OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Udemy logo

Photo editing with Gimp and Darktable

4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 4 ratings
see reviews
Nicolas Forgue

Gimp

Gimp is an open source software that offers enormous graphical possibilities. By knowing how to master the techniques and tools, you will be able to do any type of photo editing and photo montage. Many tools and techniques will be seen in the training, and the emphasis is mainly on photo editing. It is thus possible to make selections, make adjustments, use layers and masks to optimize renderings.

Darktable

Read more

Gimp

Gimp is an open source software that offers enormous graphical possibilities. By knowing how to master the techniques and tools, you will be able to do any type of photo editing and photo montage. Many tools and techniques will be seen in the training, and the emphasis is mainly on photo editing. It is thus possible to make selections, make adjustments, use layers and masks to optimize renderings.

Darktable

Darktable is open source photo editing software. It allows processing of Raw files, ie a non destructive raw data format. The changes are saved against the original file which is kept at all times and thus allows for advanced processing. It is great because you can edit your photo in real time. The software thus has two main modes, lighttable mode for importing and classifying photos, and darkroom mode for editing photos.

The complementarity

They are two very complementary self-service software. Like Photoshop and Lightroom do, you will be able to use Gimp and Darktable. Gimp will allow you to edit and use the layer system. It will also allow you to make adjustments and use the masks. On the other hand, it will not allow you to classify photos or process files in real time. So this is where Darktable software comes in. Darktable will allow you to import photos, classify them, and then make changes in real time thanks to the many modules.

Training video

In this course, you will learn how to use Gimp for photo editing. The basics of using layers, masks, adjustments or even retouching tools will be covered in this course, supplemented by workshops. You will also learn how to use Darktable, to import and organize your photos, and then process all your photos with the modules. The whole will also be supplemented by workshops.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Manage dashboard of gimp
  • Adjust windows for photo editing
  • Use layers
  • Use masks
  • Create selections
  • Create montage
  • Crop photos
  • Master tools for photo editing
  • Read photo histogram
  • Master photo adjustments
  • Apply filters
  • Edit face
  • Edit landscape photos
  • Manage dashboard of darktable
  • Import photos
  • Add informations on photos
  • Use filters
  • Apply styles
  • Define favorite modules
  • Master main modules
  • Use drawn mask
  • Use parametric mask
  • Use drawn and parametric mask
  • Add effects
  • Improve portrait photo
  • Improve landscape photo
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction

Start with Gimp

Manage dashboard

Read more

Display the windows

Create new document

Save and export document

Navigation on photo

Layers

Layer mask

Blend mode

Crop photo

Basic selections

Advanced selections

Recuperate selection

Remove defaults

Clone elements

Brush parameters

Lighten and darken

Add blur and details

Spread color

Add color and gradient

Read histogram

Start with adjustments

Adjustment color balance

Adjustment color temperature

Adjustment hue chroma

Adjustment hue saturation

Adjustment saturation

Adjustment exposure

Adjustment shadows highlights

Adjustment brightness contrast

Adjustment levels

Adjustment curves

Adjustment invert

Adjustment threshold

Adjustment colorize

Adjustment posterize

Adjustments on selections

Change photo in black and white

Add blur

Increase details

Add effects

Create frame

Red eye removal

Change eyes color

Smooth skin

Selective black and white example

Edit face part 1

Edit face part 2

Improve landscape photo part 1

Improve landscape photo part 2

Start with dashboard

Lighttable mode

Import photos

Grid and selections

Add informations

Apply filters

Styles

Darkroom mode

Edit modules

Module sharpen

Module levels

Module contrast brightness saturation

Module color zones

Module shadows and highlights

Module white balance

Module basic adjustments

Module base curve

Module exposure

Module color balance

Color picker

Snapshots

Duplicate manager

Photo black and white

Selective black and white

Drawn mask

Drawn and parametric mask

Parametric mask

Apply multiple masks

Process eyes color

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers GIMP and Darktable, which are open-source alternatives to industry-standard software like Photoshop and Lightroom
Explores the use of layers and masks, which are essential techniques for advanced photo editing and manipulation
Teaches how to manage and process RAW files using Darktable, which is a non-destructive editing workflow
Includes training on adjusting color balance, temperature, hue, and saturation, which are crucial for achieving desired aesthetics
Features training on retouching portraits and improving landscape photos, which are common tasks for photographers
Requires learners to download and install GIMP and Darktable, which may require a modern operating system

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical gimp and darktable photo editing

