ON1 Photo RAW vs vkdt

ON1 Photo RAW is paid desktop software for photographers who want RAW processing, editing, organization and export in one application. It supports batch editing, layers, masking, AI retouching and cloud sync, and browses files where they are stored while providing tags, albums, stacking and AI keywording. Built-in AI tools include NoNoise AI, Resize AI, Generative Erase, Sky Swap AI, Restore AI and Brilliance AI. Super Select AI, subject and background masks and AI depth masks target specific areas. Optional connections are listed for Photoshop CC, Photoshop Elements, Lightroom Classic, Apple Photos and Affinity Photo; MAX adds Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom plugins. Restore AI uses cloud processing, and ON1 says submitted photos are not used to train models. The standard edition installs on two computers, MAX on three, and subscriptions on up to five, depending on plan. A 30-day trial is available, with no free plan.

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.