diff --git a/contrib/AutoGrouper.lua b/contrib/AutoGrouper.lua
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0d92915
--- /dev/null
+++ b/contrib/AutoGrouper.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,158 @@
+--[[AutoGrouper plugin for darktable
+
+  copyright (c) 2019  Kevin Ertel
+  
+  darktable is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+  it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+  the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+  (at your option) any later version.
+  
+  darktable is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+  GNU General Public License for more details.
+  
+  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+  along with darktable.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+]]
+
+--[[About this Plugin
+This plugin adds the module "Auto Group" to darktable's lighttable view
+
+----REQUIRED SOFTWARE----
+None
+
+----USAGE----
+Install: (see here for more detail: https://github.com/darktable-org/lua-scripts )
+ 1) Copy this file in to your "lua/contrib" folder where all other scripts reside. 
+ 2) Require this file in your luarc file, as with any other dt plug-in
+
+Set a gap amount in second which will be used to determine when images should no 
+longer be added to a group. If an image is more then the specified amount of time
+from the last image in the group it will not be added. Images without timestamps 
+in exif data will be ignored.
+
+There are two buttons. One allows the grouping to be performed only on the currently
+selected images, the other button performs grouping on the entire active collection
+]]
+
+local dt = require "darktable"
+local MOD = 'autogrouper'
+local gettext = dt.gettext
+-- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
+gettext.bindtextdomain("AutoGrouper",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
+local function _(msgid)
+    return gettext.dgettext("AutoGrouper", msgid)
+end
+
+local function InRange(test, low, high) --tests if test value is within range of low and high (inclusive)
+    if test >= low and test <= high then
+        return true
+    else
+        return false
+    end
+end
+
+local function CompTime(first, second) --compares the timestamps and returns true if first was taken before second
+    first_time = first.exif_datetime_taken
+    if string.match(first_time, '[0-9]') == nil then first_time = '9999:99:99 99:99:99' end
+    first_time = tonumber(string.gsub(first_time, '[^0-9]*',''))
+    second_time = second.exif_datetime_taken
+    if string.match(second_time, '[0-9]') == nil then second_time = '9999:99:99 99:99:99' end
+    second_time = tonumber(string.gsub(second_time, '[^0-9]*',''))
+    return first_time < second_time
+end
+
+local function SeperateTime(str) --seperates the timestamp into individual components for used with OS.time operations
+    local cleaned = string.gsub(str, '[^%d]',':')
+    cleaned = string.gsub(cleaned, '::*',':')  --YYYY:MM:DD:hh:mm:ss
+    local year = string.sub(cleaned,1,4)
+    local month = string.sub(cleaned,6,7)
+    local day = string.sub(cleaned,9,10)
+    local hour = string.sub(cleaned,12,13)
+    local min = string.sub(cleaned,15,16)
+    local sec = string.sub(cleaned,18,19)
+    return {year = year, month = month, day = day, hour = hour, min = min, sec = sec}
+end
+
+local function GetTimeDiff(curr_image, prev_image) --returns the time difference (in sec.) from current image and the previous image
+    local curr_time = SeperateTime(curr_image.exif_datetime_taken)
+    local prev_time = SeperateTime(prev_image.exif_datetime_taken)
+    return os.time(curr_time)-os.time(prev_time)
+end
+
+local function main(on_collection)
+    local images = {}
+    if on_collection then 
+        local col_images = dt.collection
+        for i,image in ipairs(col_images) do --copy images to a standard table, table.sort barfs on type dt_lua_singleton_image_collection
+            table.insert(images,i,image)
+        end
+    else
+        images = dt.gui.selection()
+    end
+    dt.preferences.write(MOD, 'active_gap', 'integer', GUI.gap.value)
+    if #images < 2 then 
+        dt.print('please select at least 2 images')
+        return
+    end
+    table.sort(images, function(first, second) return CompTime(first,second) end)  --sort images by timestamp
+    
+    for i, image in ipairs(images) do
+        if i == 1 then 
+            prev_image = image
+        elseif string.match(image.exif_datetime_taken, '[%d]') ~= nil then --make sure current image has a timestamp, if so check if it is within the user specified gap value and add to group
+            local curr_image = image
+            if GetTimeDiff(curr_image, prev_image) <= GUI.gap.value then
+                images[i]:group_with(images[i-1])
+            end
+            prev_image = curr_image
+        end
+    end
+end
+
+-- GUI --
+GUI = {
+    gap =           {},
+    selected =      {},
+    collection =    {}
+}
+temp = dt.preferences.read(MOD, 'active_gap', 'integer')
+if not InRange(temp, 1, 86400) then temp = 3 end
+GUI.gap = dt.new_widget('slider'){
+    label = _('group gap [sec.]'),
+    tooltip = _('minimum gap, in seconds, between groups'),
+    soft_min = 1,
+    soft_max = 60,
+    hard_min = 1,
+    hard_max = 86400,
+    step = 1,
+    digits = 0,
+    value = temp,
+    reset_callback = function(self) 
+        self.value = 3
+    end
+}
+GUI.selected = dt.new_widget("button"){
+    label = _('auto group: selected'),
+    tooltip =_('auto group selected images'),
+    clicked_callback = function() main(false) end
+}
+GUI.collection = dt.new_widget("button"){
+    label = _('auto group: collection'),
+    tooltip =_('auto group the entire collection'),
+    clicked_callback = function() main(true) end
+}
+dt.register_lib(
+    'AutoGroup_Lib',    -- Module name
+    _('auto group'),    -- name
+    true,   -- expandable
+    true,   -- resetable
+    {[dt.gui.views.lighttable] = {"DT_UI_CONTAINER_PANEL_RIGHT_CENTER", 99}},   -- containers
+    dt.new_widget("box"){
+        orientation = "vertical",
+        GUI.gap,
+        GUI.selected,
+        GUI.collection
+        }
+)
diff --git a/contrib/CollectHelper.lua b/contrib/CollectHelper.lua
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5996592
--- /dev/null
+++ b/contrib/CollectHelper.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,221 @@
+--[[Collect Helper plugin for darktable
+
+  copyright (c) 2019  Kevin Ertel
+  
+  darktable is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+  it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+  the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+  (at your option) any later version.
+  
+  darktable is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+  GNU General Public License for more details.
+  
+  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+  along with darktable.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+]]
+
+--[[About this plugin
+This plugin adds the button(s) to the "Selected Images" module:
+1) Return to Previous Collection
+2) Collect on image's Folder
+3) Collect on image's Color Label(s)
+4) Collect on All (AND)
+
+It also adds 3 preferences to the lua options dialog box which allow the user to activate/deactivate the 3 "Collect on" buttons.
+
+Button Behavior:
+1) Return to Previous Collection - Will reset the collect parameters to the previously active settings
+2) Collect on image's Folder - Will change the collect parameters to be "Folder" with a value of the selected image's folder location
+3) Collect on image's Color Label(s) - Will change the collect parameter to be "Color" with a value of the selected images color labels, will apply multiple parameters with AND logic if multiple exist
+4) Collect on All (AND) - Will collect on all parameters activated by the preferences dialog, as such this button is redundant if you only have one of the two other options enabled
+
+----REQUIRED SOFTWARE----
+NA
+
+----USAGE----
+Install: (see here for more detail: https://github.com/darktable-org/lua-scripts )
+ 1) Copy this file in to your "lua/contrib" folder where all other scripts reside. 
+ 2) Require this file in your luarc file, as with any other dt plug-in
+
+Select the photo you wish to change you collection based on.
+In the "Selected Images" module click on "Collect on this Image"
+
+----KNOWN ISSUES----
+]]
+
+local dt = require "darktable"
+local gettext = dt.gettext
+local previous = nil
+local all_active = false
+
+-- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
+gettext.bindtextdomain("CollectHelper",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
+
+local function _(msgid)
+    return gettext.dgettext("CollectHelper", msgid)
+end
+
+-- FUNCTION --
+local function CheckSingleImage(selection)
+	if #selection ~= 1 then
+		dt.print(_("Please select a single image"))
+		return true
+	end
+	return false
+end
+local function CheckHasColorLabel(selection)
+	local ret = false
+	for _,image in pairs(selection) do
+		if image.red then ret = true end
+		if image.blue then ret = true end
+		if image.green then ret = true end
+		if image.yellow then ret = true end
+		if image.purple then ret = true end
+	end
+	return ret
+end
+local function PreviousCollection()
+	if previous ~= nil then
+		previous = dt.gui.libs.collect.filter(previous)
+	end
+end
+local function CollectOnFolder(all_rules, all_active)
+	local images = dt.gui.selection()
+	if CheckSingleImage(images) then
+		return
+	end
+	local rules = {}
+	local rule = dt.gui.libs.collect.new_rule()
+	rule.mode = "DT_LIB_COLLECT_MODE_AND"
+	rule.data = images[1].path
+	rule.item = "DT_COLLECTION_PROP_FOLDERS"
+	table.insert(rules, rule)
+	if all_active then
+		for _,active_rule in pairs(rules) do
+			table.insert(all_rules, active_rule)
+		end
+		return all_rules
+	else
+		previous = dt.gui.libs.collect.filter(rules)
+	end
+end
+local function CollectOnColors(all_rules, all_active)
+	local images = dt.gui.selection()
+	if CheckSingleImage(images) then
+		return
+	end
+	if not CheckHasColorLabel(images) then
+		dt.print(_('select an image with an active color label'))
+		return
+	end
+	for _,image in pairs(images) do
+		local rules = {}
+		if image.red then
+			local red_rule = dt.gui.libs.collect.new_rule()
+			red_rule.mode = "DT_LIB_COLLECT_MODE_AND"
+			red_rule.data = "red"
+			red_rule.item = "DT_COLLECTION_PROP_COLORLABEL"
+			table.insert(rules, red_rule)
+		end
+		if image.blue then
+			local blue_rule = dt.gui.libs.collect.new_rule()
+			blue_rule.mode = "DT_LIB_COLLECT_MODE_AND"
+			blue_rule.data = "blue"
+			blue_rule.item = "DT_COLLECTION_PROP_COLORLABEL"
+			table.insert(rules, blue_rule)
+		end
+		if image.green then
+			local green_rule = dt.gui.libs.collect.new_rule()
+			green_rule.mode = "DT_LIB_COLLECT_MODE_AND"
+			green_rule.data = "green"
+			green_rule.item = "DT_COLLECTION_PROP_COLORLABEL"
+			table.insert(rules, green_rule)
+		end
+		if image.yellow then
+			local yellow_rule = dt.gui.libs.collect.new_rule()
+			yellow_rule.mode = "DT_LIB_COLLECT_MODE_AND"
+			yellow_rule.data = "yellow"
+			yellow_rule.item = "DT_COLLECTION_PROP_COLORLABEL"
+			table.insert(rules, yellow_rule)
+		end
+		if image.purple then
+			local purple_rule = dt.gui.libs.collect.new_rule()
+			purple_rule.mode = "DT_LIB_COLLECT_MODE_AND"
+			purple_rule.data = "purple"
+			purple_rule.item = "DT_COLLECTION_PROP_COLORLABEL"
+			table.insert(rules, purple_rule)
+		end
+		if all_active then
+			for _,active_rule in pairs(rules) do
+				table.insert(all_rules, active_rule)
+			end
+			return all_rules
+		else
+			previous = dt.gui.libs.collect.filter(rules)
+		end
+	end
+end
+local function CollectOnAll_AND()
+	local images = dt.gui.selection()
+	if CheckSingleImage(images) then
+		return
+	end
+	local rules = {}
+	if dt.preferences.read('module_CollectHelper','folder','bool') then
+		rules = CollectOnFolder(rules, true)
+	end
+	if dt.preferences.read('module_CollectHelper','colors','bool') then
+		rules = CollectOnColors(rules, true)
+	end
+	previous = dt.gui.libs.collect.filter(rules)
+end
+
+-- GUI --
+dt.gui.libs.image.register_action(
+	_("collect: previous"),
+	function() PreviousCollection() end,
+	_("Sets the Collect parameters to be the previously active parameters")
+)
+if dt.preferences.read('module_CollectHelper','folder','bool') then
+	dt.gui.libs.image.register_action(
+		_("collect: folder"),
+		function() CollectOnFolder(_ , false) end,
+		_("Sets the Collect parameters to be the selected images's folder")
+	)
+end
+if dt.preferences.read('module_CollectHelper','colors','bool') then
+	dt.gui.libs.image.register_action(
+		_("collect: color label(s)"),
+		function() CollectOnColors(_ , false) end,
+		_("Sets the Collect parameters to be the selected images's color label(s)")
+	)
+end
+if dt.preferences.read('module_CollectHelper','all_and','bool') then
+	dt.gui.libs.image.register_action(
+		_("collect: all (AND)"),
+		function() CollectOnAll_AND() end,
+		_("Sets the Collect parameters based on all activated CollectHelper options")
+	)
+end
+
+-- PREFERENCES --
+dt.preferences.register("module_CollectHelper", "all_and",	-- name
+	"bool",	-- type
+	_('CollectHelper: All'),	-- label
+	_('Will create a collect parameter set that utelizes all enabled CollectHelper types (AND)'),	-- tooltip
+	true	-- default
+)
+dt.preferences.register("module_CollectHelper", "colors",	-- name
+	"bool",	-- type
+	_('CollectHelper: Color Label(s)'),	-- label
+	_('Enable the button that allows you to swap to a collection based on selected image\'s COLOR LABEL(S)'),	-- tooltip
+	true	-- default
+)
+dt.preferences.register("module_CollectHelper", "folder",	-- name
+	"bool",	-- type
+	_('CollectHelper: Folder'),	-- label
+	_('Enable the button that allows you to swap to a collection based on selected image\'s FOLDER location'),	-- tooltip
+	true	-- default
+)
diff --git a/contrib/HDRMerge.lua b/contrib/HDRMerge.lua
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ad7dd3a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/contrib/HDRMerge.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,424 @@
+--[[HDRMerge plugin for darktable
+
+  copyright (c) 2018  Kevin Ertel
+  
+  darktable is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+  it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+  the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+  (at your option) any later version.
+  
+  darktable is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+  GNU General Public License for more details.
+  
+  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+  along with darktable.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+]]
+
+--[[About this Plugin
+This plugin adds the module 'HDRMerge' to darktable's lighttable view
+
+----REQUIRED SOFTWARE----
+HDRMerge ver. 4.5 or greater
+
+----USAGE----
+Install: (see here for more detail: https://github.com/darktable-org/lua-scripts )
+ 1) Copy this file in to your 'lua/contrib' folder where all other scripts reside. 
+ 2) Require this file in your luarc file, as with any other dt plug-in
