Open your RAW file in RawTherapee
Go to the Color tab
Enable Color Management if needed
Set the input profile correctly
Choose an output profile for export
Adjust White Balance
Use the Exposure tool to set overall brightness
Use the Shadows/Highlights tool to recover detail
Use the Tone Curve to shape contrast
Use the Lab Adjustments tool for color grading
Adjust the L channel for luminance balance
Adjust the a channel for green-magenta balance
Adjust the b channel for blue-yellow balance
Use the HSV Equalizer to target specific colors
Use the Color Toning tool for split toning
Use the Vibrance control to enhance muted colors
Use the Saturation control carefully
Use the Local Contrast tool for depth
Use the RGB Curves for channel-specific grading
Use the Color Appearance tool if available
Use the Spot White Balance tool for accurate neutral tones
Check the histogram while making adjustments
Compare before and after frequently
Fine-tune skin tones separately if needed
Avoid clipping highlights and shadows
Save your settings as a profile if you want to reuse them
Export the final image in the desired format and color space