I switched from Lightroom to Darktable mid-2019 after changing my laptop (I didn’t wanted to crack Lightroom again on it). It’s free, open source, handles RAW and incredibly powerful with a great community around. (I especially recommand Bruce Williams Tutorials)
This document aims to reflect upon my previous Lightroom workflow and how I can adapt it to Darktable. → Living document ahead!

Lightroom Workflow (+tips & tricks)

  1. Import
    • Copy as DNG (thanks Maxou ;)
    • Add keywords (year, month, people, place, event_name…)
  2. Selection
    • In the import folder:
    • Quick review to delete the undesirable –> Hide the panel cmd ( US: shift-tab) + Dim the light (press L two times) + ‘Loupe view’ (E)
    • Flag the rejected photo by pressing X (black flag in the top left corner)
    • For similar photo you want to compare side by side press C or ‘survey view’ N, press P to flag them as pick and come back to it later (white flag in the top left corner)
    • Press G to return to ‘grid view’, L for lights on, cmd+backspace to delete the rejected photo
  3. Collections
    • Organization
    • Year
      • Month
        • Event_Name
        • For each Event_Name :
    • Create 2 smart folder:
      • WIP: flag + main keyword of the event
        • Editing
        • Rating
      • Final: flag + main keyword of the event 
  4. Export (→ to improve)
    • to flick / 500px
    • to folder \year\month\event_name
Useful Shortcuts:
- Import = Ctrl-Shift-I
- Add keywords = Ctrl-K (puts cursor in the box so you may begin typing)
- Hide Panels and Filmstrip = Shift-Tab
- Cycle screen between dim, off, and on = L (light)
- Cycle view between thumbnail, fit to screen, and 1:1 = Enter
- Reject = X
- Pick = P
- Remove all flags = U
- Compare View = C
- Survey View = N
- Rate = 1-5
- Delete rejected photos = Ctrl-Backspace
- Rate = 1-5 number keys
- Create new collection = Ctrl-N
- Auto-Tone = Cmd+U
- Reset any adjustment slider = double-click on its label.
- Crop = R
- Rotate Crop Aspect Ratio = X
- Constrain Crop Aspect Ratio = A
- Spot Removal = Q
- Adjustment Brush = K
- Paste Settings from Previous = Ctrl-Alt-V
- Copy settings = Cmd+C
- Paste settings = Cmd+V
- Zoom = space 


Darktable Workflow

(→ shortcuts lists)
  1. Import
    • When importing from Canon 7D, it automatically creates a file under Pictures > DarkTable > Date of the import
    • Once in Darktable, .xmp files are created
    • Name the film roll otherwiser it just appears with date_noname (#)
  2. Selection
    • Which images do I want to reject ?
    • Control + mousewill to make images bigger 
    • Or → custom zoom: e for bigger / g for smaller (→ grid)
    • Tab to remove menus
    • f to get full screen
    • r to reject photos
    • Rate 1 to 5 for easier selection
    • Tagging: name of the person + place
    • When selected for print, use tag to_print
Last update: 20.11.2019