Krita vs darktable: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Krita and darktable comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Krita
Free digital painting and illustration software
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Krita is a free digital painting program for illustrators and concept artists
- • It provides professional-grade brushes, layers, and animation tools
darktable
Open source photography workflow
Best for you if:
- • You need image editing features specifically
- • Free open-source photo editing like Lightroom
- • RAW processing for 450+ camera formats
| At a Glance |  Krita |  darktable |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Graphic Design | Image Editing |
Rating | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Krita | darktable |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 43 |
| Categories | Graphic DesignImage Editing | Image EditingGraphic Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Krita and darktable solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Krita positions itself as "free digital painting and illustration software" while darktablefocuses on "open source photography workflow". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Krita
Krita makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 84/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose darktable
darktable is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Krita lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Krita
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Krita handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Krita
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Krita
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Krita is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Krita higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted darktable more (43 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Krita Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider darktable If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Krita (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Krita scores higher in our analysis, but darktable might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Krita or darktable better?
Based on our analysis, Krita scores higher with 84/100. Krita isfree while darktable is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Krita to darktable easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Krita and darktable offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Krita is completely free.darktable is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.