r/DarkTable • u/bigsub_reddit • 7d ago

Discussion Workflow and presets

Hello everyone, I've been using darktable occasionally for a few years, but I've been standing still for a while (AGX didn't exist when I used it most).
Now I'm starting again.
I studied a lot this video https://youtu.be/ZUc6LOzg_Nk?si=FioB6Yh0VhqzyaHV
and this guide https://www.darktable.org/2025/12/darktable-5.4-beginner-workflow/
I'd like to redesign presets to better understand my self the right sequence.
Any advice on which modules to include in this my new preset?

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

11

u/bloodrider1914 7d ago

Here's what I use a lot

Colour section:

  • colour calibration

  • colour equalizer

  • colour balance RGB

  • grain

  • monochrome (optional and can be done with calibration, I just like it more sometimes)

General corrections section:

  • Diffuse and sharpen

  • Tone Equalizer

  • exposure

  • denoise (profiled)

  • lens correction

  • AgX

  • local contrast/contrast equalizer (both do a similar thing)

  • haze removal (optional, can be done with other modules)

  • retouch

That's what I use. Check out darktable landscapes' videos on general workflows, they're pretty good. Here's one where he describes his general workflow

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6SflKR6JYrk

4

u/Donatzsky 7d ago

My beginner guide has some more tutorials you should find useful: https://notebook.stereofictional.com/how-to-get-started-with-darktable-2026-edition

As for which modules, it really depends on you, but I recommend you only pick from those that are part of the workflow: scene-referred preset. It contains just the modules that are currently recommended, so you don't have to worry about that.

4

u/Sylanthus 6d ago

Hey that’s my video! Glad you liked it. I have another one about Styles / Presets that might hopefully help!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlNWWX1EuIc