released July 26, 2026, requires macOS Tahoe 26.0 or newer on Apple Silicon, or macOS Monterey 12.0 or newer on Intel.

Pricing

RawTherapee costs 0.00 USD per free, with no paid tier described. The free plan includes the GPLv3-licensed software and its raw-development, batch-processing, and editor-handoff capabilities. There is no cheaper plan to compare, but the application does not include digital asset management, printing, or uploading, so photographers needing those parts of a workflow must add other tools.

Platforms

RawTherapee is desktop software for Linux, macOS, and Windows. macOS users should check the version-specific operating-system requirement and install location before choosing it.

Who it's for

Choose RawTherapee if you want a free raw developer with detailed demosaicing controls, non-destructive processing, and batch tools, and are comfortable using a focused editor rather than an all-in-one photo workflow. It suits enthusiasts who want room to learn as well as professionals who need development controls. Look elsewhere or pair it with other software if organizing a catalog, printing, or uploading from the same application is essential.

Pros and cons

Pro: Broad camera raw support, including HDR DNG, plus JPEG, TIFF, and PNG handling makes it useful across common image inputs.
Pro: Non-destructive 32-bit floating-point processing, multiple demosaicing algorithms, and masking give deliberate editors substantial control.
Pro: Batch processing and transferable editing parameters help with repeated work across sets of images.
Con: No layer editing, which limits workflows built around compositing or layer-based adjustments.
Con: No asset management, printing, or uploading, so it cannot cover those professional workflow needs on its own.
Con: macOS 5.13 has a defined minimum OS by processor type and must be installed in /Applications.

Alternatives

RAW Photo Processing Software, Photo Editing Software, and Batch Photo Processing Software provide category comparisons.

darktable is another free, open-source raw developer for Linux, macOS, and Windows; choose it if you want to compare another GPL-licensed photography workflow application.
vkdt is a free, open-source photography workflow toolbox for Linux, macOS, and Windows, a different option for those seeking a workflow toolbox.
Nikon NX Studio is free desktop software for macOS and Windows; its Nikon camera and file-format support varies.
Hasselblad Phocus is free RAW processing software for Mac and PC.
Canon Digital Photo Professional is free software included in initial setup for Canon cameras, supporting EOS digital cameras and RAW-capable PowerShot models.
ON1 Portrait AI is a paid alternative with a free trial and plans for two or three computers.
Capture One is a paid alternative with a free trial and a Pro subscription that includes desktop software, RAW conversion, tethering, and advanced desktop editing tools.
Darkroom offers a free plan and trial on macOS and iOS; its Starter plan requires Darkroom+ for export, while its Yearly plan costs 39.99 USD per year.

Verdict

RawTherapee is an excellent fit for photographers who want no-cost, detailed raw development with batch processing and do not need a built-in catalog or output services. Its strongest reason to choose it is control without a purchase price; its clearest reason to look elsewhere is the need for a broader end-to-end photo workflow.

	Polarr	RawTherapee
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	—	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	iOS, Android	Linux, macOS, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Platform	mobile	desktop
Masking tools	Yes	Yes
Batch editing	Yes	Yes
Cloud sync	Yes	—
AI retouching	Yes	—
RAW photo support	—	Yes
Layer editing	—	No

Polarr vs RawTherapee

Polarr

RawTherapee