The Tool Desk
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Choose GIMP for general layered editing and retouching, darktable for RAW development with photo-library tools, RawTherapee for detailed RAW controls, digiKam for organizing a large collection, or Krita for painting and tablet-oriented brush work. These apps serve different jobs, so the best choice depends on your workflow rather than an overall benchmark.
This guide compares the five by their intended use and summarizes the compatibility and version details supported by research checked on October 4, 2026. Software packages and release information can change; confirm the current project instructions before installing.
Key takeaways
- GIMP is the broadest fit for layered editing, selections, retouching, and compositing.
- darktable suits RAW photographers who want development alongside photo-library tools.
- RawTherapee suits photographers who want detailed per-image RAW controls.
- digiKam is a collection manager for albums, tags, metadata, and search, with lighter editing tools.
- Krita is best suited to painting, brush-based edits, and tablet-oriented creative work.
- The recommendations are based on role fit, not side-by-side testing or performance benchmarks.
Which free photo editor should you choose for Ubuntu 24.04?
Choose according to your main task: layered editing, RAW development, photo-library management, or painting. The table compares the five applications by that role; it is an editorial guide, not a measured ranking.
#1 Best Overall
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| Editor | Best fit | RAW and library workflow | Installation note |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIMP | General layered editing, retouching, and compositing | Not a RAW workflow application or catalog manager | Check current package requirements; the official AppImage guidance has specified Debian 13 or newer |
| darktable | RAW development with a broader photo workflow | RAW-focused, with library, metadata, and export capabilities | Official installation information lists Ubuntu 24.04 among community-maintained OBS package targets |
| RawTherapee | Detailed RAW processing controls | Processing-oriented rather than catalog-first | Official Linux x86_64 and ARM64 AppImages are listed; check current project instructions |
| digiKam | Managing and finding a large photo collection | Collection organization and metadata, with light editing | Verify current download and package details on the official project site |
| Krita | Painting, brush work, and tablet-oriented creative editing | Not primarily a catalog or RAW-development application | Official download page lists a Linux 64-bit AppImage; verify current requirements |
1. GIMP: best for general layered editing
GIMP is the broadest fit when you need layers, selections, retouching, compositing, text, or plug-ins. It is a general image editor rather than a RAW workflow application, so photographers processing camera RAW files can pair it with a dedicated RAW developer.
The official download evidence is inconsistent about the latest version: the current search result identified GIMP 3.2.6, while the fetched official download page showed 3.2.4. Rather than rely on a potentially volatile version number, check the official GIMP downloads page before installing. Its AppImage guidance said the x86_64 AppImage supports Debian 13 or newer, so Ubuntu 24.04 users should check package-specific requirements and consider a distribution-supported package.
Choose GIMP if: your work centers on layers, selections, retouching, or compositing. Pair it with a RAW developer if: you need to process camera RAW files.
2. darktable: best for RAW development and a photo workflow
darktable suits RAW photographers who want development alongside photo-library tools, metadata, and export. It is closer to a catalog-oriented photography workflow than a general pixel editor, but this is a role comparison, not a claim of feature parity with any other software.
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- Large Active Drawing Space: UGEE M708 V3 graphic drawing tablet features 10 x 6 inch large active drawing space with papery texture surface, provides enormous and smooth drawing for your digital artwork creation, offers no-lag sketch and painting experience
- 16384 Passive Stylus Technology: A more affordable passive stylus technology offers 16384 levels of pressure sensitivity allows you to draw accurate lines of any weight and opacity according to the pressure you apply to the pen, sharper line with light pressure and thick line with hard pressure for artistry design or unique brush effect for photo retouching
- Compatible with Multiple System and Softwares: Powerful compatibility, tablet for drawing computer, perform well with Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS X 10.10 or later, Android 10.0 or later, mac OS 10.12 or later, Chrome OS 88 or later and Linux; Driver program works with creative software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Macromedia Flash, Comic Studio, SAI, Infinite Stratos, 3D MAX, Autodesk MAYA, Pixologic ZBrush and more
- Ergonomically Designed Shortcuts: 8 customizable express keys on the side for short cuts like eraser, zoom in and out, scrolling and undo, provide a lot more for convenience and helps to improve the productivity and efficiency when creating with the drawing tablet
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The UGEE M708 V3 offers USB to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C, ensuring easy connection to various devices and allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns; Whether using a laptop, desktop, chromebook, or tablet, the UGEE M708 V3 provides a seamless experience for those just starting their digital art journey
darktable’s official installation page lists Ubuntu 24.04 in its community-maintained OBS package list. The page also notes that release availability through package managers is outside the project’s control. Check the package source and version before installing.
