RapidRAW
GPU-accelerated, non-destructive RAW editor with local AI masking, positioned as a Lightroom alternative.
AGPL-3.0 raw editor for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android
RapidRAW is a non-destructive, GPU-accelerated RAW editor that stores edits in .rrdata sidecar files. It suits photographers who want AI masks and denoise running on their own machine.
What it is
The README lists subject, sky, foreground, depth, text-prompt and face-part masks run locally, parametric masks, clone, heal and liquify, AI and BM3D denoise, Lensfun lens correction, film emulations, batch export and a headless CLI.
Who it's for
It suits photographers with a recent GPU who want a free Lightroom-style editor. It does not suit anyone on a very old machine, since pre-2015 GPUs and older integrated graphics may be unstable.
Key features
Local AI masking
Subject, sky, depth, text-prompt and face-part masks on your GPU.
Sidecar edits
.rrdata files leave original images untouched.
Retouching tools
Clone, heal and liquify.
Denoise and lens fixes
AI and BM3D denoise plus Lensfun correction.
Headless CLI
Batch export from the command line.
AI-free mode
A setting hides AI features and falls back to classic algorithms.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- AI masks run on your machine using DirectML on Windows or CoreML on macOS, with CPU fallback.
- Installers, Flatpak, .deb and an AUR package are offered.
- Android APK available for 64-bit ARM on Android 7.0+.
- Optional AI-free mode.
Where it falls short
- The README strongly recommends 16 GB RAM and a dedicated GPU.
- Camera tethering is only on macOS and Linux as a separate build needing libgphoto2.
- AGPL-3.0 requires sharing changes if you run a modified version as a service.
- Optional cloud generative tools are listed at $14 a month.
Pricing & license
Free under AGPL-3.0. The README describes optional cloud generative tools at $14 a month; the local app costs nothing beyond your hardware.
Open remote AI-training roles
870 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 14, 2026; most pay $20–$170 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.
Alternatives
These reviewed AI tools do the same job instantly — from our scored directory.
Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
Does RapidRAW run AI locally?
Built-in AI masking runs locally on your GPU; optional cloud generative tools are described as a paid extra.
What does it need?
Windows 10+, macOS 13+ or Ubuntu 22.04+, with 16 GB RAM and a dedicated GPU recommended.
Does it change my original files?
No. Edits are stored in .rrdata sidecar files.
