digiKam 9.0 released as a massive update for photographers using this open source software

digiKam 9.0 arrives as a major release of this free and open source photo management software, featuring extensive improvements across core areas. The software's core codebase is now fully migrated to Qt 6.10.1 for AppImage and macOS, while the Windows package adopts Qt 6.9.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.20.0. This transition brings enhanced performance, security, and broader compatibility with current operating systems.

Building on this technical upgrade, digiKam 9.0 introduces a modernized user interface. Users can now customize date formats, explore a fully redesigned welcome page, and set personalized color label names. The filters view is organized into three tabs: Properties, Tags, and People for more efficient navigation. Regular expression wildcards may be used to refine directory exclusion rules, while column states and file renaming options also gain additional flexibility.

Following these changes, the Survey tool debuts, allowing photographers to review images efficiently in a dedicated window with secondary screen and full-screen support. The software also brings bulk geolocation editing for multiple items, updated G’MIC-Qt plugin capabilities, and expanded RAW support via an updated Libraw engine. Media preview features now include a toolbar Labels editor, exposure indicators, color management tools, video player context menus, trackpad gesture support, and a new magnifier tool. General use has been polished by workflow continuity features, search and sorting options, stability improvements, and various bug fixes.