Choose darktable if: RAW development and organizing photographs belong in one workflow. Back up your library and configuration before major upgrades, and consult the project’s current instructions for upgrade-specific cautions.
3. RawTherapee: best for detailed RAW controls
RawTherapee is a good fit for photographers who want detailed per-image RAW development controls and do not need a catalog-first workflow. This distinction from darktable is a useful workflow guide, not a controlled comparison of image quality or speed.
The official project page lists RawTherapee 5.13, released July 26, 2026, with x86_64 and ARM64 Linux AppImages. The project says that, starting with version 5.11, RawTherapee can use LibRaw to read RAW files and falls back to an enhanced dcraw reader if LibRaw cannot read a file. This does not guarantee support for every camera model.
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- Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
- Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
- Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
- Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey
Choose RawTherapee if: detailed RAW processing matters more than built-in cataloging. Check the current official download instructions and package details if a camera file does not open as expected.
4. digiKam: best for organizing a large photo collection
digiKam suits photographers whose main need is managing and finding a large collection through albums, tags, metadata, and search. It also offers editing tools, but the researched comparison describes it as a digital asset manager first, with lighter editing than a dedicated pixel editor such as GIMP.
The official digiKam download page was reachable during research, but the available page content did not provide enough detail to verify a current version or Ubuntu 24.04-specific package route. Check the project’s current download information rather than relying on an unverified version claim.
Choose digiKam if: organizing and locating photographs is the main problem. Back up your photo database before migrations or major software changes.
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- Working Area Configuration - HUION art tablet equips with a 10 x 6.25 inches working area, providing the user with the most comfortable size to work; the 10mm slim structure and minimalist design of appearance make the drawing tablet more attractive.
- Tilt Function Battery-free Stylus: This computer graphics tablet come with a battery-free stylus PW100, no need to charge, allowing for constant uninterrupted drawing. ±60° tilt support enables imitation of lines input with diverse drawing gestures, with accuracy ensured.
- Press Keys:12 programmable press keys plus 16 programmable soft keys, you can set shortcut keys on drawing tablet's driver based on your preferences, such as erase, zoom in/out, scroll up and down, and so on.
- Compatibility: HUION graphics tablet supports Windows 7 or later/ macOS 10.12 or later/ Android 6.0 or later/ Linux (Ubuntu). A USB adapter is required to connect to a Mac computer. H1060P supports various mainstream design and drawing software, including PS, SAI, AI, CDR, etc. (Please note: The H1060P is compatible with Ubuntu, but it requires the use of the Xorg display server. Wayland is not supported.)
- NOTE: You can easily connect your phone to the art tablet via the OTG connector; while iPhone and iPad are NOT at the moment. The cursor will not show up in the SAMSUNG Galaxy S series at present. If you are not sure whether the product is compatible with your Phone or any help, please contact us.
5. Krita: best for painting and tablet-oriented brush work
Krita is primarily a painting and illustration program, making it useful for painting over photographs, brush-based edits, and creative work with a graphics tablet. It is not the default choice here for cataloging a photo library or developing RAW files.
The official Krita download page lists Krita 5.3.4, released September 15, 2026, and a Linux 64-bit AppImage. The project says tablets compatible with the user’s operating system can be used. Its published requirements are 4 GB RAM minimum and 16 GB recommended; these are project requirements, not a performance guarantee for large images.
Choose Krita if: painting, brush work, or tablet input is central to your edits. For conventional layered retouching, start with GIMP instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do GIMP, darktable, RawTherapee, digiKam, and Krita differ?
The useful comparison is the primary job each app serves. If you need both RAW development and detailed pixel editing, you can use a RAW developer first and then continue in GIMP rather than expecting one application to do everything.
Best Value
- Customize Your Workflow: The 6 customizable press keys on Huion H640P drawing tablet for pc let you assign your most-used commands—like undo, zoom, brush switch, or save—so you can keep your hands on the tablet and your mind on the art. Whether you're a digital painter switching brushes, or a comic artist zooming in and out, these keys keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, the Huion driver lets you save different shortcut profiles for different apps, so you never have to reconfigure when switching software.
