AI-PP3 is an advanced command-line tool that leverages multimodal artificial intelligence to create optimized RawTherapee processing profiles (.pp3 files) through intelligent image analysis. Unlike basic preset generators, this system combines computer vision with large language model reasoning to produce customized development parameters for raw photography processing.
AI-PP3 generates customized processing profiles (.pp3 files) using AI analysis and passes them to RawTherapee’s command-line interface (CLI) for raw file development. The AI optimizes parameters like exposure and color balance, while RawTherapee handles the actual conversion. Users can specify output formats (JPEG, TIFF, PNG) and quality settings, with defaults to lossless configurations. This integration supports batch operations, platform compatibility, and repeatable results while preserving RawTherapee’s image quality.
AI-PP3 supports all RAW formats compatible with RawTherapee, including Canon CR2/CR3, Nikon NEF, Sony ARW, Fujifilm RAF, Adobe DNG, Phase One IIQ, and Pentax PEF. Compatibility updates automatically with RawTherapee’s releases.
Yes. AI-PP3 processes original RAW files (CR2, NEF, ARW, etc.) directly, leveraging RawTherapee’s native support without requiring DNG conversion.
The AI analyzes a preview JPEG using vision models (e.g., GPT-4 Vision) to assess exposure, color balance, and detail. It then modifies existing PP3 parameters (via search/replace) or builds new profiles from scratch, ensuring compatibility with RawTherapee’s syntax.
Compare performance and pricing at LLM Stats. Switch providers by updating your API key—no code changes required.
Yes, API keys are required. Free tiers include OpenRouter’s free models and trial credits from providers like OpenAI. Local self-hosted models (e.g., Llama 3) are also supported.
The AI starts with values from a base PP3 profile, analyzes a preview image, and suggests adjustments based on visual feedback and training data. Changes are constrained to parameters in the base profile.
Third-party models lack raw-processing expertise, may hallucinate invalid values, and have opaque decision-making. AI-PP3 mitigates this by anchoring to base profiles and enforcing structured edits.
- Cloud mode: Basic laptop (uses provider servers).
- Local AI: NVIDIA RTX 3060+ GPU for self-hosted models.
- RawTherapee: Standard CPU/RAM for raw processing.
AI-PP3 itself doesn’t require a GPU, but self-hosted AI models do. RawTherapee’s processing is CPU-bound.
Use scripting for basic or parallelized batches:
# Parallel processing example
ls *.DNG | parallel -j8 ai-pp3 {} -o {.}.jpgYes. Use the -p/--prompt flag to guide adjustments while maintaining PP3 validity.
It requires basic CLI familiarity. Non-coders can use pre-written scripts for common tasks.
Yes. It supports CLI scripting, batch processing, and headless operation for CI/CD pipelines or nightly jobs.
AI profiles offer faster technical optimizations but may lack artistic nuance. Quality depends on the base profile—well-tuned bases yield professional results.
Safeguards include base profile constraints, preview validation, and structured edits. Use -v (verbose mode) to audit changes.
- Cloud providers: Sends compressed previews (not RAW files) subject to their policies.
- Local models: No data leaves your machine.
- RAW files are always processed locally.
Not currently. General vision models (e.g., GPT-4o) are adapted via prompting, avoiding the cost ($500k+) of training a dedicated model.
Yes. Compatibility with ART (.arp files) is planned due to format similarities and parameter overlap.