How to Open Raw Images in GIMP Using Darktable (Video)
GIMP by itself cannot open RAW files but if you integrate it with a free third-party plugin like Darktable, then it can. In this video we will be seeing how to open RAW images using GIMP and Darktable.
Link to install Darktable:
https://www.darktable.org/install/
Link to the full online course on GIMP (Available via Udemy.Com):
GIMP Photo Editing for Beginners – Complete Course
Here is the video:
Video Summary
This tutorial from Creative Pad Media explains how to bridge the gap in GIMP’s native capabilities by using a third-party plugin to open and edit RAW images.
The Role of Darktable
GIMP cannot open RAW files (like Nikon’s .NEF or Canon’s .CR2) directly. To fix this, you need to install Darktable, a free and popular open-source RAW editing software [00:20, 00:57].
- Installation: Download Darktable from
darktable.org. Once installed on your computer, GIMP will automatically recognize it as a RAW developer [01:05, 01:46].
The Workflow
- Open through GIMP: When you attempt to open a RAW file in GIMP, it will first launch a Darktable window [02:23].
- The “Close to Import” Trick: You don’t need to learn Darktable’s complex interface. Simply close the Darktable window, and the image will automatically be sent back to GIMP for editing [03:28, 03:40].
- Color Profile: GIMP may ask if you want to convert the embedded color profile to its built-in sRGB profile. Choosing “Convert” is generally recommended for web and general use [04:19].
Why Use RAW in GIMP?
- More Data: RAW files contain significantly more light and color information than JPEGs. This allows for much smoother rendering when raising shadows or pulling down highlights without introducing artifacts [05:59, 06:12].
- Highlight Recovery: The video demonstrates that RAW files can recover details in “blown out” areas (like lamps or windows) that are permanently lost in JPEG versions [07:19].
- Noise Control: Editing RAW images typically results in a cleaner, more professional final product with less digital noise [07:55].
