Darkroom
A photo and video editor for iPhone and iPad that edits straight from your Apple Photos library
by Bergen Co. · listed Oct 23, 2026
Quick verdict
Darkroom is one of the most polished editors on iOS and is worth installing if you shoot on an iPhone; expect to pay for Darkroom+ if you want the full toolset.
Best for iPhone and iPad photographers who want pro-level color and RAW editing without leaving their Photos library
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Oct 23, 2026. How we review
Darkroom review
Darkroom is a photo and video editor for iPhone and iPad aimed at people who shoot a lot on their phone and want more control than the built-in Photos editor gives them. It handles RAW and Apple ProRAW files, offers curves, selective color, film-style presets and LUTs, and can color grade video, including 4K clips. AI tools help with depth-based and subject-aware adjustments, such as working on skies or skin separately.
Day to day, the appeal is that it works directly on your Photos library. There is no separate import step, and edits are non-destructive, so you can return to an image and change or undo anything later. Batch editing lets you apply one look across a whole set of shots, which saves time after a trip or a shoot. The interface is clean and gesture-friendly, and Apple has recognized it with a Design Award in 2020.
Why we picked it: It brings serious editing tools to the phone without forcing you to manage a second photo library.
Watch out for: Many of the more advanced tools sit behind the paid Darkroom+ upgrade, and there is no Android version.
What we like
- Edits photos in place in your Apple Photos library with no import step
- RAW and ProRAW support with non-destructive edits
- Curves, selective color and LUT-style presets for detailed grading
- Batch editing to apply one look across many photos
- Video color grading alongside still photo tools
What could be better
- Advanced features require a paid upgrade
- Apple devices only, with no Android app
- The depth of tools can feel like a lot for casual users
Questions about Darkroom
Is Darkroom free?
The app is free to download and includes basic editing tools. Many advanced features, such as some AI tools and video grading, are part of the paid Darkroom+ upgrade.
Is Darkroom available on Android?
No. Darkroom is made for Apple devices. An Android app called The Darkroom Lab is an unrelated film developing service.
Does Darkroom work with RAW files?
Yes. It can open and edit RAW and Apple ProRAW files, and edits are non-destructive.
Do I need to import photos into Darkroom?
No. It reads from and saves to your Apple Photos library directly, so your photos stay in one place.
What are the alternatives?
Adobe Lightroom Mobile is the most common alternative and works on Android too. VSCO and Snapseed are lighter options for quick edits.
From the developer: how Darkroom describes itself
Transform your iPhone and iPad into a powerful editing suite with Darkroom, the award-winning photo and video editor designed for both aspiring photographers and professional creators. With desktop-quality tools at your fingertips, Darkroom rivals Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop — delivering a pro editing experience right on your mobile device.
Award-Winning Recognition:
Apple Editor's Choice since 2018 Apple Design Award Winner 2020 App Store Best New App 2015
Why Choose Darkroom?
Advanced AI-Powered Editing: Harness cutting-edge AI tools for precise, depth-based edits and intelligent object detection. Enhance skies, skin tones, and landscapes with unmatched accuracy — or let AI-powered presets analyze your photo and optimize color and exposure in one tap.
Professional Color Grading & Video: From 4K video color grading to film-inspired LUT presets, Darkroom gives you full creative control. Professional curves, selective color adjustments, and batch photo editing make every project effortless — whether you're retouching a single portrait or editing an entire shoot.
RAW & ProRAW Support: Import and edit RAW and Apple ProRAW files at full fidelity. Every edit is non-destructive, so you can undo any adjustment at any time. Darkroom works directly with your Apple Photos library — no importing, no exporting, no friction.
Professional Tools for Every Creator:
All-Inclusive Format Support: From RAW files to JPEG and HEIF, Darkroom provides powerful editing tools that ensure top-tier output across every photo and video format.
Built for iPhone Photographers: With deep iOS integration — Shortcuts, widgets, iCloud sync, and seamless Apple Photos access — Darkroom stands out as the premier editing tool for mobile photographers. A fast, gesture-driven interface makes pro editing feel effortless.
Praise from Experts:
"Darkroom is one of the best apps around, offering extensive support for RAW and ProRAW photos and capabilities to batch edit photos with ease." — The Verge
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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