How can I batch edit multiple RAW files in Darktable?

Asked 5/12/2013

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2 answers

I want to apply the same adjustments from one edited RAW file to a group of other images in Darktable. What is the usual workflow for doing this? Can I copy the edit history directly, or should I save the edits as a style and apply that to multiple files?

batch-editing post-processing workflow darktable raw-processing

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

It's a little easier than jrista's method. You still make your edits to a single file, but then on the lighttable there's a "History Stack" section which allows you to copy the history stack of an image (or any parts thereof). And then you can select multiple images and paste the history stack onto them.

Darktable's lighttable history stack module

Update: I understand better jrista's mention of styles. Just below "history stack" on the lighttable is a module called "styles." If you select an image and click create a style you can save a specific application of darkroom modules (just like the history stack). Once it's saved as a style you can apply it simply by selecting images on the lighttable and double-clicking the style name.

Darktable's lighttable style module

Originally by user13982. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user13982

13y ago

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes — in Darktable, the usual batch-edit workflow is to edit one image first, then reuse those edits on others.

Two common methods were mentioned:

Copy/paste the history stack

Edit one photo in darkroom.
Copy its history stack.
Select one or more target images in lighttable (or from the filmstrip) and paste the history stack onto them.
You can also copy/paste a partial history stack if you only want specific modules.

Shortcuts commonly used:

Ctrl+C: copy history stack
Ctrl+V: paste history stack
Ctrl+Shift+C: copy partial history stack
Ctrl+Shift+V: paste partial history stack

Create and apply a style

After editing one image, save those edits as a style.
Then select multiple images in lighttable and apply the style to all of them.
This is useful if you want to reuse the same look again later or during export.

So yes, Darktable can batch edit RAW files — either by copying the history stack directly or by creating a reusable style.

How can I batch edit multiple RAW files in Darktable?

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