How to Install RawTherapee on Fedora 36 Linux

The RawTherapee application is a powerful and versatile tool for processing raw photos. This program, which runs on both PC & Mac systems using GTK+ as its interface, uses patches of DCRAW with added support from their in-house team that enhances accuracy where needed most – ensuring every photo comes out beautifully regardless of the type or model device was used when taking them!

In the following tutorial, you will learn how to install RawTherapee on Fedora 36 Linux using the Fedora default repository or alternative flatpak installation manager for those that require the latest released version as sometimes, on the rare occasion, Fedora may be behind in the newest version which occurs but is rare. The tutorial will utilize the command line terminal for the installation, along with tips on maintaining and removing the software in the future with both package manager’s step-by-step instructions.

Update Fedora Linux

The first step is to make sure your system is up-to-date to avoid issues during the installation and for good practice. This is done by opening your terminal and using the following command.

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Install RawTherapee – DNF Method

For most users, the easiest way to install the software is to utilize the Fedora repository using the DNF package manager; given that Fedora focuses on the latest releases every six months and often, during that time, releases even more updates, you are generally on the latest if not one version behind in most cases making it desirable instead of using alternative package managers.

Install Rawthereapee using the following DNF install command.

sudo dnf install rawtherapee -y

Install RawTherapee – Flatpak Method

The second option is to use the Flatpak package manager installed on Fedora-based systems. The extra benefit of using Flatpak installations is that you will always have the most up-to-date version. However, with distributions such as Fedora or similar types that focus on the latest packages, the significant advantage is often not as substantial or not present. However, still, this is the user’s discretion in choosing.

First, re-install the Flatpak manager if it was removed previously.

sudo dnf install flatpak -y

For users re-installing Flatpak, it is often recommended to reboot your system. Failure to do this can occur with odd issues arising, such as paths not being generated for icons.

reboot

SKIP THE REBOOT IF FLATPAK IS INSTALLED.

Next, you need to enable Flatpack using the following command in your terminal.

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Ideally, you should reboot at this stage; if you skip this and notice icons not appearing, the reboot will generate the paths required for the future.

reboot

Now install using the following flatpak command.

flatpak install flathub com.rawtherapee.RawTherapee -y

If the above command does not work and you receive the “error: Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can’t fetch summary from disabled remote ‘flathub’‘ use the following command.

flatpak remote-modify --enable flathub

This will fix the issue.

How to Launch RawTherapee

Now that you have the software installed, launching can be done in two ways.

In your terminal type:

rawtherapee

If you want to launch and use the terminal, send the process to the background to continue using the terminal.

rawtherapee &

Alternatively, Flatpak users will need to launch using the command below from a terminal instance:

flatpak run com.rawtherapee.RawTherapee

However, this isn’t practical, and you would use the following path on your desktop.

Activities > Show Applications > RawTherapee

Example:

Once open, you can begin using the RawTherapee, and I would advise checking out the Getting started page from the software’s official website. This is unique compared to most other programs of its nature, so it will take a little bit of getting used to.

Example:

How to Update/Upgrade RawTherapee

Depending on the method of installation used, the following commands can be used to update the software and any system packages. Ideally, the terminal update command should be used even if you have auto-updates in your desktop GUI to ensure everything is updating correctly.

DNF Update Method

sudo dnf update --refresh

Flatpak Update Method

flatpak update

How to Remove (Uninstall) RawTherapee

Use one of the following commands to suit the original installation method for users who no longer require the application.

DNF Remove Method

sudo dnf autoremove rawtherapee -y

Flatpak Remove Method

flatpak uninstall --delete-data com.rawtherapee.RawTherapee -y

Next, run the following command for any leftover clean-up.

flatpak remove --unused

Comments and Conclusion

In the tutorial, you have learned how to install RawTherapee on Fedora 36 Linux.

If you are looking for a raw open-source developer with a wide range of supported cameras, RawTherapee is your software. It offers semi-professional photographers features like layer support and 16-bit processing and enthusiast newcomers who want to understand more about digital imaging. Although color science knowledge is not compulsory, it is recommended that you have at least some understanding of it before using RawTherapee.