FAQ

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Getting Started

What is Sunset?

Sunset is a desktop photo manager and RAW developer for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It lets you browse RAW files, organize your library, import from cameras, geotag photos, and develop your photos with a non-destructive RAW editor. Everything runs locally on your computer. There is no cloud account or subscription.

Free vs Paid

What can I do for free?

Browsing, organizing, geotagging, importing from cameras or folders, and using external editors are all free. You can also try the built-in RAW editor at no cost to see how it works with your photos.

What requires a license?

Exporting or saving changes made in the built-in RAW editor requires a license. Everything else, including browsing, organizing, importing, geotagging, and external-editor workflows, is free.

License and Purchases

What does a Sunset license include?

A Sunset license covers a specific product-year range. The purchase page shows the exact included years. Covered app versions unlock the ability to export or save built-in RAW editor changes. Each license can be activated on up to two computers. See the purchase page for current pricing and product details.

Can I keep using the version I bought?

Yes. You can keep using the version you purchased for as long as you like. Future product-year versions may require a separate license if they fall outside your covered year range.

How do I activate or recover a license?

Enter your email and license key in Sunset's license activation screen inside the app. If you lost your key, visit the recovery page to have it sent to your purchase email.

What is the refund policy?

Sunset licenses are eligible for a full refund within 14 days of purchase. See the refund policy page for details.

Where can I read the license terms?

The full End User License Agreement is on the EULA page.

Platforms and File Support

What platforms are supported?

  • macOS 12 (Monterey) or later, Apple Silicon (M1 and later).
  • Windows 10 or later, 64-bit.
  • Linux x64 AppImage on a distribution with glibc.

Go to downloads

What image and RAW formats are supported?

Sunset supports a broad range of common image and camera RAW formats. If you encounter a file that does not open correctly, please check known limitations or contact support with your camera model and file format so we can investigate.

Privacy and Network Access

Does Sunset upload my photos?

No. Normal photo workflows, including browsing, organizing, importing, developing, and exporting, do not upload your photos or their metadata. Everything runs locally on your computer. See the privacy policy for full details.

What network requests does Sunset make?

Sunset may make network requests for:

  • License validation and update checks.
  • Smart Denoise model download (first use only).
  • Map tiles and geocoding when you use map or geotagging features.

Camera Import

How does camera import work on macOS, Windows, and Linux?

Sunset supports importing from cameras, SD cards, and folders. SD card readers and most cameras use Mass Storage mode, which works on all platforms. MTP import, used by some cameras when connected directly via USB, works on macOS and Windows. MTP import is not supported on Linux yet. See known limitations for details.

Smart Denoise

What is Smart Denoise and what does it download?

Smart Denoise is a machine learning feature that removes noise while preserving detail. The first time you use it, Sunset downloads a model file. This requires an internet connection and additional disk space. After the initial download, subsequent uses work offline.

Lightroom Migration

Is Sunset a Lightroom replacement?

Sunset is a standalone photo manager and RAW developer. It does not import Lightroom catalogs or presets yet. If you are looking for a full Lightroom migration workflow, that is not currently available.

Support

How do I send logs or get support?

Reach our support team to send us a message. During launch week, we review requests daily and aim to respond to purchase, license, install, and data-safety issues within 1 business day. When contacting support, please include your platform, OS version, Sunset version, and a description of the issue.