How To Install Darktable on AlmaLinux 10

Digital photography enthusiasts and professional photographers seeking a powerful, open-source RAW processing solution will find Darktable an exceptional choice for AlmaLinux 10 systems. This comprehensive guide provides multiple installation methods, optimization techniques, and troubleshooting solutions to ensure seamless Darktable deployment on your AlmaLinux 10 workstation.

Darktable stands as one of the most sophisticated free alternatives to Adobe Lightroom, offering advanced color grading, noise reduction, and lens correction capabilities. AlmaLinux 10, with its enterprise-grade stability and RHEL compatibility, provides an ideal foundation for professional photo editing workflows. Whether you’re migrating from proprietary software or establishing a new Linux-based creative environment, this tutorial covers everything needed for successful Darktable installation and configuration.

The article explores four distinct installation approaches: DNF package manager, Flatpak containerized deployment, portable AppImage execution, and source code compilation. Each method offers unique advantages depending on your specific requirements, system constraints, and desired feature sets.

Prerequisites and System Requirements

Hardware Specifications for Optimal Performance

Installing Darktable on AlmaLinux 10 requires careful consideration of hardware specifications to ensure smooth RAW processing workflows. The minimum system requirements include 4GB of RAM with an additional 4-8GB swap space allocation, though 8GB or more RAM delivers significantly better performance when processing high-resolution images.

Storage considerations prove equally important for RAW photography workflows. Solid-state drives (SSDs) dramatically improve image loading times and export speeds compared to traditional mechanical hard drives. Plan for substantial storage capacity, as RAW files typically range from 20-80MB per image, with accompanying sidecar files and processed variants requiring additional space.

CPU performance directly impacts processing speed, particularly during batch operations and complex adjustments. Multi-core processors benefit from Darktable’s parallel processing capabilities, with 4-8 cores recommended for professional workflows. Modern AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors provide excellent performance for demanding photo editing tasks.

Graphics processing units (GPUs) with OpenCL support enable hardware acceleration for specific operations like noise reduction and sharpening filters. NVIDIA and AMD discrete graphics cards typically offer better acceleration than integrated solutions, though recent Intel Arc and integrated graphics can provide adequate performance for moderate workloads.

AlmaLinux 10 System Preparation

Before installing Darktable, verify your AlmaLinux 10 system meets basic requirements and possesses current package repositories. Execute the following command to check your system version and ensure compatibility:

cat /etc/almalinux-release

Update your system to the latest packages using DNF, AlmaLinux’s default package manager:

sudo dnf update -y

Enable the Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) repository, which provides additional software packages not included in the base AlmaLinux repositories:

sudo dnf install epel-release -y

Install essential development tools and multimedia libraries that Darktable may require:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools" -y
sudo dnf install git cmake gcc-c++ libxml2-devel sqlite-devel -y

Software Dependencies and Library Requirements

Darktable relies on numerous system libraries for image processing, color management, and user interface functionality. Key dependencies include GTK+ for the graphical interface, Cairo for vector graphics rendering, and various image format libraries for RAW file support.

Graphics drivers play a crucial role in Darktable performance, particularly for OpenCL acceleration. Ensure you have appropriate drivers installed for your graphics hardware:

For NVIDIA graphics cards:

sudo dnf install nvidia-driver nvidia-settings -y

For AMD graphics cards:

sudo dnf install mesa-dri-drivers mesa-vulkan-drivers -y

Color management requires additional packages for proper display calibration and ICC profile support:

sudo dnf install colord colord-gtk argyllcms -y

Method 1: Installing Darktable via DNF Package Manager

Package Repository Configuration

The DNF package manager provides the most straightforward installation method for Darktable on AlmaLinux 10. This approach ensures proper system integration, automatic dependency resolution, and seamless updates through the standard package management system.

Begin by searching for available Darktable packages in the configured repositories:

dnf search darktable

Check which repositories contain Darktable packages and their respective versions:

dnf info darktable

Standard DNF Installation Process

Install Darktable using the DNF package manager with the following command:

sudo dnf install darktable -y

The installation process automatically resolves dependencies and downloads required packages. Monitor the installation progress and confirm when prompted about additional packages and disk space requirements.

Verify the successful installation by checking the installed package version:

rpm -qa | grep darktable

Launch Darktable from the command line to test basic functionality:

darktable

Post-Installation Verification and Configuration

After successful installation, Darktable should appear in your applications menu under Graphics or Photography categories. The initial launch creates user configuration directories and database files in your home directory.

Test core functionality by importing a sample RAW image and applying basic adjustments. Check that all modules load correctly and the interface responds appropriately to user input.

Verify OpenCL support by navigating to Preferences > Processing and checking the OpenCL configuration panel. If supported graphics hardware is detected, enable OpenCL acceleration for improved performance.

Advantages and Limitations of DNF Installation

The DNF installation method offers several benefits including automatic dependency management, system-wide availability, and integration with AlmaLinux update mechanisms. Security updates and bug fixes arrive through the standard system update process, ensuring consistent maintenance.

