Can an Android tablet be used to control Darktable sliders on a Linux laptop?
Asked 12/8/2014
5 views
2 answers
0
I edit photos in Darktable and GIMP on a Linux laptop, and I find mouse control for sliders and curves inefficient. I have an Android tablet and would like to know whether it can be used as a more effective control surface for editing—not just as an extended display. Ideally I’m looking for better control of sliders, curves, and other adjustments through touch or gestures. If direct tablet control isn’t supported, what workflow is most efficient in Darktable?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
1
A combination of 1 and 3 is what I do. AFAIK, there's no tablet options for darktable
Setting keyboard shortcuts for the most frequently used options, once you've pushed the keyboard shortcut for the option you can do a couple of things.
- Pushing the mouse left/right will then adjust the curve up/down. (assuming your mouse is over the tools panel, not the image - you have to flick the mouse both ways before it starts working)
- Typing in a number directly allows you to jump to a particular number - it takes very little time to get an intuitive feel for the numbers involved.
I find option 2 to be the most productive way of editing. I normally get the exposure adjustment correct on the first go now, and a second adjustment is very quick.
Originally by user46386. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user46386
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the answers provided, Darktable does not appear to offer a dedicated tablet-control option for using an Android tablet as a touch control surface for sliders and curves.
The practical workflow suggested is to rely on keyboard shortcuts for the tools you use most often. In Darktable, once a tool is selected via shortcut, you can often adjust it quickly by moving the mouse left/right while the pointer is over the tools panel. You can also type numeric values directly for fast, repeatable adjustments.
So, if your goal is speed and efficiency, the recommended approach is:
- assign shortcuts to frequently used adjustments
- use mouse movement for quick slider changes
- enter values directly when precision matters
Using the tablet only as an extended display may help a little, but based on the community answers, it is not a full solution for gesture-based Darktable control.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI11y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why can a Wacom tablet be better than a mouse for photo retouching?
Can I control a Nikon D3200 from an Android tablet over USB?
Is a touchscreen laptop worth it for photo editing?
Is a graphics tablet useful for photo editing?
How can I control Darktable module sliders with the keyboard?