For beginners, free programs such as Darktable, GIMP, or Lightroom Mobile are sufficient. Workflow programs organize photos and convert RAW files non-destructively; Photoshop, GIMP, and Affinity Photo enable pixel-perfect retouching. Many photographers combine both approaches.
Category: Photography Basics > 8. Digital Post-Processing Article ID: 8.2 Created: May 2026
The essentials at a glance
- There are free and paid programs—for beginners, a free program is completely sufficient
- Lightroom (Adobe, subscription) is the industry standard for photographers; GIMP is the free, open-source alternative
- RAW conversion and image organization (Lightroom) versus pixel-perfect retouching (Photoshop/GIMP) are different use cases
Explanation
The most important programs at a glance
| Program | Cost | Strengths | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Lightroom | Subscription ~€12/month | RAW conversion, image organization, non-destructive editing | Photographers, workflow optimization |
| Adobe Photoshop | Subscription ~€25/month (often bundled) | Pixel retouching, compositing, text layers | Professional retouching, compositing |
| Capture One | Subscription or purchase ~€360 | Excellent RAW quality, tethering | Professional photographers, studio operations |
| GIMP | Free (open source) | Retouching, layers, color corrections | Beginners, budget-conscious users |
| Darktable | Free (open source) | RAW conversion, non-destructive editing | Free Lightroom alternative |
| RawTherapee | Free (open source) | Powerful RAW engine, technically precise | Technically inclined beginners |
| Affinity Photo | One-time purchase ~€70 | Professional Photoshop alternative | Graphic designers, photographers without a subscription |
Workflow vs. retouching: two different tasks
Workflow programs (Lightroom, Darktable, Capture One):
- Manage and organize large photo collections
- Non-destructive—the original is never changed
- RAW conversion with color calibration
- Batch editing (many images at once)
- No pixel-perfect editing
Retouching programs (Photoshop, GIMP, Affinity Photo):
- Pixel-perfect edits (stamp, clone brush, masks)
- Montages, compositing, text
- Layers and adjustment layers
- More complex corrections
Recommendation: Most photographers use both—Lightroom for 95% of images and Photoshop for the 5% that require pixel-perfect edits.
Manufacturer-specific software
Many camera manufacturers offer their own RAW conversion programs:
- Canon: Digital Photo Professional (DPP)
- Nikon: Capture NX-D / NX Studio
- Sony: Imaging Edge
These programs know their own RAW format best—but they are often less convenient than third-party software.
Practical tip
For beginners: Start with Darktable (free, Windows/Mac/Linux) or the free version of Lightroom Mobile. Both programs are powerful enough for professional results—without monthly costs. If the workflow works well and more features are needed, only then is it worth upgrading.