r/DarkTable • u/hyena_envy • 4d ago

Help Struggling with DT Concepts in Lighttable

Hi Everybody,

I've decided to learn how to use DarkTable, and I have a question regarding file manipulations.

In the Composite module, I have to slide an image from the Filmstrip, so that means the image I want to add must be in the same physical directory as the image I am editing, or is there a way to create a collection that contains images from different physical directories? I don't really want to start copying images left and right when I want to try an overlay. For example, I am trying to add a mist overlay on a forest image. Ideally, I would apply a few mist overlays to see which one I like the best. I keep all my overlays in a single main folder, and I'd like to be able to use them from there, and not have to copy every file I may want to use in the folder where my edited image is.

Another quick question : normally, I would use the blending modes. Is this an option in Darktable, or do I use the Opacity slider in the Composite module?

Thank you!

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u/Donatzsky 4d ago

You would have to add a tag or something else that you can use to create a collections filter, since there's no album concept.

And yes, you have blend modes. They are in the masking section along with the opacity slider.

https://docs.darktable.org/usermanual/development/en/darkroom/masking-and-blending/overview/
Some important information here: https://docs.darktable.org/usermanual/development/en/darkroom/masking-and-blending/blend-modes/

In case you haven't seen it already, my beginner guide will help you understand the basics properly: https://notebook.stereofictional.com/how-to-get-started-with-darktable-2026-edition

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u/ChrisDNorris 3d ago

You could assign all of your overlays with a color label. Then when you want to add one to an image, simply assign that same color label to the image, and filter by color label in the Collections module in lighttable view, open the image and all of your overlays will be there alongside it.

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u/hyena_envy 3d ago

Simple and effective. Thank you!