+On the initial startup go to darktable settings > lua options and set your executable paths and other preferences, then restart darktable
+
+Select bracketed images and press the Run HDRMerge button. The resulting DNG will be auto-imported into darktable.
+Additional tags or style can be applied on auto import as well, if you desire.
+
+Base Options:
+Select your desired BPS (bits per sample and Embedded Preview Size. 
+
+Batch Options:
+Select if you want to run in batch mode or not
+Select the gap, in seconds, between images for auto grouping in batch mode
+
+See HDRMerge manual for further detail: http://jcelaya.github.io/hdrmerge/documentation/2014/07/11/user-manual.html
+
+Auto-import Options:
+Select a style, whether you want tags to be copied from the original, and any additional tags you desire added when the new image is auto-imported
+]]
+
+local dt = require 'darktable'
+local df = require 'lib/dtutils.file'
+local dsys = require 'lib/dtutils.system'
+local mod = 'module_HDRMerge'
+local os_path_seperator = '/'
+if dt.configuration.running_os == 'windows' then os_path_seperator = '\\' end
+
+-- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
+local gettext = dt.gettext
+gettext.bindtextdomain('HDRMerge',dt.configuration.config_dir..'/lua/locale/')
+local function _(msgid)
+    return gettext.dgettext('HDRMerge', msgid)
+end
+
+local temp
+local HDRM = { --HDRMerge Program Table
+    name = 'HDRMerge',
+    bin = '',
+    first_run = true,
+    install_error = false,
+    arg_string = '',
+    images_string = '',
+    args = {
+        bps         ={text = '-b ', style = 'integer'},
+        size        ={text = '-p ', style = 'string'},
+        batch       ={text = '-B ', style = 'bool'},
+        gap         ={text = '-g ', style = 'integer'}
+    }
+}
+local GUI = { --GUI Elements Table
+    HDR = {
+        bps         ={},
+        size        ={},
+        batch       ={},
+        gap         ={}
+    },
+    Target = {
+        style       ={},
+        copy_tags   ={},
+        add_tags    ={}
+    },
+    run = {},
+    stack = {},
+    options = {},
+    exes = {
+        HDRMerge = {},
+        update = {},
+    }
+}
+
+--Detect User Styles--
+local styles = dt.styles
+local styles_count = 1 -- 'none' = 1
+for _,i in pairs(dt.styles) do
+    if type(i) == 'userdata' then styles_count = styles_count + 1 end
+end
+
+local function InRange(test, low, high) --tests if test value is within range of low and high (inclusive)
+    if test >= low and test <= high then
+        return true
+    else
+        return false
+    end
+end
+
+local function GetFileName(full_path) --Parses a full path (path/filename_identifier.extension) into individual parts
+--[[Input: Folder1/Folder2/Folder3/Img_0001.CR2
+    
+    Returns:
+    path: Folder1/Folder2/Folder3/
+    filename: Img_0001
+    identifier: 0001
+    extension: .CR2
+    
+    EX:
+    path_1, file_1, id_1, ext_1 = GetFileName(full_path_1)
+    ]]
+    local path = string.match(full_path, '.*[\\/]')
+    local filename = string.gsub(string.match(full_path, '[%w-_]*%.') , '%.' , '' ) 
+    local identifier = string.match(filename, '%d*$')
+    local extension = string.match(full_path, '%.%w*')
+    return path, filename, identifier, extension
+end
+
+local function CleanSpaces(text) --removes spaces from the front and back of passed in text
+    text = string.gsub(text,'^%s*','')
+    text = string.gsub(text,'%s*$','')
+    return text
+end
+
+local function BuildExecuteCmd(prog_table) --creates a program command using elements of the passed in program table
+    local result = CleanSpaces(prog_table.bin)..' '..CleanSpaces(prog_table.arg_string)..' '..CleanSpaces(prog_table.images_string)
+    return result
+end
+
+local function PreCall(prog_tbl) --looks to see if this is the first call, if so checks to see if program is installed properly
+    for _,prog in pairs(prog_tbl) do
+        if prog.first_run then
+            prog.bin = df.check_if_bin_exists(prog.name)
+            if not prog.bin then 
+                prog.install_error = true
+                dt.preferences.write(mod, 'bin_exists', 'bool', false)
+            else
+                prog.bin = CleanSpaces(prog.bin)
+            end
+            prog.first_run = false
+        end
+    end
+    if not dt.preferences.read(mod, 'bin_exists', 'bool') then
+        GUI.stack.active = 2
+        dt.print(_('please update you binary locatoin'))
+    end
+end
+
+local function ExeUpdate(prog_tbl)
+    dt.preferences.write(mod, 'bin_exists', 'bool', true)
+    for _,prog in pairs(prog_tbl) do
+        dt.preferences.write('executable_paths', prog.name, 'string', GUI.exes[prog.name].value)
+        prog.bin = df.check_if_bin_exists(prog.name)
+        if not prog.bin then 
+            prog.install_error = true
+            dt.preferences.write(mod, 'bin_exists', 'bool', false)
+        else
+            prog.bin = CleanSpaces(prog.bin)
+        end
+        prog.first_run = false
+    end
+    if dt.preferences.read(mod, 'bin_exists', 'bool') then
+        GUI.stack.active = 1
+        dt.print(_('update successful'))
+    else
+        dt.print(_('update unsuccessful, please try again'))
+    end
+end
+
+local function UpdateActivePreference() --sliders & entry boxes do not have a click/changed callback, so their values must be saved to the active preference
+    temp = GUI.HDR.gap.value
+    dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_gap', 'integer', temp)
+    temp = GUI.Target.add_tags.text
+    dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_add_tags', 'string', temp)
+end
+
+local function main()
+    PreCall({HDRM}) --check if furst run then check if install OK
+    if HDRM.install_error then
+        dt.print_error(_('HDRMerge install issue'))
+        dt.print(_('HDRMerge install issue, please ensure the binary path is proper'))
+        return
+    end
+    images = dt.gui.selection() --get selected images
+    if #images < 2 then --ensure enough images selected
+        dt.print(_('not enough images selected, select at least 2 images to merge'))
+        return
+    end
+    
+    UpdateActivePreference() --save current gui elements to active preference so those values will be pre-loaded at next startup
+    
+    --create image string and output path
+    HDRM.images_string = ''
+    local out_path = ''
+    local smallest_id = math.huge
+    local smallest_name = ''
+    local largest_id  = 0
+    local source_raw = {}
+    for _,image in pairs(images) do --loop to concat the images string, also track the image indexes for use in creating the final image name (eg; IMG_1034-1037.dng)
+        local curr_image = image.path..os_path_seperator..image.filename
+        HDRM.images_string = HDRM.images_string..df.sanitize_filename(curr_image)..' '
+        out_path = image.path
+        _, source_name, source_id = GetFileName(image.filename)
+        source_id = tonumber(source_id)
+        if source_id < smallest_id then 
+            smallest_id = source_id
+            smallest_name = source_name
+            source_raw = image
+        end
+        if source_id > largest_id then largest_id = source_id end
+    end
+    out_path = out_path..os_path_seperator..smallest_name..'-'..largest_id..'.dng'
+    out_path = df.create_unique_filename(out_path)
+    
+    --create argument string
+    HDRM.arg_string = HDRM.args.bps.text..GUI.HDR.bps.value..' '..HDRM.args.size.text..GUI.HDR.size.value..' '
+    if GUI.HDR.batch.value then 
+        HDRM.arg_string = HDRM.arg_string..HDRM.args.batch.text..HDRM.args.gap.text..math.floor(GUI.HDR.gap.value)..' -a'
+    else
+        HDRM.arg_string = HDRM.arg_string..'-o '..df.sanitize_filename(out_path)
+    end
+    
+    -- create run command and execute
+    local run_cmd = BuildExecuteCmd(HDRM)
+    resp = dsys.external_command(run_cmd)
+    
+    if resp == 0 and not GUI.HDR.batch.value then
+        local imported = dt.database.import(out_path) -- import the new file
+        if GUI.Target.style.selected > 1 then -- apply selected style
+            local set_style = styles[GUI.Target.style.selected - 1]
+            dt.styles.apply(set_style , imported)
+        end
+        if GUI.Target.copy_tags.value then -- copy tags from the original file (ignore 'darktable' generated tags)
+            local all_tags = dt.tags.get_tags(source_raw) 
+            for _,tag in pairs(all_tags) do
+                if string.match(tag.name, 'darktable|') == nil then dt.tags.attach(tag, imported) end
+            end
+        end
+        local set_tag = GUI.Target.add_tags.text
+        if set_tag ~= nil then -- add additional user-specified tags
+            for tag in string.gmatch(set_tag, '[^,]+') do
+                tag = CleanSpaces(tag)
+                tag = dt.tags.create(tag)
+                dt.tags.attach(tag, imported) 
+            end
+        end
+        dt.print(_('HDRMerge completed successfully'))
+    else
+        dt.print_error(_('HDRMerge failed'))
+        dt.print(_('HDRMerge failed'))
+    end
+
+end
+
+-- GUI Elements --
+local lbl_hdr = dt.new_widget('section_label'){
+    label = _('HDRMerge options')
+}
+temp = dt.preferences.read(mod, 'active_bps_ind', 'integer')
+if not InRange(temp, 1, 3) then temp = 3 end 
+GUI.HDR.bps = dt.new_widget('combobox'){
+    label = _('bits per sample'), 
+    tooltip =_('number of bits per sample in the output image'),
+    selected = temp,
+    '16','24','32',             
+    changed_callback = function(self)
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_bps', 'integer', self.value) 
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_bps_ind', 'integer', self.selected)
+    end,
+    reset_callback = function(self) 
+        self.selected = 3
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_bps', 'integer', self.value) 
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_bps_ind', 'integer', self.selected)
+    end
+} 
+temp = dt.preferences.read(mod, 'active_size_ind', 'integer')
+if not InRange(temp, 1, 3) then temp = 2 end 
+GUI.HDR.size = dt.new_widget('combobox'){
+    label = _('embedded preview size'), 
+    tooltip =_('size of the embedded preview in output image'),
+    selected = temp,
+    _('none'),_('half'),_('full'),             
+    changed_callback = function(self)
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_size', 'string', self.value) 
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_size_ind', 'integer', self.selected)
+    end,
+    reset_callback = function(self) 
+        self.selected = 2
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_size', 'string', self.value) 
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_size_ind', 'integer', self.selected)
+    end
+} 
+GUI.HDR.batch = dt.new_widget('check_button'){
+    label = _('batch mode'),
+    value = dt.preferences.read(mod, 'active_batch', 'bool'),
+    tooltip = _('enable batch mode operation \nNOTE: resultant files will NOT be auto-imported'),
+    clicked_callback = function(self)
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_batch', 'bool', self.value)
+        GUI.HDR.gap.sensitive = self.value
+    end,
+    reset_callback = function(self) self.value = false end
+}
+temp = dt.preferences.read(mod, 'active_gap', 'integer')
+if not InRange(temp, 1, 3600) then temp = 3 end
+GUI.HDR.gap = dt.new_widget('slider'){
+    label = _('batch gap [sec.]'),
+    tooltip = _('gap, in seconds, between batch mode groups'),
+    soft_min = 1,
+    soft_max = 30,
+    hard_min = 1,
+    hard_max = 3600,
+    step = 1,
+    digits = 0,
+    value = temp,
+    sensitive = GUI.HDR.batch.value,
+    reset_callback = function(self) 
+        self.value = 3
+    end
+}
+local lbl_import = dt.new_widget('section_label'){
+    label = _('import options')
+}
+GUI.Target.style = dt.new_widget('combobox'){
+    label = _('apply style on import'),
+    tooltip = _('Apply selected style on auto-import to newly created image'),
+    selected = 1,
+    _('none'),
+    changed_callback = function(self)
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_style', 'string', self.value) 
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_style_ind', 'integer', self.selected)
+    end,
+    reset_callback = function(self) 
+        self.selected = 1
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_style', 'string', self.value) 
+        dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_style_ind', 'integer', self.selected)
+    end 
+}
+for k=1, (styles_count-1) do
+    GUI.Target.style[k+1] = styles[k].name
+end
+temp = dt.preferences.read(mod, 'active_style_ind', 'integer')
+if not InRange(temp, 1, styles_count) then temp = 1 end
+GUI.Target.style.selected = temp
+GUI.Target.copy_tags = dt.new_widget('check_button'){
+    label = _('copy tags'),
+    value = dt.preferences.read(mod, 'active_copy_tags', 'bool'),
+    tooltip = _('copy tags from first source image'),
+    clicked_callback = function(self) dt.preferences.write(mod, 'active_copy_tags', 'bool', self.value) end,
+    reset_callback = function(self) self.value = true end
+}
+temp = dt.preferences.read(mod, 'active_add_tags', 'string')
+if temp == '' then temp = nil end 
+GUI.Target.add_tags = dt.new_widget('entry'){
+    tooltip = _('Additional tags to be added on import. Seperate with commas, all spaces will be removed'),
+    text = temp,
+    placeholder = _('Enter tags, seperated by commas'),
+    editable = true
+}
+GUI.run = dt.new_widget('button'){
+    label = _('merge'),
+    tooltip =_('run HDRMerge with the above specified settings'),
+    clicked_callback = function() main() end
+}
+GUI.exes.HDRMerge = dt.new_widget('file_chooser_button'){
+    title = _('Select HDRmerge executable'),
+    value = df.get_executable_path_preference(HDRM.name),
+    is_directory = false
+}
+GUI.exes.update = dt.new_widget('button'){
+    label = _('update'),
+    tooltip =_('update the binary path with current value'),
+    clicked_callback = function() ExeUpdate({HDRM}) end
+}
+GUI.options = dt.new_widget('box'){
+    orientation = 'vertical',
+    lbl_hdr,
+    GUI.HDR.bps,
+    GUI.HDR.size,
+    GUI.HDR.batch,
+    GUI.HDR.gap,
+    lbl_import,
+    GUI.Target.style,
+    GUI.Target.copy_tags,
+    GUI.Target.add_tags,
+    GUI.run
+}
+local exes_box = dt.new_widget('box'){
+    orientation = 'vertical',
+    GUI.exes.HDRMerge,
+    GUI.exes.update
+}
+GUI.stack = dt.new_widget('stack'){
+    GUI.options,
+    exes_box
+}
+if dt.preferences.read(mod, 'bin_exists', 'bool') then
+    GUI.stack.active = 1
+else
+    GUI.stack.active = 2
+end
+
+dt.register_lib( -- register HDRMerge module
+    'HDRMerge_Lib', -- Module name
+    _('HDRMerge'), -- name
+    true,   -- expandable
+    true,   -- resetable
+    {[dt.gui.views.lighttable] = {'DT_UI_CONTAINER_PANEL_RIGHT_CENTER', 99}},   -- containers
+    dt.new_widget('box'){
+        orientation = 'vertical',
+        GUI.stack
+        }
+)
diff --git a/contrib/LabelsToTags.lua b/contrib/LabelsToTags.lua
index 16f9996..044e920 100644
--- a/contrib/LabelsToTags.lua
+++ b/contrib/LabelsToTags.lua
@@ -48,7 +48,9 @@
 ]]
 
