Our verdict: ART keeps the image quality of RawTherapee but cuts the tool list down to something a photographer can learn in an evening. Masked local edits and XMP sidecar support close much of the gap to paid raw editors. It has no photo library or cloud sync, and the interface still looks technical.
About ART
ART ("another raw toolbox") is a free, open-source raw image processor written by Alberto Griggio and released under the GNU GPL v3. It started as a fork of RawTherapee and keeps its processing quality, but the interface and processing pipeline were restructured: many tools were removed, several were rewritten and new ones were added.
The biggest additions are local edits with drawn and parametric masks, better metadata handling through exiv2 and exiftool with optional XMP sidecar files, and an automatic perspective correction tool adapted from darktable. Raw files can be decoded with LibRaw, ACES CLF LUTs and CTL scripts are supported, and external tools, including AI-based maskers and denoisers, can be plugged in. Edits are stored in .arp processing profiles, so they do not clash with RawTherapee.
What it does well
- Local edits with masks. Apply adjustments to areas selected with drawn or parametric masks.
- Non-destructive editing. Edits live in .arp processing profiles next to the raw file, never in the file itself.
- XMP metadata. Reads and writes star ratings, colour labels and metadata in XMP sidecar files.
- Perspective correction. Automatic perspective correction adapted from darktable.
- External tools. Plug in other programs, including AI-based masking and denoising tools.
Who it is for
Good fit
Photographers who want RawTherapee-level raw quality with fewer, clearer tools and local adjustments.
Look elsewhere
Users who need a catalog with collections and cloud sync, or a polished beginner interface like Lightroom.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source, no account
- Simpler interface than RawTherapee
- Masked local adjustments
- XMP sidecar support for ratings and labels
Cons
- No photo library or cloud sync
- Mostly a one-person project, documentation is thin
- Interface is still technical for beginners
How to install ART
The button downloads the official 64-bit Windows installer from the project's GitHub releases; an ARM64 build and portable 7z archives are listed there too. The installer has no bundled offers. On first start, point the file browser at your photo folder and enable XMP sidecars in Preferences if you share ratings with other apps.
Questions about ART
Is ART free?
Yes. ART is free, open-source software under the GNU GPL v3. There is no paid version and no account.
What is the difference between ART and RawTherapee?
ART is a fork of RawTherapee with a restructured interface and pipeline: fewer tools, new local editing tools with masks and better XMP metadata handling. It uses its own .arp profiles, so both apps can be installed side by side.
