How to Install RawTherapee on Fedora 39/38/37 Linux

RawTherapee is a powerful and versatile open-source photo editing software that handles raw images captured by digital cameras. The application offers a wide range of professional-grade features and tools, making it an excellent alternative to commercial software such as Adobe Lightroom. The primary focus of RawTherapee is to provide users with the ability to non-destructively edit and enhance their photographs, preserving the original data while achieving stunning results.

Key Features and Differences:

  • Cross-platform Compatibility: RawTherapee is available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring seamless integration with your preferred platform.
  • Advanced Raw Processing: Equipped with state-of-the-art algorithms, RawTherapee can handle many raw file formats, providing the highest quality image processing and preservation of details.
  • Non-destructive Editing: RawTherapee uses a non-destructive editing approach, which means that the original image files remain unaltered, allowing users to experiment and tweak their images without losing quality.
  • Customizable Interface: The software’s user interface is highly customizable, with the ability to arrange panels and tools according to individual preferences, streamlining the workflow and improving overall efficiency.
  • Batch Processing: RawTherapee supports batch processing, enabling users to apply changes and adjustments to multiple images simultaneously, saving valuable time and effort.
  • Wide Range of Tools and Adjustments: The software offers an extensive selection of tools and adjustments, such as exposure control, white balance, curves, noise reduction, sharpening, and more, catering to beginners and advanced photographers.
  • Color Management: RawTherapee features a robust color management system, ensuring accurate color representation and supporting various color profiles and spaces.
  • Frequent Updates and Community Support: As an open-source project, RawTherapee benefits from a dedicated community of developers and users who contribute to its continuous improvement and provide valuable support and resources.

The following guide will demonstrate how to install RawTherapee on Fedora Linux using the Fedora repository or Flatpak with Flathub.

Section 1: Install RawTherapee with DNF

Step 1: Update Fedora Linux

Before installing any new software, keeping your Fedora Linux system up-to-date is essential. This practice ensures that all the necessary dependencies are in place and prevents potential compatibility issues during installation.

To update your Fedora Linux system, open a terminal window and execute the following command:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

This command will refresh your repository cache and upgrade all the installed packages to their latest versions.

Step 2: Install RawTherapee Using DNF Package Manager

Once your system is up-to-date, you can proceed to install RawTherapee. The easiest and most recommended method for Fedora users is the DNF package manager, which focuses on the latest releases and provides frequent updates. As a result, you can be assured that you are installing the most recent version of RawTherapee or, at most, a version behind.

To install RawTherapee using the DNF package manager, enter the following command in your terminal:

sudo dnf install rawtherapee

This command will fetch RawTherapee from the Fedora repository and install it on your system.

Section 2: Installing RawTherapee with Flatpak and Flathub

In addition to using the DNF package manager, you can install RawTherapee on your Fedora Linux system using Flatpak and Flathub. Flatpak is an alternative package manager that always provides the most up-to-date version of the software. Although Fedora and similar distributions generally focus on offering the latest packages, using Flatpak can still be beneficial, depending on user preferences.

Step 1: Enable Flathub Repository

Before installing RawTherapee with Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository, which hosts a vast collection of applications, including RawTherapee. To enable Flathub, open a terminal window and execute the following command:

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

This command will add the Flathub repository to your system if it doesn’t already exist.

Step 2: Install RawTherapee Using Flatpak

With the Flathub repository enabled, you can install RawTherapee using the Flatpak package manager. Enter the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub com.rawtherapee.RawTherapee -y

In case you encounter an error similar to “error: Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can’t fetch summary from disabled remote ‘flathub'”, you can resolve this issue by enabling the Flathub repository using the following command:

flatpak remote-modify --enable flathub

After executing the above command, try installing RawTherapee again with the flatpak install command mentioned earlier.

Section 3: Launch RawTherapee

After successfully installing RawTherapee on your Fedora-based system, it’s time to launch the application and start using its powerful features for your photo editing needs. There are two primary methods to launch RawTherapee, depending on whether you installed it using the DNF package manager or Flatpak.

Step 1: Launch RawTherapee for DNF Users

If you installed RawTherapee using the DNF package manager, launching the application is as simple as typing the following command in your terminal:

rawtherapee

This command will open the RawTherapee application, allowing you to start editing your photos.

Step 2: Launch RawTherapee for Flatpak Users

For those who installed RawTherapee using Flatpak, you will need to use a different command to launch the application. In your terminal, enter the following command:

flatpak run com.rawtherapee.RawTherapee

This command will initiate the RawTherapee application installed via Flatpak.

Step 3: Launch RawTherapee from the Desktop

In most cases, users prefer to launch applications directly from their desktop environment rather than using terminal commands. To open RawTherapee from your desktop, follow these steps:

  1. Click on Activities in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Click on Show Applications at the bottom of the Activities menu.
  3. Search for “RawTherapee” in the search bar or scroll through the list of installed applications to find it.
  4. Click on the RawTherapee icon to launch the application.