 local darktable = require("darktable")
-darktable.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "LabelsToTags") 
 
 -- Lua 5.3 no longer has "unpack" but "table.unpack"
 unpack = unpack or table.unpack
diff --git a/contrib/OpenInExplorer.lua b/contrib/OpenInExplorer.lua
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..11f004f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/contrib/OpenInExplorer.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+--[[
+OpenInExplorer plugin for darktable
+
+  copyright (c) 2018  Kevin Ertel
+  
+  darktable is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+  it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+  the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+  (at your option) any later version.
+  
+  darktable is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+  GNU General Public License for more details.
+  
+  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+  along with darktable.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+]]
+
+--[[About this plugin
+This plugin adds the module "OpenInExplorer" to darktable's lighttable view
+
+----REQUIRED SOFTWARE----
+Microsoft Windows or Linux with installed Nautilus
+
+----USAGE----
+Install: (see here for more detail: https://github.com/darktable-org/lua-scripts )
+ 1) Copy this file in to your "lua/contrib" folder where all other scripts reside. 
+ 2) Require this file in your luarc file, as with any other dt plug-in
+
+Select the photo(s) you wish to find in explorer and press "Go to Folder". 
+A file explorer window will be opened for each selected file at the file's location; the file will be highlighted.
+
+----KNOWN ISSUES----
+]]
+
+local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
+local dsys = require "lib/dtutils.system"
+
+--Check API version
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "OpenInExplorer") 
+
+local PS = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and  "\\"  or  "/"
+
+--Detect OS and modify accordingly--	
+local proper_install = false
+if dt.configuration.running_os ~= "macos" then
+  proper_install = true
+else
+  dt.print_error('OpenInExplorer plug-in only supports Windows and Linux at this time')
+  return
+end
+
+
+-- FUNCTIONS --
+
+local function open_in_explorer() --Open in Explorer
+  local images = dt.gui.selection()
+  local curr_image = ""
+  if #images == 0 then
+    dt.print('please select an image')
+  elseif #images <= 15 then
+    for _,image in pairs(images) do 
+      curr_image = image.path..PS..image.filename
+      local run_cmd = "explorer.exe /select, "..curr_image
+      dt.print_log("OpenInExplorer run_cmd = "..run_cmd)
+      resp = dsys.external_command(run_cmd)
+    end
+  else
+    dt.print('please select fewer images (max 15)')
+  end
+end
+
+local function open_in_nautilus() --Open in Nautilus
+  local images = dt.gui.selection()
+  local curr_image = ""
+  if #images == 0 then
+    dt.print('please select an image')
+  elseif #images <= 15 then
+    for _,image in pairs(images) do 
+      curr_image = image.path..PS..image.filename
+      local run_cmd = [[busctl --user call org.freedesktop.FileManager1 /org/freedesktop/FileManager1 org.freedesktop.FileManager1 ShowItems ass 1 ]] .. df.sanitize_filename("file://"..curr_image) .. [[ ""]]
+      dt.print_log("OpenInExplorer run_cmd = "..run_cmd)
+      resp = dsys.external_command(run_cmd)
+    end
+  else
+    dt.print('please select fewer images (max 15)')
+  end
+end
+
+local function open_in_filemanager() --Open
+  --Inits--
+  if not proper_install then
+    return
+  end
+
+  if (dt.configuration.running_os == "windows") then
+    open_in_explorer()
+  elseif (dt.configuration.running_os == "linux") then
+    open_in_nautilus()
+  end  
+end
+
+-- GUI --
+if proper_install then
+  dt.gui.libs.image.register_action(
+    "show in file explorer",
+    function() open_in_filemanager() end,
+    "Opens File Explorer at the selected image's location"
+  )
+end
diff --git a/contrib/autostyle.lua b/contrib/autostyle.lua
index 77c04cb..0b3891f 100644
--- a/contrib/autostyle.lua
+++ b/contrib/autostyle.lua
@@ -37,13 +37,14 @@ GPLv2
 ]]
 
