digiKam 9.0 has officially launched, marking a significant update for the open-source photo management software compatible with GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows. This new version introduces a modernized user interface, thanks to its transition to a dedicated Qt 6 port, aimed at enhancing the overall user experience.
Key improvements in digiKam 9.0 include a redesigned Welcome page and revamped File Copy and File Transfer dialogs, making them more user-friendly. Users can now customize color label names in the Labels tab, add regular expression wildcard support for ignored directories settings, and apply a customizable date format throughout the application. The Advanced Rename feature also benefits from a new "Date Format" modifier.
The application now allows for better customization of the SlideShow and Presentation features, with options for adjusting the background color for transparent images, and merging existing template entries with new ones in the Template feature. Furthermore, the filters view has been segmented into three tabs—Properties, Tags, and People—for improved usability.
The Trash View now retains column states across sessions, while the Table View supports customizable columns to display "Grouped" and "Versioned" properties. The Image Editor has been enhanced with new selection effects, while the Plugin Editor includes color histogram indicators for various tools.
digiKam 9.0 enhances sorting options in both Album Icon-View and Import Icon-View, thus allowing flexibility based on Pick and Color Labels, Orientation, GPS location, and File Format. The Preview feature receives substantial updates, such as new exposure indicators, enhanced color management, and trackpad gesture support for navigation and zooming.
Additionally, improvements have been made to the Advanced Search, allowing users to search for empty properties and recent modifications in the database. The Grouped Items feature has also been upgraded for better visibility of items in highlighted groups.
This release expands RAW camera support, now including various models from Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Hasselblad, Leica, and more. Over 400 bugs have been fixed in this version, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to enhancing stability and usability.
For more details, check the release notes or download digiKam 9.0 directly from the official website. This update solidifies digiKam’s place as a robust tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike in the realm of photo management.