LightZone
LightZone is a free, open source photo editing and workflow management software. It allows non-destructive editing of RAW and JPEG images using a zone mapping system. Key features include region editing, stacking, and preset sharing.
LightZone: Free Open Source Photo Editing
LightZone is a free, open source photo editing and workflow management software. It allows non-destructive editing of RAW and JPEG images using a zone mapping system. Key features include region editing, stacking, and preset sharing.
What is LightZone?
LightZone is an open source digital darkroom and workflow application for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It allows photographers to easily and non-destructively edit their RAW and JPEG images using a zone mapping system originally derived from Ansel Adams' Zone System.
Some key features of LightZone include:
- Non-destructive editing - All edits are saved in stacks associated with the original image file and do not alter the base image.
- Powerful region editing tools - Select and adjust specific areas of an image using editable regions and masks.
- Preset sharing - Share custom edit presets with other LightZone users.
- RAW and JPEG support - Supports editing most major RAW formats as well as standard image formats like JPEG and TIFF.
- Compact UI - Designed to minimize distractions and let photographers focus on their images.
- Cross platform availability - Available on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X operating systems.
While it lacks some more advanced features found in commercial photo editors, LightZone provides a flexible and non-destructive workflow for basic to intermediate post-processing needs. Its zone mapping paradigm also offers a visually intuitive way to selectively edit images. LightZone continues to see active, open source development and has an engaged user community.
LightZone Features
Features
- Non-destructive editing
- RAW and JPEG support
- Zone mapping system
- Region editing
- Image stacking
- Preset sharing
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Powerful editing tools
Intuitive workflow
Cons
Limited user base and support
Development stalled since 2013
Official Links
Reviews & Ratings
Login to ReviewThe Best LightZone Alternatives
View all LightZone alternatives with detailed comparison →
Top Photos & Graphics and Photo Editing and other similar apps like LightZone
Here are some alternatives to LightZone:
Suggest an alternative ❐
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom is a photo editing and digital asset management software that allows photographers to import, organize, edit, and share their photos more efficiently.Some key features of Lightroom include:Importing and organizing a large number of photosApplying batch edits to multiple photos at onceAdvanced editing tools like radial and gradient filtersFacial...
Darktable
darktable is an open source photography workflow application and raw developer. It manages your digital negatives in a database, lets you view them through a zoomable lighttable, and enables you to develop raw images and enhance them.Some key features of darktable include:Supports RAW files from over 400 different camerasPowerful processing...
Capture One
Capture One is a professional RAW file converter and advanced photo editing software developed by Phase One. It offers professional photographers and images editors a robust toolset for processing RAW files with excellent color rendering, making edits through layers, masks and local adjustments, reducing noise, correcting lens imperfections, and optimizing...
RawTherapee
RawTherapee is a powerful open source raw photo processing and editing software. It supports raw files from most major camera manufacturers including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Fuji, and more. Some key features include:Non-destructive raw photo editing workflow - All adjustments are saved in sidecar files rather than modifying originalsWide...
Zoner Photo Studio X
Zoner Photo Studio X is a comprehensive photo editing and management solution for Windows. It combines powerful photo editing tools with an intuitive and customizable interface to provide an efficient photography workflow.Some key features of Zoner Photo Studio X include:Non-destructive image editing with layers supportRaw image processing with adjustments like...
Fotoxx
Fotoxx is a free, open source image editing and organizing program designed for the Linux operating system. It provides a wide range of tools for manipulating and working with digital images.Some of the key features of Fotoxx include:Resizing, cropping, rotating, and flipping imagesAdjusting brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, lightness, and color...
CyberLink PhotoDirector
CyberLink PhotoDirector is a feature-rich photo editing software designed for Windows platforms. Developed by CyberLink Corp, PhotoDirector aims to provide an easy-to-use editing interface for casual photographers with powerful tools rivaling premium softwares.Key features of PhotoDirector include:Layer-based editing - Add adjustments and effects on separate layers with blending modes.Facial recognition...
Corel AfterShot Pro
Corel AfterShot Pro is a photo editing and workflow application designed specifically for processing RAW images. It offers powerful non-destructive editing tools to adjust exposures, colors, detail, noise, lens corrections, and more without altering the original RAW file.Key features include:Non-destructive editing of RAW files from nearly any cameraComprehensive image adjustment...
Exposure X7
Exposure X7 is photo editing software designed for professional and enthusiast photographers. It focuses on providing powerful tools for managing dynamic range, applying local adjustments, and enabling creativity through the incorporation of artificial intelligence.A key feature of Exposure X7 is its robust highlight and shadow recovery tools. It uses layered...
Irix HDR
Irix HDR is a specialized photo editing application used to create high dynamic range (HDR) images. It works by combining multiple photos of the same scene taken at different exposure levels into a single HDR image.Some key features of Irix HDR include:Merge bracketed photos into 32-bit HDR imagesTone mapping tools...
Excire Foto
Excire Foto is a photo management and organization software designed to help photographers and casual picture-takers to easily browse, organize, edit, and share their photo libraries. It works on both Windows and Mac computers.Some key features of Excire Foto include:Facial recognition - automatically tags people in photos using advanced AILocation...
Hornil StylePix
Hornil StylePix is a Windows-based photo editing application designed specifically for portrait and beauty retouching. It utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to power its one-click editing features that instantly apply professional-grade enhancements to faces in photographs.Some of the standout tools in StylePix include:Blemish Remover - Smooth out skin imperfections...
