What does Darkplug+ add, and how is it priced?

Darkplug+ unlocks F-Stop timing, guided test strips, the dodge and burn grid system, a split grade (two-channel) timer, and a guided paper developing timer. It is a one-time in-app purchase with no subscriptions.

Where can I get support?

The developer provides support by email and hosts an FAQ; contact details are linked from the product page.

Darkplug — A darkroom timer that controls your enlarger

Darkplug is a darkroom timer app for iPhone and iPad that controls your enlarger through a compatible Shelly smart plug on your local network. It times exposures like a classic darkroom timer and adds guided workflows for test strips, dodge and burn sequences, and split grade printing. The interface uses a red-on-black design that the developer tested so it does not fog photo paper, with simple controls that stay legible in low light.

Key Features

Enlarger control via smart plug

Connects to a compatible Shelly smart plug on your local network by entering the plug's local IP address, letting you switch the enlarger on and off directly from your iPhone or iPad.

Straight print timing

Times exposures like a classic darkroom timer, with an optional 4-second count-in before the exposure starts.

F-Stop timing and guided test strips (Darkplug+)

Control the timer in F-Stop steps and run guided test strips with either second or F-Stop increments.

Dodge and burn planning (Darkplug+)

Plan and execute complex dodge and burn steps using a grid system, with reusable plan codes for saving and restoring plans (coming soon).

Split grade and paper developing timers (Darkplug+)

A two-channel split grade print timer and a guided paper developing timer.

Darkroom-safe interface

Red-on-black interface designed to be safe next to photo paper; the red colour was chosen and tested so it does not fog paper.

How It Works

1

Set up your Shelly smart plug and note its local IP address.

2

Make sure the plug and your iPhone or iPad share the same local network, and connect your enlarger to the smart plug.

3

Enter the plug's local IP address in Darkplug and connect; you can then control the enlarger directly from your device.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Controls the enlarger directly, not just timing — the plug switches the lamp for you
Red-on-black interface tested specifically so it does not fog photo paper
Advanced features (F-Stop steps, test strips, dodge/burn grid, split grade) go well beyond a basic timer
Darkplug+ is a one-time in-app purchase with no subscriptions
Works over the local network, no cloud dependency mentioned

Cons

Who It's For

Best for

Film photographers who print in a home darkroom and want automated enlarger control from their phone
Printers who work with F-Stop timing, split grade printing, or complex dodge and burn sequences
Anyone who wants a darkroom-safe (red-on-black) timer interface that won't fog paper

Not ideal for

Users without a compatible Shelly smart plug or unwilling to do local network/IP setup
Photographers looking for a timer for film development rather than printing (its guided timers focus on printing and paper development)
Android users or those wanting cross-platform support

FAQ

What is Darkplug?

A darkroom timer app for iPhone and iPad that controls your enlarger through a compatible smart plug on your local network, combining precise timing with guided printing workflows.

What hardware do I need?

A compatible Shelly smart plug (such as Shelly Plus Plug S Gen2, Shelly Plug S Gen3, Shelly Outdoor Plug S Gen3, Shelly Plug M Gen3, Shelly Plus Plug UK Gen2, or Shelly Plug US Gen4) with your enlarger connected to it, plus an iPhone or iPad on the same local network.

How do I set it up?

Set up your smart plug, note its local IP address, make sure the plug and your iPhone or iPad share the same local network, then enter the plug's IP address in Darkplug and connect.

Is the red interface safe around photo paper?

Darkplug