How to Install Darktable on Ubuntu 24.04/22.04/20.04 Linux

Darktable is an open-source photography workflow application and raw developer designed to be a virtual light table and darkroom for photographers. It offers a suite of photo editing features, supports a wide range of digital cameras, and is constantly updated to include the latest tools and capabilities. Darktable provides non-destructive editing, meaning you can tweak your photos as much as possible without altering the original file. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to photographers of all skill levels, from amateurs to professionals.

Below is a list of key features that have made Darktable so popular:

• Non-Destructive Editing: All edits are stored separately from the original image, preserving the original file.
• Raw Photo Processing: Comprehensive support for raw files from over 400 different cameras.
• Tethered Shooting: Allows for direct camera control and photo capture within Darktable.
• Color Management: Darktable ensures accurate colors through its integrated color management system.
• Powerful Export Options: Offers a variety of export formats, sizes, and storage locations.
• Customizable Interface: Users can tailor the workspace to their preferences, improving workflow efficiency.
• Advanced Correction Modules: Features numerous correction and enhancement tools for perfecting images.
• Extensive Plugin Support: Many plugins extend their functionality, catering to varied photographic needs.

With these capabilities, Darktable stands out as a comprehensive tool for photographers seeking to enhance their digital darkroom workflow. Now, let’s move on to the detailed steps for installing Darktable on your Ubuntu system utilizing the command-line terminal with various installation methods.

Method 1: Install Darktable on Ubuntu Repository

Update Ubuntu System Before Darktable Installation

Before installing any new software, it’s a good practice to ensure your current system packages are up-to-date. This mitigates potential compatibility issues that may arise during the installation process.

To do this, run the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

After running these commands, if you notice that a substantial amount of packages have been updated, or if kernel packages were part of the update, it’s advisable to reboot your system to ensure changes are appropriately applied.

Install Darktable via APT Command

Installing Darktable using the APT manager is straightforward. This convenience is one reason why this method is popular among Ubuntu users.

In your terminal, execute the following command:

sudo apt install darktable

With sudo apt install darktable, we’re requesting administrative permissions (sudo) to use the APT tool (apt) to install (install) Darktable (darktable). Once you run this command, the APT tool will fetch the necessary packages from its repositories and start the installation process.

Method 2: Install Darktable via Snapcraft

Another prevalent method of software installation on Ubuntu systems is using Snap. Snap is a universal packaging system that allows you to install applications across many Linux distributions while maintaining isolation from the rest of the system. It offers automatic updates and rollback functionality for apps, enhancing system stability.

Install Darktable with Snap Command

Ubuntu systems have Snap pre-installed, making it a convenient alternative for users who prefer this packaging system over others.

To install Darktable using Snap, you’ll need to run the following command in your terminal:

sudo snap install darktable

With this command, sudo snap install darktable, you’re instructing your system to utilize Snap (snap) with administrative permissions (sudo) to install (install) Darktable (darktable). The Snap system will then fetch the latest version of Darktable from the Snap repository and install it onto your system.

Method 3: Install Darktable via Flatpak and Flathub

Flatpak offers another package management option for Linux users. Like Snap, it’s a universal packaging system designed for Linux software distribution. Flatpak isolates applications from the rest of the system, which boosts system security and stability. Plus, Flatpak can provide sandboxed applications, making it an appealing choice for many users.

Note: If Flatpak isn’t installed on your system, refer to our guide on “How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu” for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.

Enabling Flathub Repository for Darktable

Before we install Darktable through Flatpak, we need to ensure that the Flathub repository is enabled on your system. Flathub is a primary source for Flatpak applications and hosts a large number of Linux apps.

To enable Flathub, run the following command:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command configures your Flatpak setup to recognize the Flathub repository. This way, you have access to numerous applications, including Darktable.

Install Darktable via Flatpak Command

With the Flathub repository enabled, we can proceed with the Darktable installation. Use the following command to install Darktable via Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub org.darktable.Darktable -y

This command instructs Flatpak to install Darktable from the Flathub repository.

Launching Darktable via CLI or GUI

Now that we’ve successfully installed Darktable using either APT, Snap, or Flatpak, it’s time to open the software and explore its capabilities.

Launching Darktable from Terminal

Launching Darktable from the terminal provides an immediate method to get started with the software. If you installed Darktable using APT, you can initiate it directly from the terminal with the following command:

darktable

For those who installed Darktable using Snap, the command to launch the application from the terminal changes slightly:

snap run darktable

In contrast, if you’ve installed Darktable using Flatpak, the command to launch the application from the terminal becomes:

flatpak run org.darktable.Darktable

Running applications directly from the terminal might not be the most practical choice for day-to-day use, especially if you don’t typically work within the terminal.

Launching Darktable from the Desktop Application Menu

You’ll most likely prefer a more user-friendly approach for daily use. That’s where the Desktop Application Menu comes in. You can find Darktable among your other installed applications and launch it with a simple click.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Show Applications” button on your desktop.
2. In the search bar that appears, type “Darktable”.
3. Click on the Darktable icon to launch the application.

Managing Darktable

After successfully installing Darktable and beginning to explore its vast array of features, it’s crucial to also understand how to manage the software on your Ubuntu Linux system.

Update Darktable

Keeping software up-to-date is a best practice in the tech realm. Updates often provide new features, improved functionality, bug fixes, and security enhancements. In the case of Darktable, the update process is determined by the method you initially used to install the software.

APT Darktable Update Command

If you installed Darktable using the Advanced Package Tool (APT), you can update it using the following commands:

sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt upgrade

These commands instruct your system to refresh the package lists, ensuring you’re informed of the latest software versions, and then upgrade all updatable software, including Darktable.

Flatpak Darktable Update Command

If your installation of Darktable was accomplished via Flatpak, the update process is slightly different. Use the following command to update Darktable:

flatpak update

This command checks for updates in all installed Flatpak apps and runtime and updates them as necessary.

Snap Darktable Update Command

Lastly, Snap installations on Ubuntu have good support for updating its applications, but to check for the latest updates, it’s advised to run the following command:

snap refresh

Remove Darktable

If you wish to uninstall Darktable from your Ubuntu Linux system for any reason, the process is straightforward and varies depending on your installation method.

APT Darktable Remove Command

To remove Darktable that was installed using the APT, you can use the following command:

sudo apt remove darktable

This command will uninstall the Darktable application from your Ubuntu Linux system but leave user data and configuration files behind.

Flatpak Darktable Remove Command

For Darktable installed through Flatpak, you would employ a different command to remove the software:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.darktable.Darktable

This command removes Darktable and also erases user data related to the application.

Snap Darktable Remove Command

To remove the installation of Darktable with Snap, run the following command:

sudo snap remove darktable

Final Thoughts

In wrapping up this guide, we’ve navigated the ins and outs of installing Darktable on Ubuntu, exploring various methods to get you up and running with this powerful photo management and editing tool. Remember, mastering Darktable is one of exploration and creativity, so dive in, experiment with the features, and don’t hesitate to lean on the community for insights and assistance.