According to students, this course provides a solid introduction to using GIMP for photo editing and Darktable for RAW processing and organization. Learners appreciate the practical demonstrations and step-by-step approach, making complex tools accessible. Many found the GIMP section particularly helpful for mastering layers, masks, and selections. While the Darktable section covers essential workflows like importing and basic adjustments, some reviewers felt it could go deeper into advanced modules. The course is often described as well-structured and suitable for beginners looking to utilize powerful free software alternatives. However, a few users noted that certain sections felt a bit basic or that the pace was uneven.
GIMP section is comprehensive for essentials.
"The parts on GIMP, especially layers and masks, were really clear and useful."
"I finally understand how to use layers and selections effectively in GIMP thanks to this course."
"Excellent explanation of GIMP's core editing tools."
"Learned a lot about GIMP's capabilities."
Covers practical steps for photo editing.
"The step-by-step tutorials and exercises were very practical and easy to follow."
"I appreciated the hands-on approach demonstrated in the workshops."
"Showed me a useful workflow for processing my photos from import to export."
"Practical examples on how to edit photos."
Provides a good starting point for beginners.
"The course gave me a great introduction to Gimp and Darktable. I learned the basics needed to start editing."
"This is a solid foundational course for anyone new to these powerful open-source tools."
"I feel confident in the basic operations after taking this class."
"Provides a good start in Gimp and Darktable."
"Good overview for newcomers."
Darktable part is basic, could go deeper.
"Darktable section felt a bit rushed and didn't cover the more advanced modules I was hoping for."
"It was a good intro to Darktable but I need more depth on the powerful editing modules."
"The Darktable coverage was primarily on import/organize and very basic edits."
"Wished there were more advanced Darktable examples."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Photo editing with Gimp and Darktable with these activities:
Review Basic Photo Editing Concepts
Reinforce fundamental photo editing concepts like exposure, white balance, and contrast to better understand the adjustments available in GIMP and Darktable.
Browse courses on Exposure
Show steps
  • Watch introductory videos on photo editing principles.
  • Practice adjusting exposure and white balance on sample images.
  • Read articles explaining histograms and their use in editing.
Read 'GIMP Bible'
Deepen your understanding of GIMP's capabilities and workflows by studying a comprehensive guide.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to layers and masks.
  • Experiment with the techniques described in the book.
Explore 'The Darktable Manual'
Familiarize yourself with the official Darktable documentation to gain a deeper understanding of its features and capabilities.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the sections on importing and organizing photos.
  • Explore the descriptions of the various editing modules.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Adjust Color Balance on Various Images
Improve your ability to correct color imbalances in photos using GIMP and Darktable's adjustment tools.
Show steps
  • Download a set of images with different color casts.
  • Use GIMP and Darktable to correct the color balance in each image.
  • Compare your results and identify areas for improvement.
Follow Advanced GIMP Tutorials
Refine your GIMP skills by following tutorials on advanced techniques like frequency separation and complex masking.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific GIMP techniques.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
  • Apply the techniques to your own photos.
Create a Before-and-After Photo Editing Showcase
Solidify your understanding of photo editing techniques by showcasing your skills in a before-and-after comparison.
Show steps
  • Select several photos that need editing.
  • Edit the photos using GIMP and Darktable.
  • Create a presentation or blog post showcasing the before-and-after results.
Photo Editing Workflow Project
Develop a complete photo editing workflow using both GIMP and Darktable to manage, edit, and enhance a collection of images.
Show steps
  • Import a batch of photos into Darktable.
  • Perform initial adjustments in Darktable.
  • Export photos to GIMP for advanced editing.
  • Finalize edits and export the finished images.