However, repository packages may lag behind upstream releases, potentially missing the latest features and improvements. The DNF version typically represents a stable, well-tested build suitable for production environments but may not include cutting-edge functionality.

Method 2: Installing Darktable via Flatpak

Flatpak System Setup and Configuration

Flatpak provides a modern application distribution system that packages applications with their dependencies in isolated containers. This approach offers enhanced security, consistent behavior across distributions, and access to newer software versions.

Install Flatpak on AlmaLinux 10 using the following commands:

sudo dnf install flatpak -y

Add the Flathub repository, which hosts thousands of Flatpak applications including Darktable:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Restart your desktop session or reboot the system to ensure proper Flatpak integration with your desktop environment.

Flatpak Installation Process

Search for Darktable in the Flathub repository:

flatpak search darktable

Install Darktable using Flatpak with the following command:

flatpak install flathub org.darktable.Darktable -y

The installation downloads the application and its runtime dependencies, which may require several hundred megabytes of disk space. Monitor the download progress and confirm installation when prompted.

Launch Darktable from the applications menu or command line:

flatpak run org.darktable.Darktable

Managing Flatpak Applications and Permissions

Flatpak applications run in sandboxed environments with restricted system access. Grant additional permissions if Darktable requires access to specific directories or system resources:

flatpak override --user --filesystem=home org.darktable.Darktable

Update Flatpak applications regularly to receive the latest versions:

flatpak update

Remove unused runtimes and clean up disk space:

flatpak uninstall --unused

Flatpak Performance and Integration Considerations

Flatpak applications may experience slight performance overhead compared to native installations due to sandboxing and additional abstraction layers. However, this difference is typically negligible for most photography workflows.

File system access requires careful consideration, as Flatpak’s security model restricts access to specific directories. Configure appropriate permissions for your photo library locations to ensure smooth workflow integration.

Method 3: Installing Darktable via AppImage

Understanding AppImage Portable Applications

AppImage represents a portable application format that bundles software with dependencies into a single executable file. This approach requires no installation process and leaves no traces on the host system, making it ideal for testing or temporary usage scenarios.

AppImages offer excellent compatibility across Linux distributions and provide immediate access to the latest software versions without waiting for repository updates.

Downloading and Preparing AppImage

Visit the official Darktable website or GitHub releases page to download the latest AppImage build. Verify the download integrity using provided checksums when available.

Navigate to your Downloads directory and make the AppImage executable:

cd ~/Downloads
chmod +x Darktable-*.AppImage

Create a dedicated directory for portable applications:

mkdir -p ~/Applications
mv Darktable-*.AppImage ~/Applications/

Running and Desktop Integration

Execute the AppImage directly from the command line:

~/Applications/Darktable-*.AppImage

For desktop integration, create a custom .desktop file in your local applications directory:

mkdir -p ~/.local/share/applications

Create a desktop entry file with your preferred text editor:

nano ~/.local/share/applications/darktable-appimage.desktop

Add the following content, adjusting paths as necessary:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Darktable (AppImage)
Comment=RAW Photo Processing
Exec=/home/username/Applications/Darktable-*.AppImage
Icon=darktable
Type=Application
Categories=Graphics;Photography;

AppImage Management and Updates

AppImages don’t update automatically, requiring manual replacement when new versions release. Monitor the Darktable website or GitHub repository for update notifications.

Remove old AppImage versions after testing new releases to conserve disk space. Consider using AppImageLauncher or similar tools for enhanced AppImage management capabilities.

Method 4: Compiling from Source Code

Development Environment Preparation

Source compilation provides access to the latest development features and allows custom optimization for specific hardware configurations. This method requires additional technical knowledge but offers maximum flexibility and performance potential.

Install comprehensive development tools and libraries:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools" "C Development Tools and Libraries" -y
sudo dnf install cmake git gtk3-devel cairo-devel libxml2-devel sqlite-devel -y

Install additional development dependencies specific to Darktable:

sudo dnf install exiv2-devel lensfun-devel libgphoto2-devel colord-devel -y
sudo dnf install opencl-headers ocl-icd-devel mesa-libOpenCL-devel -y

Source Code Acquisition and Compilation

Clone the official Darktable repository from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/darktable-org/darktable.git
cd darktable

Create a build directory and configure the build system:

mkdir build
cd build
cmake .. -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release -DCMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX=/usr/local

Compile Darktable using multiple CPU cores for faster build times:

make -j$(nproc)

The compilation process may take 30-60 minutes depending on system specifications. Monitor for any error messages and install missing dependencies as needed.

Installation and System Integration

Install the compiled Darktable system-wide:

sudo make install

Update the system library cache to recognize newly installed libraries:

sudo ldconfig

Create desktop integration files if not automatically generated:

sudo update-desktop-database

Verify the installation by launching Darktable:

darktable

Custom Compilation Options

Advanced users can customize compilation options for specific hardware optimizations or feature selections. Common optimization flags include:

cmake .. -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release \
         -DCMAKE_C_FLAGS="-O3 -march=native" \
         -DCMAKE_CXX_FLAGS="-O3 -march=native" \
         -DUSE_OPENCL=ON \
         -DUSE_OPENMP=ON

Post-Installation Configuration and Optimization

Initial Darktable Setup

Launch Darktable and complete the initial configuration wizard. Select your preferred interface language, color management settings, and default processing parameters.

