[Resource] Toolset Darktable: A Complete step-by-step Workflow Guide + Style to process raw images

Hi everyone,

We would like to share a project from OpenImageLab designed to simplify the scanning and processing workflow for slide scanner owners using Darktable 5.x.

The Problem

Getting consistent results in Darktable from positive film scanners can be tricky for beginners, especially when dealing with proprietary software outputs and trying to maintain a non-destructive workflow in Darktable 5.x.

The Solution

We have created a very comprehensive step-by-step tutorial and a dedicated .dtstyle aimed at a “Scene-Referred / Sigmoid” workflow. The guide covers:

  • Scanning: How to set up 48-bit HDR (Linear Gamma) raw scans to preserve maximum data.
  • Processing: A specific Darktable style (Plustek8300i.dtstyle) to handle the inversion, initial color correction, dehazing and sharpening automatically.
  • A dedicated chapter treats the red eye removal.
  • Theory: Detailed explanations of why specific modules are used, which presets are required, helping users understand the “how” and not just the “what.”

Resources

You can access the full guide and files here:

  • :open_book: **Web Tutorial (Best for reading): **
    Processing RAW Images with Darktable 5.x https://openimagelab.github.io/darktable/
  • :open_file_folder: Repository & Downloads (PDF/DOCX/Style):
    Click on the group Releases in the right panel and select the latest Release Processing raw Images with Darktable 5.x to download the documents in format DOCX and PDF.

Feedback

This resource is intended for both beginners and advanced users. We would appreciate any feedback, suggestions, or improvements from the community to make this resource better for everyone.

Many Thanks,

The OpenImageLab Team

9 Likes

Wow, that looks amazing! Thank you for sharing and welcome!

Thanks for this. What are the pros and cons of this method compared with negadoctor?

Negadoctor is for negative film and does the inversion, this looks to be for slide film which does not need inversion since the slide is a positive image.

1 Like

I was wondering about that given this:

Maybe I’m wrong, but I read:

:smiley:

Ah yes, of course. Sorry, I’m being rather slow tonight.