 local darktable = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local filelib = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 
 -- Forward declare the functions
 local autostyle_apply_one_image,autostyle_apply_one_image_event,autostyle_apply,exiftool_attribute,capture
 
 -- Tested it with darktable 1.6.1 and darktable git from 2014-01-25
-darktable.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,2},{2,1,0},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.2", "autostyle") 
 
 -- Receive the event triggered
 function autostyle_apply_one_image_event(event,image)
diff --git a/contrib/clear_GPS.lua b/contrib/clear_GPS.lua
index 2a84a61..3172495 100644
--- a/contrib/clear_GPS.lua
+++ b/contrib/clear_GPS.lua
@@ -37,12 +37,13 @@
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
 -- not a number
 local NaN = 0/0
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "clear_GPS") 
 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
diff --git a/contrib/copy_attach_detach_tags.lua b/contrib/copy_attach_detach_tags.lua
index d7dab8a..2fb8330 100644
--- a/contrib/copy_attach_detach_tags.lua
+++ b/contrib/copy_attach_detach_tags.lua
@@ -37,10 +37,12 @@ USAGE
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local debug = require "darktable.debug"
 
 local gettext = dt.gettext
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "copy_attach_detach_tags") 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("copy_attach_detach_tags",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
diff --git a/contrib/cr2hdr.lua b/contrib/cr2hdr.lua
index a308ffa..7f7a5bc 100644
--- a/contrib/cr2hdr.lua
+++ b/contrib/cr2hdr.lua
@@ -33,9 +33,10 @@ USAGE
 ]]
 
 local darktable = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 
 -- Tested with darktable 2.0.1
-darktable.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,0},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.0", "cr2hdr")
 
