RapidRAW is a beautiful and GPU-accelerated RAW image editor that offers a rich feature set while maintaining a lightweight footprint. With a design aimed at enhancing photography workflows, it delivers performance comparable to industry leaders while being accessible on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
RapidRAW is an innovative, non-destructive, and GPU-accelerated RAW image editor designed with performance and user experience as top priorities. This lightweight application (less than 30MB) serves as a modern alternative to Adobe Lightroom, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.
Key Features
Core Editing Engine
- GPU-Accelerated Processing: Experience rapid feedback through a custom WGSL shader that processes all adjustments on the GPU.
- Masking: Create precise masks instantly with AI-powered subject and foreground detection. Use additional traditional tools such as Brushes, Linear, and Radial masks for enhanced control.
- Generative Edits: Use text prompts to remove or add elements within your images, with every edit creating a non-destructive patch layer.
- Full RAW Support: Compatible with an extensive range of camera RAW formats, ensuring robust editing capabilities.
- Non-Destructive Workflow: Edits are saved in a
.rrdata sidecar file, protecting your original images.
- 32-bit Precision: Guarantee high-quality adjustments without data loss or banding.
Professional Grade Adjustments
- Tonal Controls: Adjust Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, Shadows, Whites, and Blacks with ease.
- Tone Curves: Gain full control of Luma, Red, Green, and Blue channels for fine-tuning.
- Color Grading: Access Temperature, Tint, Vibrance, Saturation, and detailed HSL color mixing options.
- Detail Enhancement: Utilize Sharpening, Clarity, Structure adjustments, and Noise Reduction techniques.
- Effects: Enhance your images with Dehaze, Vignette, and realistic Film Grain simulations.
- Transform Tools: Crop, Rotate, and Flip images seamlessly.
Library & Workflow Management
- Image Library: Effortlessly manage your photo collection, facilitating sorting, rating, and fast access.
- Folder Management: Integrated folder interfaces for creating, renaming, and deleting folders directly in the app.
- File Operations: Easily copy, move, and duplicate images along with their edits.
- Filmstrip View: Quickly navigate through images with a streamlined editing process.
- Batch Operations: Save time by applying adjustments or exporting images in bulk.
- EXIF Data Viewer: Inspect comprehensive metadata such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and equipment used.
Productivity & UI Enhancements
- Preset System: Save, import, and export favorite looks for consistent workflows.
- Copy & Paste Settings: Easily transfer adjustments between images.
- Undo/Redo History: Utilize a robust history system for tracking edits.
- Customizable UI: Resize panels and choose from various beautiful themes with smooth animations.
- Exporting Options: Control output file formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF), quality, and resizing settings during export.
Demonstration
Check out the editor's functionality:

The main editor interface in action.
For additional visual insights, inspect the robust features through the demonstration images showcasing batch operations, customizable layouts, advanced masks, and library management.
The Development Journey
RapidRAW was born from the need for a responsive photo editing tool that fits seamlessly into a photographer's workflow, developed as a personal challenge to deepen knowledge of React and Rust. The application delivers swift performance through a solid foundation, leveraging GPU processing to ensure a fluid user experience even during complex edits.
This project, enriched with AI capabilities and continuous improvements, aims to provide a comprehensive solution for photography enthusiasts seeking efficiency and reliability in image editing.