ART vs Nitro

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.

Nitro is a photo editor and manager for photographers on macOS and iOS. It works with Apple Photos and iCloud Photos, plus files in Finder, Files.app, and external storage. Editing includes 16 precision adjustments, AI subject and background masks, gradients, brushes, cloning, and spot removal. Supported RAW formats include Apple-supported formats, DNG, iPhone ProRAW, compressed Fujifilm, Nikon HE and HE*, GoPro RAW, and additional camera formats, using Apple’s RAW engine. Nitro reads and writes XMP sidecars and exports JPEG, TIFF, HEIF, and PNG. The macOS app adds ExifTool integration, metadata search, GPS maps, and comparison of up to 16 images with synchronized pan and zoom; iPad comparison supports up to four. A Photos editing extension can sync changes through iCloud Photos. A lifetime purchase costs $99.99 as a one-time purchase and includes macOS, iOS, and future updates; a seven-day trial is available.