Career center

Learners who complete Photo editing with Gimp and Darktable will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Image Retoucher
An image retoucher enhances and restores photographic images. This course is directly applicable to this career, as it focuses on photo editing techniques using Gimp and Darktable. Image retouchers smooth skin, remove blemishes, change eye color, and perform other detailed edits. The course provides training in defaults correction, cloning, and the use of tools for photo editing. The image retoucher can also use Darktable to import and organize photos.
See salaries and explore the career path for Image Retoucher
Photo Editor
The responsibilities of a photo editor include retouching, color correction, and manipulation of digital images. This course is highly relevant for anyone aspiring to be a photo editor, as it covers a wide range of essential skills using Gimp and Darktable. The course covers layers, masks, adjustments, and retouching tools. These are critical for achieving professional results. The course's coverage of Darktable, including importing, organizing, and processing photos with modules, further refines the skills of a competent photo editor.
See salaries and explore the career path for Photo Editor
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts, using software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. Photo editing is often a key component of graphic design, and this course provides tools and techniques for mastering this skill. Skills such as compositing images, creating selections, and making adjustments using layers and masks, are essential for producing high quality designs. The graphic designer will also find value in learning how to read histograms and master photo adjustments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer
Digital Artist
Digital artists create artwork using digital tools and software. Mastering photo editing techniques is essential for digital artists who incorporate photographic elements into their creations. This course directly addresses this need by teaching the use of Gimp for photo editing, covering layers, masks, adjustments, and retouching tools. The course also shows how to apply filters, add effects, and create montages, expanding the creative possibilities for a digital artist. A digital artist can also use skills on improving landscape and portrait photos.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist
Multimedia Artist
Multimedia artists create animation, special effects, and other visual images using computers. Because photography is often integrated into multimedia projects, training in photo editing is often required. This course, which teaches photo editing with Gimp and Darktable, addresses such a need. Multimedia artists work with layers, masks, and adjustments. The course also addresses how to apply filters and add effects. The use of Darktable helps the multimedia artist manage and process photos.
See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist
Digital Imaging Technician
A digital imaging technician works on film and television sets, managing and manipulating digital images. This course may be useful, covering photo editing with Gimp and Darktable. The course teaches how to manage the dashboard, display windows, and navigate photos. The digital imaging technician can also learn to use layers, masks, and blend modes, which aids during post production. The course's coverage of Darktable, including importing and classifying photos, is also important.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Imaging Technician
Photographer
A photographer captures images, often requiring post processing. This course, which covers photo editing using Gimp and Darktable, may be useful. Learning how to adjust color balance, hue, saturation, and exposure is crucial for refining images and achieving a desired aesthetic. The ability to read a photo histogram, as covered by the course, may also be helpful. Skills such as cropping, removing defaults, and cloning elements using Gimp can all elevate a photographer's work. The photographer can also classify photos with Darktable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer
Video Editor
Video editors assemble raw footage into a finished product. They often need to manipulate still images. A video editor would find this course useful. This course, focused on photo editing with Gimp and Darktable, may be useful. Learning how to make adjustments, create montages, and add effects can be used within video projects. A video editor can also use Darktable to easily classify and touch up a large number of photos.
See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor
Web Designer
A web designer plans, creates, and codes internet sites and web pages, many of which incorporate photographic elements. This course may be useful, because it covers essential photo editing skills using Gimp and Darktable. The course focuses on photo editing, teaching how to make selections, adjustments, and how to optimize renderings through layers and masks. The web designer can also learn to use Darktable to import photos, classify them, and then make changes in real time, which accelerates web production workflows.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer
Social Media Manager
A social media manager crafts and curates engaging content for online platforms. Visual appeal is a key factor in successful posts. This course, which teaches photo editing with Gimp and Darktable, helps equip social media managers with skills in cropping, adjusting, and filtering images. The social media manager will also find value in learning how to add effects, improve portraits, and enhance landscape photos. The social media manager can learn to make photos more striking.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager
Content Creator
Content creators develop engaging material for various platforms, frequently incorporating visuals. This course, focused on photo editing with Gimp and Darktable, may be useful. Content creators leverage tools for photo editing. The course covers techniques for creating selections, montages, and cropping photos. The course also covers the use of Darktable, which allows content creators to prepare photos for use in various media.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Real Estate Photographer
A Real Estate Photographer captures images of properties for sale or rent. The visual appeal and accuracy of these images is critical in attracting potential buyers or renters. This course's focus on photo editing with Gimp and Darktable may be useful. Learning how to make adjustments, correct color balance, and enhance details is essential for showcasing properties effectively. The real estate photographer can also find the course's coverage of landscape photo improvements to be directly applicable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Photographer
Marketing Specialist
The marketing specialist analyzes current markets, assesses products and services, and identifies areas of improvement. This course helps enhance the marketing specialist's skill set. The course, which focuses on photo editing with Gimp and Darktable, allows the marketing specialist to alter photos to produce advertisements. The marketing specialist will learn to use layers, masks, add effects, and retouch photos. These skills can be applied to advertising.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Specialist
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation to convey complex information. This course is relevant for a technical writer who needs to include or manipulate images in their writing, because it focuses on photo editing with Gimp and Darktable. The course teaches the many tools and techniques, with emphasis on photo editing. The technical writer can then make adjustments and use masks. A technical writer can use this knowledge to enhance communication.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Forensic Photographer
A forensic photographer documents crime scenes and evidence. This course may be useful to a forensic photographer, because it focuses on teaching photo editing with Gimp and Darktable. A forensic photographer can use the software and techniques to optimize the visibility and clarity of evidence. The course covers basics of using layers, masks, and adjustments. The forensic photographer will also learn to retouch photos.
See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Photographer

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Photo editing with Gimp and Darktable.
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
The GIMP Bible comprehensive guide to using GIMP, covering everything from basic image editing to advanced techniques. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding GIMP's interface, tools, and features. provides in-depth explanations and step-by-step instructions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. It is particularly helpful for mastering layers, masks, and filters, which are essential for photo editing in GIMP.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Course image
Rating
4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
9.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Nicolas Forgue
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers GIMP and Darktable, which are open-source alternatives to industry-standard software like Photoshop and Lightroom
Explores the use of layers and masks, which are essential techniques for advanced photo editing and manipulation
Teaches how to manage and process RAW files using Darktable, which is a non-destructive editing workflow
Includes training on adjusting color balance, temperature, hue, and saturation, which are crucial for achieving desired aesthetics
Features training on retouching portraits and improving landscape photos, which are common tasks for photographers
Requires learners to download and install GIMP and Darktable, which may require a modern operating system
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Photo editing with Gimp and Darktable.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser