As we all know, Darktable has evolved massively in recent years (Scene-referred workflow, Sigmoid, and looking ahead to AgX in 5.4).
However, I noticed that a lot of German documentation and tutorials found via Google are outdated. Many beginners still get stuck with display-referred workflows or get overwhelmed by the sheer number of modules, not knowing which ones are considered “legacy” today.
To bridge this gap, I started a new project: darktable.info
The goal of the site:
It is strictly focused on the modern workflow. My aim is to guide new users away from legacy modules and provide a “Golden Path” to get good results quickly without getting lost in technical details immediately.
Current content includes:
The Golden Path: A streamlined 5-step workflow for 90% of edits.
Legacy vs. Modern: Clear guidance on which modules to use and which to avoid.
Shortcuts & Themes: Resources to improve the UI experience.
(Planned): Deep dives into the upcoming AgX implementation.
Why I am posting here:
First, to let you know this resource exists if you encounter German-speaking users looking for help.
Second, I would love to hear your feedback! Even though the content is in German, maybe you have suggestions on topics that are often misunderstood by beginners and should be covered.
Thanks to the developers and this community for making Darktable what it is today!
Maybe translations into other languages (Eng, FR, SP, NL) can be made so a large group of darktable starters gets a chance to learn this info. Very nice URL by the way!
Very nice work! And probably a lot of work in the creation of that webpage. I like the idea of an easier start into a very actual version and workflow of darktable for beginners.
One question: you explain it all in German but use screenshots of the english version - why that?
What a good job, congratulations! I just checked your website and think, it’s a good beginning.
So, let’s begin with some critique, with the “Themes” section: Somewhere I read an article about the Darktable UI, why it is like it is. All the regulations from ISO to the American Filmmaker Industry, all the regulations that were taken into account, everything that delivers professional results with Darktable. You should mention this. People think, I don’t have to pay for Darktable (“kostenlos!”), so it can’t be professional. Take them away from this thinking, Darktable is way better then the other tools on the market.
"Thank you so much for your feedback and the kind words!
You are absolutely right about the ‘free vs. professional’ misconception. I actually just updated the ‘Darktable vs. X’ section to address exactly this point. I want to make it clear that Darktable isn’t just a ‘free alternative’, but a high-end tool that adheres to scientific and industry standards (like the scene-referred workflow).
If you find that article about the UI/ISO standards, please let me know – I would love to link or reference it to give even more background info to my readers.
First, regarding @Roland_Rainer : I started the website and initially thought I would make it bilingual, in German and English. However, it turned out that managing it alone in two languages would be too much for me. I will change all the images to German in the next few days; a large portion is already in German.
Regarding @Jetze: as mentioned above, it’s currently not possible for me to create a multilingual version on my own. However, I can adapt the website so that other people can also contribute to the project.
I think that might be the way to go. I know there are Dutch guy’s thinking about just the initiative you took here, for dutch users. I do not think it to be an enormously huge job as the content is already there and only need translation. But for one person this may quickly get out of control.
Hey @Qor this is a wonderful project and initiative for new users. I really appreciate your work (and therefore just dropped a toot on Mastodon pointing to your site). Wow & best regards, Lars.
Congratulations on this wonderful project! The content looks very promising and is a valuable resource for the German-speaking community.
I have two small, constructive comments, out of respect for the developers and the spirit of free software:
1. The Value of Free Software
I would gently suggest moving away from describing darktable as “gratis” or “kostenlos” (free of charge). For me, a “gratis” product sometimes implies it has no value.
darktable is much more than that—it is Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS). This emphasizes the fundamental values of freedom, collaboration, sharing, and creativity that power the project. It honors the immense time and effort the developers and contributors put into it.
2. Legacy vs. Modern Modules
personally find that using the word “avoid” might be a bit too strong. I regularly use “old” modules, and I consider this ability to combine several technologies a great strength of darktable.
For instance, I can happily and effectively combine the excellent ‘color equalizer’ module and the excellent ‘color zones’ module, among others.
Perhaps the guidance could be framed to emphasize the recommended modern workflow for beginners, while clarifying that “legacy” modules are still powerful, specialized, and complementary tools for creative work.
I like your initiative and efforts to help German speaking people getting started with darktable.
But, from my point of view, given the current status of the English documentation (far behind the development) I would rather concentrate the efforts in improving this instead… This would be a great value and find much more appreciation.
I feel for the argument brought forth by @leonidas111. And thought along these lines as well. But I do think that it is not an ‘or this or that’ matter but rather ‘and this and that’.
The documentation of darktable is on some subjects rather technical. As is the procedure for maintaining it’s documentation. This does not help attracting new users to participate in documenting nor using darktable.
I do believe that the darktable case will grow stronger the more people are invited taking part in using, documenting and popularizing it. The darktable en-devour is much worthier then the world sees it and thinks it is.
And this initiative does exactly this! My two pennies worth.
Thank you so much for your kind words and the valuable feedback! I really appreciate you taking the time to look at the project. Constructive criticism like yours is exactly what helps me improve the site for the community.
I completely agree with your points and have already updated the website to reflect them:
1. Free vs. FOSS
You are absolutely right. “Gratis” doesn’t capture the true value. I have updated the wording on the homepage and in the “Mythos” section to explicitly emphasize that Darktable is Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). The focus is now on the freedom it provides, not just the price tag of zero.
2. Legacy vs. Modern Modules
This is a very good point. I added a detailed introduction explaining why we recommend avoiding certain modules (display-referred vs. scene-referred workflow).
The goal of darktable.info is to provide a clear, opinionated path for beginners to learn the modern, scene-referred workflow without getting lost in the sheer number of available modules. However, I made sure to clarify that legacy modules are still there for compatibility and can be used by experienced users who understand their implications, rather than labeling them as “bad” per se.
Thanks again for your support! It’s great to be part of such a helpful community.
Thanks for your feedback! I totally understand where you’re coming from regarding the official documentation.
However, I see my project serving a different purpose. The official manual is an excellent reference (explaining what each slider does), but beginners often struggle to find a workflow (knowing which slider to move and why).
My goal with darktable.info is not to replicate the manual, but to provide a guided, opinionated entry point – specifically for the German-speaking community, where the language barrier combined with technical complexity is often a huge hurdle.
I believe both resources are necessary: a strong technical reference (the manual) and accessible, educational guides (like this project or YouTube tutorials) to actually teach people how to use the software creatively.
You are a blessing. I have been struggling with darktable for a long time, switching to ON1, Affinity, even AfterShot3Pro and Lightroom, returning to darktable grumbling and… failing due to confusing, multiple solutions for the same issues.
Thank you! That means a lot to us. Your point about the ‘multiple solutions’ is exactly the problem we wanted to solve with this project. It is great to hear that the site is helping you finally make sense of it all!
& best regards, Lars.