- Professional Pen Performance: Huion H640P drawing pad for computer comes with the battery-free PW100 stylus that's always ready when inspiration strikes. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, every light sketch, or bold stroke responds naturally to your hand—just like a real pen. The 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS report rate deliver lag-free, precise strokes, so you can draw confidently without second-guessing your cursor. The pen side buttons help you switch between pen and eraser instantly.
- Compact and Portable: Huion H640P computer graphics tablet features a compact, ultra-portable design at just 0.3 inches thin and 0.61 lbs light, so it slides easily into your backpack—perfect for sketching in coffee shops, taking notes in class, or editing on the go between home and studio. The 6x4 inch active area offers enough room for natural pen movements while fitting comfortably on crowded desks, or lecture hall seats.
- Stable Compatibility: Huion H640P graphic drawing tablet works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, Linux PCs, and Android smartphones/tablets (OS version 6.0 or later). Left-handed friendly, and you just need to flip the tablet and adjust the settings in the driver. Please note: H640P does NOT support iPhone/iPad.
- Move Beyond the Mouse: Huion Inspiroy H640P is a pen tablet that replaces your mouse for more natural, precise control. Freehand draw, take notes, or even play OSU—everything you do with a mouse, you can do better with a pen. The precise tip makes it ideal for detailed photo editing, graphic design, or signing PDF. Meanwhile, the ergonomic pen grip helps you avoid the strain that comes from hours of using a mouse.
| Main task | Good starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Layered retouching or compositing | GIMP | Broad general-purpose image editing |
| RAW development alongside photo-library tools | darktable | Combines a RAW-focused workflow with library capabilities |
| Detailed per-image RAW processing | RawTherapee | Processing controls are central to its role |
| Albums, tags, metadata, and collection search | digiKam | Collection organization is its primary fit |
| Painting or brush work with a tablet | Krita | Painting and tablet-oriented creative editing are its strengths |
What should Ubuntu 24.04 users check before installing?
Linux downloads do not guarantee that every package format will work identically on every Ubuntu 24.04 system. Check the project’s current instructions, the specific package’s requirements, and whether its version suits your needs.
- Open the application’s official download or installation page.
- Confirm the package format and system requirements for your Ubuntu installation.
- Check the installed version and its source if you encounter missing features or compatibility problems.
- Back up photo libraries and application databases before migrations or major upgrades.
| Application | Verified guidance from the research | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| GIMP | Official download page lists Linux options; fetched page showed 3.2.4, while search indexing showed 3.2.6 | Recheck current version and package requirements; the AppImage guidance cited Debian 13 or newer |
| darktable | Official installation page lists Ubuntu 24.04 among community-maintained OBS targets | Check package timing and back up library and configuration before upgrades |
| RawTherapee | Official project page lists 5.13 Linux x86_64 and ARM64 AppImages | Check current project instructions; support for a specific camera is not guaranteed |
| digiKam | Official download page was available, but research could not verify a current version or Ubuntu-specific route | Confirm current download details and back up the photo database |
| Krita | Official page lists a Linux 64-bit AppImage and Krita 5.3.4 | Confirm current requirements and tablet compatibility with your operating system |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free photo editor for Ubuntu 24.04?
GIMP is the broadest starting point for general layered editing and retouching. For RAW development, collection management, or painting, choose darktable, digiKam, or Krita according to the task.
Which Ubuntu editor should I use for RAW photos?
Choose darktable for RAW development alongside photo-library tools, or RawTherapee for detailed per-image processing controls. Neither project’s general RAW information guarantees support for every camera model.
Is Krita a good photo editor for Ubuntu?
Krita can be useful for painting over photographs and brush-based creative edits, especially with a compatible tablet. It is primarily a painting program, not a catalog-first photo manager or the default recommendation for RAW development.
Can I use a RAW editor and GIMP together?
Yes. A workflow can use darktable or RawTherapee for RAW development, then GIMP for layered compositing or pixel-level editing.
Which editor should I use to organize a large photo library?
digiKam is the collection-management choice in this list for albums, tags, metadata, and search. Back up its database before migrations or major software changes.
Bottom line: Start with GIMP for general editing, darktable for RAW and library workflow, RawTherapee for detailed RAW controls, digiKam for organizing a collection, or Krita for painting and tablet-oriented brush work. There is no single winner for every workflow, and these recommendations are based on role fit rather than comparative testing.
Quick Recap
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