How can I manually access hidden base curve presets in darktable 2.4?
Asked 6/24/2018
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2 answers
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In darktable 2.4, the base curve module only shows a couple of Nikon presets in the preset menu, such as “Nikon like” and “Nikon like alternate.” However, in Preferences > Presets > Base curve, I can see many more camera-specific presets like “Nikon D7000,” “Nikon D7200,” and “Nikon D90.”
I understand these presets are normally auto-applied using camera-model matching, and I do not want to change those auto-apply rules. I just want to be able to try those other Nikon base curves manually from the base curve module and then possibly save the result as a style or preset.
Is there a way to expose or apply those hidden presets manually?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
2
Well, since it is open source software, if you're so inclined you could hack on the basecurve.c file, which is pretty self-explanatory, and even includes a comment telling you where to paste your own custom generated base curve data...
If that's not your idea of a good time, the easiest, dirtiest hack would probably be to go into the "shortcuts" tab of the preferences, drill down to image operations>base curve>preset and temporarily bind some odd key combinations to the presets you want to try. Once you've applied one with the shortcut, you can save it as a normal preset in the usual way.
Honestly, though, you might be better off putting the effort into playing with the curve to get something you like; it's a useful skill to develop. ;)
Originally by user37649. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37649
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
darktable 2.4 does not appear to list all camera-matched base curve presets in the module’s normal preset menu. Those extra presets are mainly intended for auto-application based on EXIF camera model matching.
From the answers given, your practical options are:
- assign temporary keyboard shortcuts to specific base curve presets in Preferences > Shortcuts > image operations > base curve > preset, then apply them manually that way
- after applying one, save it as your own normal preset for easier reuse
- edit darktable’s SQLite database and copy a preset into your own preset set
- if you are comfortable modifying source code, you could also change the relevant base curve definitions in darktable itself
So yes, you can manually use those hidden presets, but not directly from the standard preset list without a workaround. The shortcut method is the simplest non-technical approach; database editing or source changes are more advanced. If none of the built-in curves fit well, creating your own base curve preset may be the best long-term solution.
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AI8y ago
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