RawTherapee
RawTherapee 5.13 is an open-source RAW developer for exposure, color, detail and batch processing, with non-destructive adjustments, sidecar settings and export checks across Windows, macOS and Linux.
What RawTherapee provides
RawTherapee focuses on camera RAW decoding, exposure and color adjustment, lens correction, detail processing and batch development. It records processing parameters separately from the original image, which makes a copied sample workflow useful before handling a whole photo project.
Sidecars, presets and exports
Keep originals, sidecar settings, presets and exported files in separate project folders. A cache speeds up previews but is not a backup. JPEG is convenient for sharing, while TIFF may suit further editing; export settings should include color space, dimensions and quality.
Platform and camera boundaries
RawTherapee 5.13 offers builds for common Windows, macOS and Linux architectures. Camera support, lens data and performance vary by build and hardware, so verify a few representative RAW files before batch processing. Review date: 2026-08-23.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
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Baidu Netdisk
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RawTherapee 5.13 installation and RAW development guide
Start with one RAW copy, adjust white balance, exposure, detail and export settings, then preserve the original and sidecar so the result can be reproduced.
Before you start
- Prepare RAW copies, camera information and the intended delivery dimensions.
- Separate original files, sidecars, presets, cache and exports.
- Confirm the display color setup and required delivery format.
Installation steps
- 01
Install the matching architecture
Choose the Windows, macOS or Linux build for the processor, then set the cache, configuration directory and language on first launch.
- 02
Import a copied RAW file
Check exposure, white balance, lens data and preview quality, and save an untouched processing profile before making changes.
- 03
Build a non-destructive workflow
Adjust exposure, color, detail and crop in stages; test presets and batch tools on a few samples before applying them broadly.
Quick start
- 01
Correct white balance and exposure
Fix the overall white balance and exposure first, then inspect highlights, shadows, contrast, sharpening and noise reduction.
- 02
Apply a batch profile carefully
Copy a verified profile to similar photos and check highlights, skin tones, noise and lens differences one image at a time.
- 03
Export a delivery copy
Select JPEG or TIFF, set color space, pixel size and quality, then inspect the exported file in a separate viewer.
Usage tips
- RAW results depend on camera, lens data, white balance and color management; preserve the original and processing settings.
- Batch processing is best for similar lighting and subjects, not for blindly applying one profile to a whole mixed shoot.
- Cache files accelerate previews but do not replace sidecar files or original backups.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why does the export look different from the preview?
Check the color space, dimensions, output quality, preview zoom and sharpening, then compare one sample in a color-managed viewer.
Where did the adjustment parameters go?
Look beside the RAW file and in the project configuration directory for sidecars and presets. Check that a batch rename did not move them.
- Archive the projectSave RAW files, sidecars, presets, exports and a short project note, then verify that the directory can be restored independently.
- Uninstall and clear cacheRemove the application through the operating system and clear cache only after checking that custom presets and configurations are backed up.
Frequently asked questions
Is RawTherapee a general layered image editor?
It is primarily a RAW developer and photo-processing tool with non-destructive parameters, rather than a layer-compositing or page-layout application.
Will processing overwrite the original RAW file?
The usual workflow stores adjustments in sidecar settings and exports a new file, but keep backups and verify the selected output path before batch work.
Does the download require an extraction code?
The Quark entry does not require one; the four-character code for the Baidu entry is shown beside its download entry.