So… the first image was processed via the latest (5.12) AppImage downloaded from the RawTherapee website, and the second via the latest (5.12) package installed from the Manjaro official repo. As you can see, they are different (the second one significantly overly-contrasted).
All other factors are identical - same raw, same settings, same PP3. From what I can see, it was the same for 5.11. Any idea why this should be so? A quick look on the web mentioned library versions could be different, but… I dunno.
In the absence of any ideas, I thought I’d ask Copilot:
“Why does the installed verson of RawTherapee produce different results to the AppImage version?”
That’s a great observation—and you’re not alone in noticing it. Even when using the same version of RawTherapee, the results can differ between the installed package and the AppImage. Here’s why:
Possible Reasons for the Differences
Library Versions: The AppImage bundles its own versions of libraries, while the installed version uses those provided by your system. This can affect how RawTherapee processes images, especially with color management, demosaicing, or tone curves.
Compiler Flags & Optimizations: The AppImage might be built with different compiler settings or optimizations than your distro’s package, which can subtly alter processing behavior.
Embedded Profiles or LUTs: If either version includes or omits certain embedded color profiles or Look-Up Tables (LUTs), that could lead to contrast or color shifts.
Default Configuration Paths: Sometimes, the AppImage and installed version may read different configuration files or use different default settings, even if the same PP3 file is applied.
Bug Fixes or Patches: Even if the version number is the same, the distro package might include patches or tweaks not present in the AppImage—or vice versa.
As Manjaro is an Arch-based OS, and AppImages are packaged with non-rolling-release distros also in mind, I’m leaning toward the library theory. If anyone has any idea which one/ones in particular could be the cause and which version/versions is/are packaged in the latest AppImage (though I suppose I could always check that last one out for myself), it would be (though likely only to me) a puzze very much worth solving.
I’m so, so sorry, @paperdigits — I didn’t even realise. Would you like to delete the post/topic? I really don’t mind; I don’t want to be in any breach of the forum rules.
So… I installed vanilla Arch and downloaded RawTherapee from the Arch repos. The results I got were identical to the AppImage. The fault, thetefore, indeed lies with the Manjaro install — likely not the package itself, but rather something to do with my particular system; having said that, though, who knows?
One thing’s for certain, though — after installing Arch, I aint going back. I’ve been a Manjaro user for years, but the simplicity and speed of Arch is like night and day — at last, I have my very own, custom OS with everything I need and no rubbish that I don’t. Anyway… that’s a conversation for a different thread…
Possible Reasons for the Differences