ART
artraweditor.github.io
What it is
ART is a free, open-source RAW image processor for Linux, macOS and Windows. Derived from RawTherapee, it aims for a simpler interface while retaining processing power and quality. Its editing capabilities include layers, batch editing and local adjustments using drawn or parametric masks. It handles metadata and can optionally read and write XMP sidecar files. A plugin system supports custom input and output formats, including true HDR output. For color work, ART supports ACES CLF LUTs through OpenColorIO and CTL scripts through the ACES CTL interpreter. It also includes automatic perspective correction adapted from darktable. User commands can connect external programs; documented AI masking and denoising workflows rely on separate open-source tools, and the project says full AI-tool integration is unlikely in the foreseeable future. ART is licensed under GPL version 3 and comes without a warranty. Stable binaries are linked from GitHub releases, with additional builds listed for Windows, openSUSE, Arch Linux and notarized macOS. Questions and bug reports can be directed to its GitHub issue tracker or discussion board.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- ART is a cross-platform raw image processor derived from RawTherapee, designed for a simpler interface while retaining its processing power and quality.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Audience
- The FAQ describes ART as a developer-led open-source project intended to be useful to a wider audience and says users should consider other free raw-processing tools too.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Free plan
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Support
- ART comes with no warranty; users can ask questions or report bugs through its GitHub issue tracker and discussion board.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- License
- ART is released under the GNU General Public License version 3.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- AI integration limit
- The project says full AI-tool integration is unlikely in the foreseeable future; the documented AI workflows use external tools and user commands.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Batch editing
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Color tools
- ART supports ACES CLF LUTs through OpenColorIO and CTL scripts through the ACES CTL interpreter.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Current release
- The home page lists version 1.26.9, released September 16, 2026.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Downloads
- The official downloads page links stable binaries from GitHub releases and lists third-party Windows, openSUSE, Arch Linux, and notarized macOS builds.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- External tools
- User commands can integrate external programs, and the official documentation describes optional AI masking and denoising workflows using separate open-source tools.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Image formats
- A plugin system supports custom input and output image formats, including true HDR output formats.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Layer editing
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Local editing
- It supports local edits with drawn and parametric masking modes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Masking tools
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Metadata
- It supports metadata handling and optional reading and writing of XMP sidecar files.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Perspective correction
- ART includes an automatic perspective correction tool adapted from darktable.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- Platform
- multi-platformRead 20 Sep 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
- RAW photo support
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · artraweditor.github.io
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free and open-source under GPL version 3.
- Available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
- Supports layers, batch editing and masking.
- Plugin system supports true HDR output formats.
- Optional XMP sidecar reading and writing.
Limits
- Comes with no warranty.
- AI masking and denoising rely on separate tools.
- Full AI-tool integration is unlikely in the foreseeable future.
Who it suits
ART suits users looking for a free RAW processor across Linux, macOS or Windows, especially those who want local masking and batch editing. Its project notes that users may also consider other free raw-processing tools.
Verdict
ART offers broad RAW editing and format support at no cost across three desktop platforms. Users seeking integrated AI features should note the project’s stated limitation.
Where Specifiction places it
- RAW Photo Processing Software#6 of 248.4
- Photo Editing Software#58 of 1608.2