Darktable: Use Stable & Dev version in parallel

December 26, 2025

Many users want to try out the latest features of the developer version (Development Build/Nightly) without jeopardizing their stable working environment.

The problem:
By default, all DarkTable versions use the same configuration folder. When you start a newer version, it updates your database. Your older, stable version will then no longer be able to read this database.

The solution:
We have to command the test version to have a own configuration folder to use. This is done via the start parameter --configdir.

Here is the guide for all operating systems.

1. Preparation (for all systems)

Before you start, you should know where your current configuration files are if you want to make backups:

  • Windows: C:\Users\[DeinName]\AppData\Local\DarkTable
  • macOS: ~/.config/DarkTable
  • Linux: ~/.config/DarkTable

2. Instructions for Windows

On Windows, this is the easiest way to solve it via a shortcut.

  1. Install: Install your stable version as normal. Download the dev version (usually a zip file or installer) and install it in a other folder (e.g. C:\Program Files\darktable-dev NOTE 1: do not uninstall your previous version; NOTE 2: if you are attempting to install to “only me” and it does not allow you to create a new darktable-dev folder, choose to “install for everyone” instead).
  2. Create shortcut:
    • Go to the darktable-dev folder that was created → bin folder.
    • Right click on darktable.exe → “Send to” → “Desktop (create shortcut)”.
  3. Add parameters:
    • Right click on the new shortcut on the desktop → Properties.
    • In the field “target” is the path to the exe. At the very end (after the …\darktable.exe) add a space and then the following text:
      --configdir "C:\Users\your_name\AppData\Local\darktable-dev"
    • replace your_name by your Windows username.
  4. Start: If you now start this shortcut, darktable creates a completely new, empty folder for settings and database. Your stable version remains unaffected.

3. Instructions for macOS

It’s a bit trickier on the Mac because apps are “packages”. We use the “script editor” to build a safe starter.

  1. Install:
    • Install the stable version in “Programs”.
    • Download the dev version, rename it in darktable-dev.app and also put them in “Programs”.
  2. Starter build:
    • Open the app “Script Editor” (Search via Spotlight).
    • Copy this code into: Do Shell Script “/Applications/DarkTable-Dev.App/Contents/MacOS/DarkTable –ConfigDir ~/.config/DarkTable-Dev”
  3. Save:
    • go to filing > Export.
    • Enter a name (e.g. “Start dt dev”).
    • Choose from file format: Program (application).
    • Save it to desktop or dock.
  4. start: From now on, use this icon to start the Dev version safely.

4. Instructions for Linux

Linux users are usually familiar with the terminal, but here too you can build a starter (.desktop file).

  1. Install: Install the Dev version (e.g. from the master repo or as Flatpak/AppImage).
  2. Start by terminal (to test): darktable –configdir ~/.config/darktable-dev
  3. Permanent Solution (Desktop Icon):
    • Copy the file /usr/share/applications/darktable.desktop to ~/.local/share/applications/darktable-dev.desktop.
    • Open the new file with a text editor.
    • Change the line name= to name=DarkTable Dev.
    • Change the line exec= to:
      exec=/usr/bin/darktable --configdir ~/.config/darktable-dev %u
      (Adjust path to the binary if necessary).

Important Notes

  • pictures: The dev version starts “empty”. You don’t see your pictures. That’s good! You have to re-import images or your database (library.db) Copy from the old folder to the new one (at your own risk).
  • XMP files: If you edit images in the Dev version, it writes XMP files (Sidecars). Caution: If you later open these images in the old, stable version, the edits may be lost or throw errors, since the old version does not yet know the new features of the XMP file.
  • Recommendation: For tests with the Dev version, it is best to use copies of your images or a separate folder.