Free and open first

Best RAW Photo Processing Software in 2026

Working with RAW files can mean choosing how to organize a photo collection, make local edits, and prepare images for export. Compared on catalog workflow, local adjustments, lens correction, RAW format support, export formats, and tethered capture, these options offer several practical points for comparison. Supported platforms can help you check whether software fits your setup, while free-plan availability and paid-from pricing add cost context. darktable, RawTherapee, and vkdt are among the named options. Consider the formats you use, how you prefer to edit, and whether your workflow calls for cataloging or tethered capture.

24 apps
Research read 23 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Adobe Lightroom
by Adobe Lightroom
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

Choose Lightroom if you need photo editing and organizing across desktop, web, and mobile, with RAW support, batch editing, masking, AI retouching, and cloud sync.

7.7 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
2

ART

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose ART if you want a free, GPLv3 RAW processor with local masking, layers, batch editing, and broad format options.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
3

Canon Digital Photo Professional

Free plan iPhoneMacWindows

DPP provides a broad set of RAW processing, organization, and output tools at no charge for compatible Canon camera owners. Check camera compatibility and supported file formats before choosing it.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
4

darktable

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

darktable provides a broad raw-image workflow, with database organization, non-destructive editing, and several export paths at no cost.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
5

Darkroom
by Darkroom
Free plan MaciPhone

Darkroom offers a broad set of listed editing tools across macOS and iOS, with free tool access and multiple paid options.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $39.99/yr Visit site
6

dcraw

Free plan LinuxWindows

dcraw offers a focused set of RAW decoding and export options at no charge. Its inability to decode JPEG files is important to note when choosing an image utility.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
7

FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO
by FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO
Free plan MacWindows

FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO’s central requirement is a USB-connected camera of the same model that captured the RAW file.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
8

Hasselblad Phocus
by Hasselblad Phocus
Free plan MacWindows

Phocus offers a broad set of RAW adjustments, with several tools tied to specific Hasselblad or supported lens systems.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
9

Nitro

Free plan ExtensioniPhoneMac

Choose Nitro if its Apple-device support, RAW formats, and editing or comparison tools fit your photography workflow.

7.0 7-day trial Visit site
10

Nikon NX Studio

Free plan MacWindows

NX Studio offers photo editing, metadata tools, pixel-shift merging, and several export formats at no listed cost.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
11

RawTherapee
by RawTherapee
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

RawTherapee focuses on image development, with raw support, batch processing and editor integration at no cost.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
12

OM Workspace
by OM Workspace
Free plan MacWindows

Choose OM Workspace if you are a camera user looking for free tools to sort, compare, rate, and edit images.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
13

Photomator

Free plan iPhoneMac

Photomator combines RAW support, nondestructive adjustments, AI selections, and repair tools for Apple platforms.

6.8 Visit site
14

vkdt

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

vkdt combines raw photo and video processing with node-based workflows and command-line export. Its Vulkan requirement and recommended video RAM are key hardware considerations.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
15

Corel AfterShot Pro
by Corel AfterShot Pro
Free trial LinuxMacWindows

Pick AfterShot Pro 3 if you want non-destructive RAW editing, folder-based photo access, and batch processing across Windows, Mac, or Linux.

6.3 From $79.99 · 30-day trial Visit site
16

Exposure
by Exposure
Free trial MacWindows

Exposure X7 combines RAW editing and photo organization in a desktop application with standalone and plug-in modes.

6.0 30-day trial Visit site
17

ON1 Photo RAW
by ON1 Photo RAW
Free trial AndroidExtensioniPhone+2

ON1 Photo RAW covers editing, organization, and export, with AI tools and cloud sync options. The trial lasts 30 days; note the plan-dependent computer limits and that Restore AI is reserved for MAX.

6.0 30-day trial Visit site
18

RAW Power

Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac

RAW Power brings RAW editing and image organization together for Apple-platform workflows. Check the trial export limits, system requirements, and separate purchase terms before choosing a version.

5.8 From $9.99 Visit site
19

Iridient Developer

Free trial Mac

Iridient Developer offers broad RAW support, detailed controls, batch processing, and several export formats for Mac users.

5.7 From $119.99 Visit site
20

Luminar Neo
by Luminar Neo
Paid AndroidAPIExtension+5

Luminar Neo offers a broad set of editing tools across desktop and mobile platforms, including RAW support and AI retouching.

5.6 From $129 · 7-day trial Visit site
21

Capture One
by Capture One
Paid iPhone

Choose Capture One for advanced photo editing, RAW conversion, and tethering across desktop and mobile plans.

5.5 7-day trial Visit site
22

SILKYPIX Developer Studio Pro12
by SILKYPIX Developer Studio Pro12
Free trial Windows

SILKYPIX Developer Studio Pro12 focuses on RAW development with targeted corrections, presets, and selected-format support.

5.4 From 25,300 JPY · 30-day trial Visit site
23

Zoner Photo Studio X
by Zoner Photo Studio X
Free trial Windows

Zoner Photo Studio X combines RAW support, batch work and layer and masking tools in a Windows desktop product.

5.4 From $59/yr · 7-day trial Visit site
24

Adobe Camera Raw

Paid MacWindows

Adobe Camera Raw focuses on RAW processing, corrections, and export rather than catalog management. Its format coverage and output list should guide whether it fits your camera and delivery needs.

5.0 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

More in Design, Video & Audio