Selekt vs Narrative Select
Both Selekt and Narrative Select offer scene-based culling workflows. Narrative pairs culling with AI editing presets in a subscription model. Selekt focuses on fast, lightweight culling across every platform at a lower price point.
What they have in common
Narrative Select is the closest competitor to Selekt in terms of philosophy. Both apps believe in scene-based culling, both offer keyboard-driven workflows, and both integrate with Lightroom and Capture One. The differences are in scope, pricing, and platform coverage.
Selekt: focused and cross-platform
Selekt does one thing well: culling. Built on Tauri with a Rust core, it runs on Mac and Windows, with iOS and Android apps coming soon. No editing features, no subscription tiers to navigate. A free plan covers unlimited culling, and Pro adds AI features for $8/month.
- Cull on desktop now, review on iPad or phone (coming soon)
- Lightweight app with low memory footprint
- Simple pricing: free or $8/mo
Narrative: culling + editing suite
Narrative Select combines culling with AI editing presets, personal AI presets trained on your editing style, and a close-ups panel for checking faces. It's a broader tool aimed at photographers who want culling and editing in one workflow.
- AI editing presets included at Standard tier and above
- Close-ups panel for checking expressions
- Personal AI presets learn your editing style
Key differences
$8/mo vs $120-720/yr
Selekt Pro is $8/month ($12 AUD), flat. Narrative ranges from $120/year (Lite, basic culling only) to $720/year (Ultra, with personal AI presets and multi-user support).
Mobile coming vs desktop only
Selekt runs on Mac and Windows, with iOS and Android apps coming soon. Narrative Select is Mac and Windows only, with no mobile culling on its roadmap.
Culling vs culling + editing
Selekt is a dedicated culling tool. Narrative bundles editing into the same app. If you already edit in Lightroom, the editing features may be redundant.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Selekt | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| Photo culling workflow | ||
| Keyboard-driven culling (P/M/X/U) | ||
| Auto-advance on rate | ||
| Scene-based grouping | ||
| Side-by-side comparison | ||
| RAW file support (400+ cameras) | ||
| AI auto-tagging | ||
| AI face detection and assessment | ||
| AI editing presets | ||
| Close-ups panel (face zoom) | ||
| AI image straightening | ||
| Lightweight desktop app (no bundled Chromium) | ||
| Rust-powered image processing | ||
| iOS and Android apps | ||
| Free tier (no time limit) | ||
| Works fully offline | ||
| AI smart crop for social | ||
| Social export presets (IG, TikTok) | ||
| Lightroom / Capture One export | ||
| Photoshop export |
= Available on higher tiers only
Pricing
Selekt
Free / $8/mo for Pro
Unlimited culling on the free plan. Pro ($8/mo, $12 AUD) adds AI tagging, smart crop, and social export presets. Available on Mac and Windows, with iOS and Android coming soon.
Narrative Select
$10/mo Lite / up to $60/mo Ultra
Lite ($10/mo) covers basic culling. Standard ($20/mo) adds advanced AI and editing presets. Premium ($40/mo) and Ultra ($60/mo) add personal AI presets and multi-user support. 30-day free trial. Desktop only.
Annual cost comparison (culling features)
Selekt Pro
$8/mo
Narrative Standard (comparable tier)
$240/yr
Which one is right for you
Choose Selekt if you:
- Want a dedicated culling tool without editing bloat
- Want mobile culling on iPad or phone (coming soon)
- Already edit in Lightroom and want a simpler pipeline
- Prefer simple pricing without tier decisions
- Want a free plan with no time limit
Choose Narrative Select if you:
- Want culling and AI editing in one app
- Value personal AI presets trained on your editing style
- Need the close-ups panel for checking expressions in group shots
- Run a studio and need multi-user support
Common questions
Both have scene-based culling. What's the difference?
Both apps group images into scenes for contextual culling. Narrative Select's Scenes View includes AI-powered image assessments and face zoom within each scene. Selekt focuses on fast keyboard-driven navigation and side-by-side comparison within scenes. The core concept is the same, the extras differ.
Do I need Narrative's editing features if I use Lightroom?
If you already have an editing workflow in Lightroom or Capture One, Narrative's editing features may be redundant. You'd be paying for capabilities you won't use. Selekt exports to Lightroom with XMP ratings and labels, keeping your editing workflow exactly as it is.
Can I switch from Narrative Select to Selekt?
Yes. Selekt reads directly from your image folders. Point it at the same directories and start culling. No migration needed.
What about Narrative's free trial vs Selekt's free plan?
Narrative offers a 30-day free trial of the Ultra plan, after which you choose a paid tier. Selekt's free plan has no time limit. You can cull unlimited images forever on the free plan. Pro features (AI tagging, smart crop) are $8/month when you want them.
Try Selekt free
No credit card, no time limit. Import a shoot and see how it feels. If scene-based culling clicks for you, Pro is $8/month.
Download Selekt