Example of launching RawTherapee on Fedora Linux application menu:

Section 4: Getting Started with RawTherapee on Fedora Linux

In this section, we will provide you with some valuable tips and insights on getting started with RawTherapee on Fedora Linux. These tips are tailored specifically for Fedora Linux users and will help you enhance your experience while using this powerful photo editing software.

Tip 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Interface

RawTherapee features a comprehensive and user-friendly interface. To make the most of the software, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the main components:

  • File Browser: Located on the left side, the File Browser allows you to navigate through your folders and locate the images you want to edit.
  • Image Editor: The central area of the interface, where you’ll perform the actual editing on your images.
  • History: Located on the right side, the History panel keeps track of all the changes you make to your images, allowing you to undo any modifications easily.
  • Toolbox: The Toolbox, also on the right side, contains various tools and settings for adjusting your images.

By understanding the layout and functions of these key components, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and effectively with RawTherapee.

Tip 2: Customize Your Workspace

RawTherapee allows you to customize your workspace to fit your preferences and streamline your photo editing process. Some customization options include:

  • Rearranging Panels: Click and drag panel headers to move them around or create new tabs.
  • Collapsing Panels: Double-click on a panel header to collapse or expand the panel, freeing up screen space.
  • Changing Themes: Go to Preferences > General > Theme to choose a different color scheme for the interface.

Experiment with different workspace configurations to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Tip 3: Master Keyboard Shortcuts

To speed up your photo editing workflow, it’s helpful to learn and utilize keyboard shortcuts in RawTherapee. Some essential shortcuts include:

  • Zoom In/Out: Ctrl + + / Ctrl + -
  • Fit to Screen: Ctrl + F
  • Toggle Fullscreen: F11
  • Undo: Ctrl + Z
  • Redo: Ctrl + Y

These shortcuts can save you time and help you work more efficiently in RawTherapee.

Tip 4: Explore RawTherapee’s Advanced Features

RawTherapee offers a wide range of advanced features that can significantly enhance your photo editing capabilities. Some notable features include:

  • Wavelet Decomposition: This tool allows you to edit specific frequency ranges in your image, giving you precise control over details and noise reduction.
  • Lab Adjustments: RawTherapee enables you to make adjustments in the Lab color space, which can provide more accurate and natural results.
  • Film Simulation: Apply various film emulation profiles to your images to achieve a distinct look or recreate the appearance of classic film stocks.

Experiment with these advanced features to expand your photo editing skills and achieve professional-looking results.

Example of RawTherapee UI on Fedora Linux:

Section 5: Additional RawTherapee Commands

This section will discuss various additional commands that can be used to manage RawTherapee on your Fedora Linux system. These commands will help you update and remove the software based on your installation method.

How to Update RawTherapee

To keep your RawTherapee installation up-to-date, it’s essential to perform regular updates. Depending on your chosen installation method, you’ll update the software and any related system packages with different commands. It’s a good practice to use the terminal update commands even if you have auto-updates enabled in your desktop GUI, as this ensures everything is updated correctly.

DNF Update Method

If you installed RawTherapee using the DNF package manager, use the following command to update it:

sudo dnf update --refresh

This command will refresh your repositories and update your RawTherapee installation and other system packages.

Flatpak Update Method

For those who installed RawTherapee using Flatpak, use this command to update your installation:

flatpak update

This command will update RawTherapee and other installed Flatpak applications.

How to Remove RawTherapee

If you no longer need RawTherapee on your system and wish to remove it, you can use the following commands based on your original installation method.

DNF Removal Method

To remove RawTherapee installed via the DNF package manager, enter the following command in your terminal:

sudo dnf autoremove rawtherapee

This command will uninstall RawTherapee from your Fedora Linux system.

Flatpak Removal Method

If you installed RawTherapee using Flatpak, use the following command to remove the application:

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

This command will uninstall RawTherapee and its associated data from your system.

Conclusion: Installing RawTherapee on Fedora

In conclusion, installing RawTherapee on Fedora Linux is a straightforward process that provides a powerful and versatile photo editing tool. We’ve covered two installation methods, DNF package manager and Flatpak, and discussed how to launch, manage, and remove the application. Choosing the installation method that best suits your needs ensures that your RawTherapee experience on Fedora Linux is efficient and enjoyable.

Additional Resources and Links

For further information and assistance with RawTherapee, check out these official resources:

  • RawTherapee Official Website: Visit the official website for general information, news, and updates about RawTherapee.
  • RawTherapee User Manual: Consult the user manual for in-depth explanations and guidance on using RawTherapee’s features and tools.
  • RawTherapee Forums: Join the RawTherapee forums to connect with other users, share knowledge, and get support from the community.
  • RawTherapee GitHub Repository: Access the GitHub repository to find the source code, report issues, and contribute to the development of RawTherapee.
  • Fedora Flatpak Documentation: Learn more about Flatpak on Fedora by visiting the Fedora Flatpak documentation.

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