 local queue = {}
 local processed_files = {}
diff --git a/contrib/fujifilm_ratings.lua b/contrib/fujifilm_ratings.lua
index 38b3c21..6cf92c9 100644
--- a/contrib/fujifilm_ratings.lua
+++ b/contrib/fujifilm_ratings.lua
@@ -24,10 +24,11 @@ Dependencies:
 --]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("4.0.0", "fujifilm_ratings")
 
 gettext.bindtextdomain("fujifilm_ratings", dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
 
diff --git a/contrib/geoJSON_export.lua b/contrib/geoJSON_export.lua
index 6fc76fa..4834bb0 100644
--- a/contrib/geoJSON_export.lua
+++ b/contrib/geoJSON_export.lua
@@ -33,11 +33,12 @@ USAGE
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 require "official/yield"
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "geoJSON_export") 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("geoJSON_export",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
diff --git a/contrib/geoToolbox.lua b/contrib/geoToolbox.lua
index 8a28001..19e3c7c 100644
--- a/contrib/geoToolbox.lua
+++ b/contrib/geoToolbox.lua
@@ -26,11 +26,12 @@ require "geoToolbox"
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 require "official/yield"
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "geoToolbox") 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("geoToolbox",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
diff --git a/contrib/gimp.lua b/contrib/gimp.lua
index e7df43b..d7528d1 100644
--- a/contrib/gimp.lua
+++ b/contrib/gimp.lua
@@ -64,12 +64,13 @@
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 local dtsys = require "lib/dtutils.system"
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 local gimp_widget = nil
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "gimp") 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("gimp",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
diff --git a/contrib/gpx_export.lua b/contrib/gpx_export.lua
index 0518931..b6fed82 100644
--- a/contrib/gpx_export.lua
+++ b/contrib/gpx_export.lua
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 local dl = require "lib/dtutils"
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+dl.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "gpx-export") 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("gpx_export",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
diff --git a/contrib/hugin.lua b/contrib/hugin.lua
index 90e5938..83ec3be 100644
--- a/contrib/hugin.lua
+++ b/contrib/hugin.lua
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ This plugin will add a new storage option and calls hugin after export.
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 local log = require "lib/dtutils.log"
 local dtsys = require "lib/dtutils.system"
@@ -54,7 +55,7 @@ local executable_table = {"hugin", "hugin_executor", "pto_gen"}
 local PQ = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and '"' or "'"
 
 -- works with darktable API version from 5.0.0 on
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "hugin") 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("hugin",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
diff --git a/contrib/image_stack.lua b/contrib/image_stack.lua
index fd03fb6..de3e0c0 100644
--- a/contrib/image_stack.lua
+++ b/contrib/image_stack.lua
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ local job = nil
 local PS = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and "\\" or "/"
 
 -- works with LUA API version 5.0.0
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "image_stack") 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("image_stack",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
diff --git a/contrib/kml_export.lua b/contrib/kml_export.lua
index 070a02f..279ad76 100644
--- a/contrib/kml_export.lua
+++ b/contrib/kml_export.lua
@@ -20,28 +20,30 @@
 darktable KML export script
 
 ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE NEEDED FOR THIS SCRIPT
-* mkdir
-* zip (only if you create KMZ files)
-* convert (ImageMagick)
-* xdg-open
-* xdg-user-dir
+* zip (at the moment Linux only and only if you create KMZ files)
+* magick (ImageMagick)
+* xdg-user-dir (Linux)
 
 WARNING
 This script is only tested with Linux
 
 USAGE
-* require script "official/yield" from your main Lua file in the first line
 * require this script from your main Lua file
 * when choosing file format, pick JPEG or PNG as Google Earth doesn't support other formats
 
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
-require "official/yield"
+local ds = require "lib/dtutils.string"
+local dsys = require "lib/dtutils.system"
+
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+local PS = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and "\\" or "/"
+
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", kml_export) 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("kml_export",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
@@ -50,168 +52,10 @@ local function _(msgid)
   return gettext.dgettext("kml_export", msgid)
 end
 
--- Sort a table
-local function spairs(_table, order) -- Code copied from http://stackoverflow.com/questions/15706270/sort-a-table-in-lua
-  -- collect the keys
-  local keys = {}
-  for _key in pairs(_table) do keys[#keys + 1] = _key end
-
-  -- if order function given, sort by it by passing the table and keys a, b,
-  -- otherwise just sort the keys
-  if order then
-    table.sort(keys, function(a,b) return order(_table, a, b) end)
-  else
-    table.sort(keys)
-  end
-
-  -- return the iterator function
-  local i = 0
-  return function()
-    i = i + 1
-    if keys[i] then
-      return keys[i], _table[keys[i]]
-    end
-  end
-end
-
 local function show_status(storage, image, format, filename, number, total, high_quality, extra_data)
   dt.print(string.format(_("Export Image %i/%i"), number, total))
 end
 
--- Strip accents from a string
--- Copied from https://forums.coronalabs.com/topic/43048-remove-special-characters-from-string/
-function string.stripAccents( str )
-  local tableAccents = {}
-  -- A
-  tableAccents["à"] = "a"
-  tableAccents["À"] = "A"
-  tableAccents["á"] = "a"
-  tableAccents["Á"] = "A"
-  tableAccents["â"] = "a"
-  tableAccents["Â"] = "A"
-  tableAccents["ã"] = "a"
-  tableAccents["Ã"] = "A"
-  tableAccents["ä"] = "a"
-  tableAccents["Ä"] = "A"
-  -- B
-  -- C
-  tableAccents["ç"] = "c"
-  tableAccents["Ç"] = "C"
-  tableAccents["č"] = "c"
-  tableAccents["Č"] = "C"
-  -- D
-  tableAccents["ď"] = "d"
-  tableAccents["Ď"] = "d"
-  -- E
-  tableAccents["è"] = "e"
-  tableAccents["È"] = "E"
-  tableAccents["é"] = "e"
-  tableAccents["É"] = "E"
-  tableAccents["ê"] = "e"
-  tableAccents["Ê"] = "E"
-  tableAccents["ë"] = "e"
-  tableAccents["Ë"] = "E"
-  tableAccents["ě"] = "e"
-  tableAccents["Ě"] = "E"
-  -- F
-  -- G
-  -- H
-  -- I
-  tableAccents["ì"] = "i"
-  tableAccents["Ì"] = "I"
-  tableAccents["í"] = "i"
-  tableAccents["Í"] = "I"
-  tableAccents["î"] = "i"
-  tableAccents["Î"] = "I"
-  tableAccents["ï"] = "i"
-  tableAccents["Ï"] = "I"
-  -- J
-  -- K
-  -- L
-  tableAccents["ĺ"] = "l"
-  tableAccents["Ĺ"] = "L"
-  tableAccents["ľ"] = "l"
-  tableAccents["Ľ"] = "L"
-  -- M
-  -- N
-  tableAccents["ñ"] = "n"
-  tableAccents["Ñ"] = "N"
-  tableAccents["ň"] = "n"
-  tableAccents["Ň"] = "N"
-  -- O
-  tableAccents["ò"] = "o"
-  tableAccents["Ò"] = "O"
-  tableAccents["ó"] = "o"
-  tableAccents["Ó"] = "O"
-  tableAccents["ô"] = "o"
-  tableAccents["Ô"] = "O"
-  tableAccents["õ"] = "o"
-  tableAccents["Õ"] = "O"
-  tableAccents["ö"] = "o"
-  tableAccents["Ö"] = "O"
-  -- P
-  -- Q
-  -- R
-  tableAccents["ŕ"] = "r"
-  tableAccents["Ŕ"] = "R"
-  tableAccents["ř"] = "r"
-  tableAccents["Ř"] = "R"
-  -- S
-  tableAccents["š"] = "s"
-  tableAccents["Š"] = "S"
-  -- T
-  tableAccents["ť"] = "t"
-  tableAccents["Ť"] = "T"
-  -- U
-  tableAccents["ù"] = "u"
-  tableAccents["Ù"] = "U"
-  tableAccents["ú"] = "u"
-  tableAccents["Ú"] = "U"
-  tableAccents["û"] = "u"
-  tableAccents["Û"] = "U"
-  tableAccents["ü"] = "u"
-  tableAccents["Ü"] = "U"
-  tableAccents["ů"] = "u"
-  tableAccents["Ů"] = "U"
-  -- V
-  -- W
-  -- X
-  -- Y
-  tableAccents["ý"] = "y"
-  tableAccents["Ý"] = "Y"
-  tableAccents["ÿ"] = "y"
-  tableAccents["Ÿ"] = "Y"
-  -- Z
-  tableAccents["ž"] = "z"
-  tableAccents["Ž"] = "Z"
-
-  local normalizedString = ""
-
-  for strChar in string.gmatch(str, "([%z\1-\127\194-\244][\128-\191]*)") do
-    if tableAccents[strChar] ~= nil then
-      normalizedString = normalizedString..tableAccents[strChar]
-    else
-      normalizedString = normalizedString..strChar
-    end
-  end
-
-  return normalizedString
-end
-
--- Escape XML characters
--- Keep &amp; first, otherwise it will double escape other characters
--- https://stackoverflow.com/questions/1091945/what-characters-do-i-need-to-escape-in-xml-documents
-function string.escapeXmlCharacters( str )
-
-  str = string.gsub(str,"&", "&amp;")
-  str = string.gsub(str,"\"", "&quot;")
-  str = string.gsub(str,"'", "&apos;")
-  str = string.gsub(str,"<", "&lt;")
-  str = string.gsub(str,">", "&gt;")
-
-  return str
-end
-
 -- Add duplicate index to filename
 -- image.filename does not have index, exported_image has index
 function addDuplicateIndex( index, filename )
@@ -227,41 +71,40 @@ function addDuplicateIndex( index, filename )
 end
 
