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LightZone

github.com/ktgw0316/LightZone Photography Open-source projectOpen source

Edit photos with LightZone, a digital darkroom application for Mac, Windows and Linux.

Visit LightZone 24 alternatives
github.com/ktgw0316/LightZone
LightZone homepage screenshot

About LightZone

LightZone is an open source photo editor and digital darkroom for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It includes RAW processing and editing. Instead of layers, it uses a stack of tools that can be rearranged, readjusted, switched on and off, or removed. Edits are non-destructive, so any tool can be changed later, including in a later editing session. A tool stack can also be copied to a batch of photos at once. The source states that LightZone always operates in a 16-bit linear color space with the ProPhoto RGB gamut.

Support varies by platform. The source states that Windows 11 (x64) is supported. For macOS, the three most recent major releases are supported. For Linux, packages are built for Ubuntu-latest and Fedora 43, and other distribution packages, including AppImage and Flatpak, are outside the project's scope. Users of unsupported older operating systems can try building from source. Installation instructions for Windows, macOS, and Linux are on the GitHub Release page. The source does not state pricing.

Key features

  • Reads RAW files from a variety of cameras and displays metadata such as exposure and ISO
  • Non-destructive tool stack that can be rearranged, readjusted, disabled, or removed
  • Copies a tool stack to a batch of photos at one time
  • Batch processing of files
  • Style filters such as Alien Infrared, Skin Glow, and Polarizer
  • Crop, rotation, and region editing modes, plus raw tone curve modification
Best for: Photographers who want an open source, non-destructive RAW editor that runs on Mac, Windows, or Linux.
Good for
  • Edits can be readjusted later, including in a different editing session
  • Operates in a 16-bit linear color space with the ProPhoto RGB gamut
  • Released under the BSD-3-Clause open source license
Watch out for
  • Windows support is stated only for Windows 11 (x64)
  • Linux packages are built only for Ubuntu-latest and Fedora 43; other distributions are outside the project's scope
  • macOS support covers only the three most recent major releases

LightZone at a glance

Type
Open-source project
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Linux, macOS, Windows
Open source
Yes · Source code
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026
open sourcelinuxphotographyphoto editing

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LightZone FAQ

Which operating systems does LightZone support?
The source states support for Windows 11 (x64) and the three most recent major releases of macOS. For Linux, packages are built for Ubuntu-latest and Fedora 43.
Where can I find installation instructions?
Install instructions for Windows, macOS, and Linux are available on the GitHub Release page.
Can I use LightZone on an older macOS or Linux version?
The source says that if an older OS is no longer supported by the current version, you can try building LightZone from source yourself.
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Listing maintained by Chris McClure and the WebIndexly editors · Updated Oct 12, 2026 · How we rank