Configure photo library locations by navigating to Preferences > Storage and specifying directories containing your RAW image collections. Darktable creates a database to track image metadata and processing history.

Set up basic preferences including interface scaling for high-DPI displays, thumbnail generation settings, and default export parameters. These configurations significantly impact workflow efficiency and system performance.

Performance Optimization Strategies

Optimize memory usage by adjusting cache settings in Preferences > Performance. Allocate 50-75% of available RAM to Darktable’s memory cache for optimal performance with large image files.

Enable OpenCL acceleration if supported graphics hardware is available. Navigate to Preferences > Processing > OpenCL and enable GPU acceleration for compatible operations.

Configure parallel processing options to utilize multi-core CPU capabilities effectively. Set the number of processing threads to match your CPU core count for optimal performance.

System Integration and Workflow Setup

Configure file associations to automatically open RAW files with Darktable. Use your desktop environment’s file manager settings or system control panel to establish these associations.

Set up automated backup solutions for your Darktable database and configuration files. The database location is typically ~/.config/darktable/ and contains valuable processing history and metadata.

Integrate Darktable with other creative software in your workflow. Configure external editors for specialized tasks and establish efficient file management practices for large photo libraries.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Package Manager Related Problems

Dependency conflicts occasionally occur during DNF installation, particularly on systems with mixed repositories or custom software installations. Resolve conflicts by identifying problematic packages:

sudo dnf install darktable --allowerasing

Repository configuration errors may prevent package discovery. Verify repository status and refresh metadata:

sudo dnf clean all
sudo dnf makecache

Network connectivity issues during package downloads can interrupt installation. Configure proxy settings or alternative mirrors if necessary for your network environment.

Runtime and Launch Issues

Graphics driver conflicts frequently cause startup failures or rendering problems. Update graphics drivers and verify OpenGL support:

glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version"

Missing desktop libraries may prevent proper GUI initialization. Install additional desktop environment packages:

sudo dnf install gtk3 cairo glib2

Permission errors can prevent database creation or image access. Verify home directory permissions and user group memberships:

ls -la ~/.config/
groups $USER

Performance and Stability Problems

Memory allocation errors indicate insufficient system resources or improper configuration. Monitor system memory usage and adjust Darktable’s memory settings accordingly.

OpenCL crashes suggest graphics driver instability or incompatible hardware. Disable OpenCL acceleration temporarily and update graphics drivers to resolve stability issues.

Database corruption may cause unexpected behavior or crashes. Backup and rebuild the Darktable database if persistent problems occur:

cp ~/.config/darktable/data.db ~/.config/darktable/data.db.backup
darktable --library :memory:

Best Practices and Maintenance

Regular Update Procedures

Maintain current software versions to benefit from bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Update procedures vary depending on installation method:

For DNF installations:

sudo dnf update darktable

For Flatpak installations:

flatpak update org.darktable.Darktable

For AppImage installations, manually download and replace the AppImage file with newer versions from the official website.

Backup and Configuration Management

Implement regular backup procedures for Darktable configurations and image databases. Critical directories include:

• ~/.config/darktable/ – Main configuration and database
• ~/.local/share/darktable/ – Additional data and presets
• ~/.cache/darktable/ – Thumbnail cache (optional)

Create automated backup scripts using rsync or similar tools:

rsync -av ~/.config/darktable/ /backup/location/darktable-config/

Workflow Optimization Tips

Organize photo libraries using consistent directory structures and naming conventions. Darktable’s collection filters work more effectively with well-organized image hierarchies.

Develop custom presets for frequently used processing styles to accelerate workflow efficiency. Share presets across multiple installations using export/import functionality.

Monitor system performance during intensive processing operations and adjust settings as needed. Resource-intensive operations benefit from dedicated processing sessions with minimal background activity.

Alternative RAW Processing Solutions

Competitive Software Options

RawTherapee provides another excellent open-source RAW processing solution with different strengths and interface design. Consider RawTherapee for specific workflow requirements or processing preferences.

Commercial alternatives like ON1 Photo RAW and Capture One offer Linux versions with different feature sets and licensing models. Evaluate these options based on specific professional requirements and budget considerations.

GIMP with appropriate plugins can handle basic RAW processing tasks, though specialized RAW processors generally provide superior tools and workflows for photography-focused work.

Selection Criteria and Recommendations

Choose Darktable for comprehensive RAW processing with advanced color grading, lens corrections, and non-destructive editing capabilities. The software excels in professional photography workflows requiring precise control and extensive customization options.

Consider alternative solutions if specific features or workflow patterns better match your requirements. Different photographers may prefer varying interface designs, processing approaches, or integration capabilities.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Darktable. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Darktable professional photo editing on the AlmaLinux OS 10 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Darktable website.