 local function create_kml_file(storage, image_table, extra_data)
-  if not df.check_if_bin_exists("mkdir") then
-    dt.print_error(_("mkdir not found"))
-    return
-  end
-  if not df.check_if_bin_exists("convert") then
-    dt.print_error(_("convert not found"))
-    return
-  end
-  if not df.check_if_bin_exists("xdg-open") then
-    dt.print_error(_("xdg-open not found"))
-    return
-  end
-  if not df.check_if_bin_exists("xdg-user-dir") then
-    dt.print_error(_("xdg-user-dir not found"))
-    return
+
+  local magickPath 
+  if dt.configuration.running_os == "linux" then
+    magickPath = 'convert'
+  else
+    magickPath = dt.preferences.read("kml_export","magickPath","string")
   end
 
-  dt.print_error("Will try to export KML file now")
+  if not df.check_if_bin_exists(magickPath) then
+    dt.print_error(_("magick not found"))
+    return
+  end
+  if dt.configuration.running_os == "linux" then
+    if not df.check_if_bin_exists("xdg-user-dir") then
+      dt.print_error(_("xdg-user-dir not found"))
+      return
+    end
+  end
+  dt.print_log("Will try to export KML file now")
 
   local imageFoldername
-  if ( dt.preferences.read("kml_export","CreateKMZ","bool") == true ) then
+  if ( dt.preferences.read("kml_export","CreateKMZ","bool") == true 
+       and dt.configuration.running_os == "linux") then
     if not df.check_if_bin_exists("zip") then
       dt.print_error(_("zip not found"))
       return
     end
-
     exportDirectory = dt.configuration.tmp_dir
     imageFoldername = ""
   else
     exportDirectory = dt.preferences.read("kml_export","ExportDirectory","string")
-
     -- Creates dir if not exsists
-    imageFoldername = "files/"
-    local mkdirCommand = "mkdir -p "..exportDirectory.."/"..imageFoldername
-    dt.control.execute(mkdirCommand)
+    imageFoldername = "files"..PS
+    df.mkdir(df.sanitize_filename(exportDirectory..PS..imageFoldername))
   end
 
   -- Create the thumbnails
@@ -272,15 +115,20 @@ local function create_kml_file(storage, image_table, extra_data)
       local path, filename, filetype = string.match(exported_image, "(.-)([^\\/]-%.?([^%.\\/]*))$")
       filename = string.upper(string.gsub(filename,"%.%w*", ""))
 
-      -- convert -size 92x92 filename.jpg -resize 92x92 +profile "*" thumbnail.jpg
+      -- magick -size 92x92 filename.jpg -resize 92x92 +profile "*" thumbnail.jpg
       -- In this example, '-size 120x120' gives a hint to the JPEG decoder that the image is going to be downscaled to
       -- 120x120, allowing it to run faster by avoiding returning full-resolution images to  GraphicsMagick for the
       -- subsequent resizing operation. The '-resize 120x120' specifies the desired dimensions of the output image. It
       -- will be scaled so its largest dimension is 120 pixels. The '+profile "*"' removes any ICM, EXIF, IPTC, or other
       -- profiles that might be present in the input and aren't needed in the thumbnail.
 
-      local convertToThumbCommand = "convert -size 96x96 "..exported_image.." -resize 92x92 -mattecolor \"#FFFFFF\" -frame 2x2 +profile \"*\" "..exportDirectory.."/"..imageFoldername.."thumb_"..filename..".jpg"
-      dt.control.execute(convertToThumbCommand)
+      local convertToThumbCommand = ds.sanitize(magickPath) .. " -size 96x96 " .. exported_image .. " -resize 92x92 -mattecolor \"#FFFFFF\" -frame 2x2 +profile \"*\" " .. exportDirectory .. PS .. imageFoldername .. "thumb_" .. filename .. ".jpg"
+
+      if (exported_image ~= exportDirectory..PS..imageFoldername..filename.."."..filetype) then
+        df.file_copy(exported_image, exportDirectory..PS..imageFoldername..filename.."."..filetype)
+	    end
+      dsys.external_command(convertToThumbCommand)
+
     else
       -- Remove exported image if it has no GPS data
       os.remove(exported_image)
@@ -291,7 +139,19 @@ local function create_kml_file(storage, image_table, extra_data)
 
     -- Strip accents from the filename, because GoogleEarth can't open them
     -- https://github.com/darktable-org/lua-scripts/issues/54
-    filmName = string.stripAccents(filmName)
+    filmName = ds.strip_accents(filmName)
+
+    -- Remove chars we don't like to have in filenames
+    filmName = string.gsub(filmName, [[\]], "") 
+    filmName = string.gsub(filmName, [[/]], "")
+    filmName = string.gsub(filmName, [[:]], "") 
+    filmName = string.gsub(filmName, [["]], "")
+    filmName = string.gsub(filmName, "<", "") 
+    filmName = string.gsub(filmName, ">", "") 
+    filmName = string.gsub(filmName, "|", "")
+    filmName = string.gsub(filmName, "*", "")
+    filmName = string.gsub(filmName, "?", "")
+    filmName = string.gsub(filmName,'[.]', "") -- At least Windwows has problems with the "." and the start command
   end
 
   exportKMLFilename = filmName..".kml"
@@ -321,12 +181,12 @@ local function create_kml_file(storage, image_table, extra_data)
 
       local image_title, image_description
       if (image.title and image.title ~= "") then
-        image_title = string.escapeXmlCharacters(image.title)
+        image_title = ds.escape_xml_characters(image.title)
       else
         image_title = filename..extension
       end
       -- Characters should not be escaped in CDATA, but we are using HTML fragment, so we must escape them
-      image_description = string.escapeXmlCharacters(image.description)
+      image_description = ds.escape_xml_characters(image.description)
 
       kml_file = kml_file.."    <name>"..image_title.."</name>\n"
       kml_file = kml_file.."    <description>"..image_description.."</description>\n"
@@ -371,7 +231,7 @@ local function create_kml_file(storage, image_table, extra_data)
     kml_file = kml_file.."    <LineString>\n"
     kml_file = kml_file.."      <coordinates>\n"
 
-    for image,exported_image in spairs(image_table, function(t,a,b) return b.exif_datetime_taken > a.exif_datetime_taken end) do
+    for image,exported_image in du.spairs(image_table, function(t,a,b) return b.exif_datetime_taken > a.exif_datetime_taken end) do
       if ((image.longitude and image.latitude) and
         (image.longitude ~= 0 and image.latitude ~= 90) -- Sometimes the north-pole but most likely just wrong data
          ) then
@@ -393,19 +253,21 @@ local function create_kml_file(storage, image_table, extra_data)
   kml_file = kml_file.."</Document>\n"
   kml_file = kml_file.."</kml>"
 
-  local file = io.open(exportDirectory.."/"..exportKMLFilename, "w")
+  local file = io.open(exportDirectory..PS..exportKMLFilename, "w")
+
   file:write(kml_file)
   file:close()
 
   dt.print("KML file created in "..exportDirectory)
 
   -- Compress the files to create a KMZ file
-  if ( dt.preferences.read("kml_export","CreateKMZ","bool") == true ) then
+  if ( dt.preferences.read("kml_export","CreateKMZ","bool") == true 
+       and dt.configuration.running_os == "linux") then
     exportDirectory = dt.preferences.read("kml_export","ExportDirectory","string")
 
     local createKMZCommand = "zip --test --move --junk-paths "
-    createKMZCommand = createKMZCommand .."\""..exportDirectory.."/"..exportKMZFilename.."\" "           -- KMZ filename
-    createKMZCommand = createKMZCommand .."\""..dt.configuration.tmp_dir.."/"..exportKMLFilename.."\" "  -- KML file
+    createKMZCommand = createKMZCommand .."\""..exportDirectory..PS..exportKMZFilename.."\" "           -- KMZ filename
+    createKMZCommand = createKMZCommand .."\""..dt.configuration.tmp_dir..PS..exportKMLFilename.."\" "  -- KML file
 
     for image,exported_image in pairs(image_table) do
       if ((image.longitude and image.latitude) and
@@ -415,7 +277,7 @@ local function create_kml_file(storage, image_table, extra_data)
         -- Handle duplicates
         filename = addDuplicateIndex( image.duplicate_index, filename )
 
