PhotoDirector vs RawTherapee

PhotoDirector is generative-AI photo editing software for creating, enhancing, and transforming images. Edit by Chat turns plain-language requests into guided editing actions, while Quick Action suggests changes such as enhancement, background blur, color correction, and cleanup. Generative features include image generation, image-to-video, character motion swap, multi-face swap, AI try-on, and object replacement. For detailed editing, PhotoDirector supports RAW files, batch work, image organization, layers, masks, blending modes, compositing, exposure, HSL, curves, sharpening, and lens correction. Its stock feature provides access to iStock by Getty Images. PhotoDirector Essential is free without a time limit, but advanced AI tools and selected export options are restricted. Mac and Windows versions are separate products, and a license does not transfer between them. Internet access is required for activation, subscription access, online services, some features, and updates. The free plan requires no payment information.

RawTherapee is a free desktop program for developing raw images on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its non-destructive, 32-bit floating-point engine handles raw files from many digital cameras, including HDR DNG, as well as JPEG, TIFF, and PNG images. Photographers can control demosaicing and development with multiple algorithms, use masking tools, and batch process images. Editing parameters can be copied or pasted across files, and the program can also be used from a command line. RawTherapee can open raw images from GIMP as a plugin and return edited images there, or send processed images to GIMP or another editor. It is libre software under the GNU General Public License version 3, with RawPedia documentation and a community forum for help. The project says it does not include digital asset management, printing, or uploading features. The macOS 5.13 build has different minimum system requirements for Apple Silicon and Intel, and must be installed in /Applications to start.