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SPECIFICTION
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vkdt

jo.dreggn.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.8 #101 of 160 in Photo Editing Software

What it is

vkdt is a workflow toolbox for processing raw still photographs and video on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its pipeline connects multiple inputs and outputs in a node graph, using GLSL shaders and Vulkan. Photography tools include colour management, noise profiling, a folder-based image database, automatic parameter optimisation, and U-Net-based denoising. The maker also describes real-time workflows for animations, timelapses, and raw video, including Magic Lantern MLV and MotionCam inputs. Documented formats include JPEG, OpenEXR, raw stills, MLV, MotionCam raw video, and video for input; listed exports include JPEG, JPEG XL, OpenEXR, PFM, BC1, H.264, ProRes, and video. A command-line utility substitutes export nodes for display nodes. vkdt is free. It requires a Vulkan-capable GPU; the maker recommends 4 GB of video RAM, or at least 8 GB for large graphs or images above 50 megapixels. The code is licensed under 2-clause BSD unless otherwise marked, with some files containing GPLv3 code.

Spec sheet

Purpose
vkdt is a workflow toolbox for processing raw still photographs and video.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
Platforms
The maker says vkdt runs natively on Linux, builds and runs on Macintosh computers with Intel or Apple silicon, and has caveats on Windows; an Android port is unfinished.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
Free plan
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
Support
The maker directs users to the #vkdt channel on oftc.net or the pixls.us discussion forum for support.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
Command line
vkdt includes a command-line utility, and its CLI replaces display nodes with export nodes.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
Distribution
The download page links to a source release, nightly AppImage, nightly Windows binaries and NixOS packages.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
File formats
The module documentation lists inputs including JPEG, OpenEXR, raw stills, MLV, MotionCam raw video and video, plus outputs including JPEG, OpenEXR, JPEG XL and video.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
GPU performance
The maker lists GPU-only processing as a feature and says the application is designed with high performance in mind.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
Hardware requirements
The maker says vkdt needs a Vulkan-capable GPU and recommends 4 GB of video RAM, or at least 8 GB for large graphs or images above 50 megapixels.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
Licence
The maker says the code is licensed under the 2-clause BSD licence unless otherwise marked, and notes that some source files contain GPLv3 code.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
Photography features
Listed features include colour management, noise profiling, a folder-based image database, automatic parameter optimisation and U-Net-based denoising.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
Processing
Its processing pipeline uses a flexible node graph with multiple inputs and outputs, implemented with GLSL shaders and Vulkan.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
Video and animation
The maker describes real-time support for animations, timelapses and raw video, including Magic Lantern MLV and MotionCam raw video inputs.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org
Website privacy
The download page states that the website is JavaScript-, cookie- and tracker-free.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org

Plans and prices

vkdt Free Free/open-source photography workflow toolbox Read 2 Oct 2026 · jo.dreggn.org

Every vkdt plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and available on Linux, macOS, and Windows
  • Node graph supports multiple inputs and outputs
  • Includes colour management and U-Net-based denoising
  • Supports raw video, timelapses, and animations

Limits

  • Requires a Vulkan-capable GPU
  • At least 8 GB video RAM recommended for large graphs or images above 50 megapixels
  • Some source files contain GPLv3 code

Who it suits

vkdt suits photographers and video workflows that need a node-based raw processing toolbox, including command-line export. It is for systems with a Vulkan-capable GPU.

Verdict

vkdt brings still photography and raw video processing into a Vulkan-based node workflow, with both a graphical pipeline and command-line utility. Check the GPU requirement and memory recommendation against your system before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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