-        createKMZCommand = createKMZCommand .."\""..dt.configuration.tmp_dir.."/"..imageFoldername.."thumb_"..filename..".jpg\" " -- thumbnails
+        createKMZCommand = createKMZCommand .."\""..dt.configuration.tmp_dir..PS..imageFoldername.."thumb_"..filename..".jpg\" " -- thumbnails
         createKMZCommand = createKMZCommand .."\""..exported_image.."\" "  -- images
       end
     end
@@ -425,40 +287,65 @@ local function create_kml_file(storage, image_table, extra_data)
 
   -- Open the file with the standard programm
   if ( dt.preferences.read("kml_export","OpenKmlFile","bool") == true ) then
-    local kmlFileOpenCommand
+    local path
 
-    if ( dt.preferences.read("kml_export","CreateKMZ","bool") == true ) then
-      kmlFileOpenCommand = "xdg-open "..exportDirectory.."/\""..exportKMZFilename.."\""
+    if ( dt.preferences.read("kml_export","CreateKMZ","bool") == true
+	     and dt.configuration.running_os == "linux") then
+      path = exportDirectory..PS..exportKMZFilename
     else
-      kmlFileOpenCommand = "xdg-open "..exportDirectory.."/\""..exportKMLFilename.."\""
+      path = exportDirectory..PS..exportKMLFilename
     end
-    dt.control.execute(kmlFileOpenCommand)
+
+    dsys.launch_default_app(df.sanitize_filename(path))
   end
 
 end
 
 -- Preferences
-dt.preferences.register("kml_export",
-  "OpenKmlFile",
-  "bool",
-  _("KML export: Open KML/KMZ file after export"),
-  _("Opens the KML file after the export with the standard program for KML files"),
-  false )
-
-local handle = io.popen("xdg-user-dir DESKTOP")
-local result = handle:read()
-if (result == nil) then
-  result = ""
+if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
+  dt.preferences.register("kml_export",
+    "OpenKmlFile",
+    "bool",
+    _("KML export: Open KML file after export"),
+    _("Opens the KML file after the export with the standard program for KML files"),
+    false )
+else
+  dt.preferences.register("kml_export",
+    "OpenKmlFile",
+    "bool",
+    _("KML export: Open KML/KMZ file after export"),
+    _("Opens the KML file after the export with the standard program for KML files"),
+    false )
 end
-handle:close()
+
+local defaultDir = ''
+if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
+  defaultDir = os.getenv("USERPROFILE")
+elseif dt.configuration.running_os == "macos" then
+  defaultDir =  os.getenv("home")
+else
+  local handle = io.popen("xdg-user-dir DESKTOP")
+  defaultDir = handle:read()
+  handle:close()
+end
+
 
 dt.preferences.register("kml_export",
   "ExportDirectory",
   "directory",
   _("KML export: Export directory"),
   _("A directory that will be used to export the KML/KMZ files"),
-  result )
+  defaultDir )
 
+if dt.configuration.running_os ~= "linux" then  
+  dt.preferences.register("kml_export", 
+    "magickPath",	-- name
+	"file",	-- type
+	_("KML export: ImageMagick binary Location"),	-- label
+	_("Install location of magick[.exe]. Requires restart to take effect."),	-- tooltip
+	"magick")	-- default
+end  
+  
 dt.preferences.register("kml_export",
   "CreatePath",
   "bool",
@@ -466,15 +353,21 @@ dt.preferences.register("kml_export",
   _("connect all images with a path"),
   false )
 
-dt.preferences.register("kml_export",
-  "CreateKMZ",
-  "bool",
-  _("KML export: Create KMZ file"),
-  _("Compress all imeges to one KMZ file"),
-  true )
+if dt.configuration.running_os == "linux" then  
+  dt.preferences.register("kml_export",
+    "CreateKMZ",
+    "bool",
+    _("KML export: Create KMZ file"),
+    _("Compress all imeges to one KMZ file"),
+    true )
+end
 
 -- Register
-dt.register_storage("kml_export", _("KML/KMZ Export"), nil, create_kml_file)
+if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
+  dt.register_storage("kml_export", _("KML Export"), nil, create_kml_file)
+else
+  dt.register_storage("kml_export", _("KML/KMZ Export"), nil, create_kml_file)
+end
 
 -- vim: shiftwidth=2 expandtab tabstop=2 cindent syntax=lua
 -- kate: hl Lua;
diff --git a/contrib/passport_guide.lua b/contrib/passport_guide.lua
index 48ae64f..72611eb 100644
--- a/contrib/passport_guide.lua
+++ b/contrib/passport_guide.lua
@@ -36,9 +36,10 @@ USAGE
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,0},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.0", "passport_guide") 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("passport_guide",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
diff --git a/contrib/pdf_slideshow.lua b/contrib/pdf_slideshow.lua
index d5a71d4..f01b014 100644
--- a/contrib/pdf_slideshow.lua
+++ b/contrib/pdf_slideshow.lua
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ format (all fields can be the empty string):
 
 ]]
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 require "official/yield"
 
@@ -56,7 +57,7 @@ if not df.check_if_bin_exists("pdflatex") then
    return
 end
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("4.0.0", "pdf_slideshow") 
 
 dt.preferences.register
    ("pdf_slideshow","open with","string",
diff --git a/contrib/quicktag.lua b/contrib/quicktag.lua
index c5ade26..31a4b79 100644
--- a/contrib/quicktag.lua
+++ b/contrib/quicktag.lua
@@ -44,12 +44,13 @@ USAGE
 
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local debug = require "darktable.debug"
 
 
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "quicktag")
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("quicktag",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
diff --git a/contrib/rate_group.lua b/contrib/rate_group.lua
index 3a557a8..d820d94 100644
--- a/contrib/rate_group.lua
+++ b/contrib/rate_group.lua
@@ -39,9 +39,10 @@
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 
 -- added version check
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "rate_group") 
 
 local function apply_rating(rating)
   local images = dt.gui.action_images
diff --git a/contrib/rename-tags.lua b/contrib/rename-tags.lua
index 217357b..a0c70be 100644
--- a/contrib/rename-tags.lua
+++ b/contrib/rename-tags.lua
@@ -29,8 +29,12 @@ Changes
 ]]
 
 local darktable = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local debug = require "darktable.debug"
 
+-- check API version
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "rename-tags") 
+
 -- GUI entries
 local old_tag = darktable.new_widget("entry") { tooltip = "Enter old tag" }
 local new_tag = darktable.new_widget("entry") { tooltip = "Enter new tag" }
diff --git a/contrib/select_untagged.lua b/contrib/select_untagged.lua
index 9e504c0..2db6dae 100644
--- a/contrib/select_untagged.lua
+++ b/contrib/select_untagged.lua
@@ -19,9 +19,10 @@ Enable selection of untagged images (darktable|* tags are ignored)
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "select_untagged") 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("select_untagged",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
diff --git a/contrib/slideshowMusic.lua b/contrib/slideshowMusic.lua
index 2da53dc..90d6bc3 100644
--- a/contrib/slideshowMusic.lua
+++ b/contrib/slideshowMusic.lua
@@ -25,11 +25,12 @@ USAGE
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 require "official/yield"
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,2},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.2", "slideshowMusic") 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("slideshowMusic",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
diff --git a/contrib/video_ffmpeg.lua b/contrib/video_ffmpeg.lua
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6755e5c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/contrib/video_ffmpeg.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,460 @@
+--[[Timelapse video plugin based on ffmpeg for darktable 2.4.X and 2.6.X
+
+  copyright (c) 2018, 2019  Dominik Markiewicz
+  
+  darktable is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+  it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+  the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+  (at your option) any later version.
+  
+  darktable is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+  GNU General Public License for more details.
+  
+  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+  along with darktable.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+]]
+
+--[[About this plugin
+This plugin will add the new export module "video ffmpeg".
+   
+----REQUIRED SOFTWARE----
+ffmpeg
+
+----USAGE----
+1. Go to Lighttable 
+2. Select images you want to use as a video ffmpeg frames
+3. In image export module select "video ffmpeg"
+4. Configure you video settings
+5. Export
+
+----WARNING----
+This script has been tested under Linux only
+]]
+
+local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
+local dsys = require "lib/dtutils.system"
+local gettext = dt.gettext
+
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0")
+
+local MODULE_NAME = "video_ffmpeg"
+
+local PS = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and  "\\"  or  "/"
+gettext.bindtextdomain(MODULE_NAME, dt.configuration.config_dir..PS.."lua"..PS.."locale"..PS)
+
+local function _(msgid)
+  return gettext.dgettext(MODULE_NAME, msgid)
+end
+
+
+---- DECLARATIONS
+
+local resolutions = {
+  ["QVGA"] = {
+    ["label"] = "QVGA 320x240 (4:3)",
+    ["w"] = 320,
+    ["h"] = 240
+  },
+  ["HVGA"] = {
+    ["label"] = "HVGA 480x320 (3:2)",
+    ["w"] = 480,
+    ["h"] = 320
+  },
+  ["VGA"] = {
+    ["label"] = "VGA 640x480 (4:3)",
+    ["w"] = 640,
+    ["h"] = 480
+  },
+  ["HDTV 720p"] = {
+    ["label"] = "HDTV 720p 1280x720 (16:9)",
+    ["w"] = 1280,
+    ["h"] = 720
+  },
+  ["HDTV 1080p"] = {
+    ["label"] = "HDTV 1080p 1920x1080 (16:9)",
+    ["w"] = 1920,
+    ["h"] = 1080
+  },
+  ["Cinema TV"] = {
+    ["label"] = "Cinema TV 2560x1080 (21:9)",
+    ["w"] = 2560,
+    ["h"] = 1080
+  },
+  ["2K"] = {
+    ["label"] = "2K 2048x1152 (16:9)",
+    ["w"] = 2048,
+    ["h"] = 1152
+  },
+  ["4K"] = {
+    ["label"] = "4K 4096x2304 (16:9)",
+    ["w"] = 4096,
+    ["h"] = 2304
+  }
+}
+
+local framerates = {"15", "16", "23.98", "24", "25", "29,97", "30", "48", "50", "59.94", "60"}
+
+local formats = {
+  ["AVI"] = {
+    ["extension"] = "avi",
+    ["codecs"] = {"mpeg4", "h263p", "h264", "mpeg2video", "hevc", "vp9"}
+  },
+  ["Matroska"] = {
+    ["extension"] = "mkv",
+    ["codecs"] = {"h264", "h263p", "mpeg4", "mpeg2video", "hevc", "vp9"}
+  },
+  ["WebM"] = {
+    ["extension"] = "webm",
+    ["codecs"] = {"vp9", "h263p", "h264", "mpeg4", "mpeg2video", "hevc"}
+  },
+  ["MP4"] = {
+    ["extension"] = "mp4",
+    ["codecs"] = {"h264", "h263p", "mpeg4", "mpeg2video"}
+  },
+  ["QuickTime"] = {
+    ["extension"] = "mov",
+    ["codecs"] = {"h264", "h263p", "mpeg4", "mpeg2video"}
+  }
+}
+
+local res_list = {}
+for i, v in pairs(resolutions) do
+  table.insert(res_list, v["label"])
+end
+
+table.sort(res_list)
+
+-- inital fulfill list of all available formats 
+local format_list = {}
+for i,v in pairs(formats) do
+  table.insert(format_list, i)
+end
+table.sort(format_list)
+
+-- initial fulfill list of all available codecs for the first (default if nothig saved yet) format
+-- if format was changed and stored in preferences, this list will be replaced by one matching selected format
+local codec_list = formats[format_list[1]]["codecs"]
+table.sort(codec_list)
+
+local function extract_resolution(description)
+  for _, v in pairs(resolutions) do
+    if v["label"] == description then
+      return v["w"].."x"..v["h"]
+    end
+  end
+  return "100x100"
+end
+
+---- GENERIC UTILS
+
+local function replace_combobox_elements(combobox, new_items, to_select)
+  if to_select == nil then
+    to_select = combobox.value
+  end
+
+  to_select_idx = 1
+  for i , name in ipairs(new_items) do
+    if name == to_select then
+      to_select_idx = i
+      break
+    end
+  end
+
+  local old_elements_count = #combobox
+  for i, name in ipairs(new_items) do
+    combobox[i] = name
+  end
+  if old_elements_count > #new_items then
+    for j = old_elements_count, #new_items + 1, -1 do
+      combobox[j] = nil
+    end
+  end
+
+  combobox.value = to_select_idx
+end
+
+--[[
+This function allow to format string by substitute tokens like `{label}` by value provided in `symbols` table
+  ex:
+```lua
+  format_string("I like {bananas} and {potatos}. {bananas}!", {["bananas"]: "darktable", ["potatos"]: "lua"}) 
+  -> "I like darktable and lua. darktable!"
+```
+
+I you want to preserve given currly braces, you need to escape it by backslash like so:
+```lua
+  format_string("it preserve \\{label\\} but substitute {label}", {["label"]: "this"}) 
+  -> "It preserve {label} but substitute "
+```
+--]]
+local function format_string(label, symbols)
+  local es1, es2 = "\u{ffe0}", "\u{ffe1}" -- for simplicity, just some strange utf characters 
+  local result = label:gsub("\\{", es1):gsub("\\}", es2)
+  for s,v in pairs(symbols) do
+    result = result:gsub("{"..s.."}", v)
+  end
+  return result:gsub(es1, "{"):gsub(es2, "}")
+end
+
+-----  COMPONENTS
+
+local function combobox_pref_read(name, all_values)
+  local value = dt.preferences.read(MODULE_NAME, name, "string")
+  for i,v in pairs(all_values) do
+    if v == value then return i end
+  end
+  return 1
+end
+
+local function combobox_pref_write(name)
+  local writer = function(widget)
+    dt.preferences.write(MODULE_NAME, name, "string", widget.value)
+  end
+  return writer
+end
+
+local function string_pref_read(name, default)
+  local value = dt.preferences.read(MODULE_NAME, name, "string")
+  if value ~= nil and value ~= "" then return value end
+  return default
+end
+
+local function string_pref_write(name, widget_attribute)
+  widget_attribute = widget_attribute or "value"
+  local writer = function(widget)
+    dt.preferences.write(MODULE_NAME, name, "string", widget[widget_attribute])
+  end
+  return writer
+end
+
+local framerates_selector = dt.new_widget("combobox"){
+  label = _("framerate"),
+  tooltip = _("select framerate of output video"),
+  value = combobox_pref_read("framerate", framerates),
+  changed_callback = combobox_pref_write("framerate"), 
+  table.unpack(framerates)
+}
+
+local res_selector = dt.new_widget("combobox"){
+  label = _("resolution"),
+  tooltip = _("select resolution of output video"),
+  value = combobox_pref_read("resolution", res_list),
+  changed_callback = combobox_pref_write("resolution"),
+  table.unpack(res_list)
+}
+
+local codec_selector = dt.new_widget("combobox"){
+  label = _("codec"),
+  tooltip = _("select codec"),
+  value = combobox_pref_read("codec", codec_list),
+  changed_callback = combobox_pref_write("codec"),
+  table.unpack(codec_list)
+}
+
+local format_selector = dt.new_widget("combobox"){
+  label = _("format container"),
+  tooltip = _("select format of output video"),
+  value = combobox_pref_read("format", format_list),
+  changed_callback = function(widget)
+    combobox_pref_write("format")(widget)
+    codec_list = formats[widget.value]["codecs"]
+    table.sort(codec_list)
+    replace_combobox_elements(codec_selector, codec_list)
+  end,
+  table.unpack(format_list)
+}
+
+local destination_label = dt.new_widget("section_label"){
+  label = _("output file destination"),
+  tooltip = _("settings of output file destination and name")
+}
+
+local defaultVideoDir = ''
+if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
+  defaultVideoDir = os.getenv("USERPROFILE")..PS .."videos"
+elseif dt.configuration.running_os == "macos" then
+  defaultVideoDir =  os.getenv("home")..PS.."Videos"
+else
+  local handle = io.popen("xdg-user-dir VIDEOS")
+  defaultVideoDir = handle:read()
+  handle:close()
+end
+
+local output_directory_chooser = dt.new_widget("file_chooser_button"){
+  title = _("Select export path"),
+  is_directory = true,
+  tooltip =_("select the target directory for the timelapse. \nthe filename is created automatically."),
+  value = string_pref_read("export_path", defaultVideoDir),
+  changed_callback = string_pref_write("export_path")
+}
+
+local auto_output_directory_btn = dt.new_widget("check_button") {
+  label = "",
+  tooltip = _("if selected, output video will be placed in the same directory as first of selected images"),
+  value = not dt.preferences.read(MODULE_NAME, "not_auto_output_directory", "bool"), -- reverse, for true as default
+  clicked_callback = function (widget)
+    dt.preferences.write(MODULE_NAME, "not_auto_output_directory", "bool",  not widget.value)
+    output_directory_chooser.sensitive = not output_directory_chooser.sensitive 
+  end
+}
+
+local destination_box = dt.new_widget("box") {
+  orientation = "horizontal",
+  auto_output_directory_btn,
+  output_directory_chooser
+}
+
+local override_output_cb = dt.new_widget("check_button"){
+  label = _("override output file on conflict"),
+  tooltip = _("if checked, in case of file name conflict, the file will be overwritten"),
+  value = dt.preferences.read(MODULE_NAME, "override_output", "bool"),
+  clicked_callback = function (widget)
+    dt.preferences.write(MODULE_NAME, "override_output", "bool",  widget.value)
+  end
+}
+
+local filename_entry = dt.new_widget("entry"){
+  tooltip = _("enter output file name without extension.\n\n".. 
+    "You can use some placeholders:\n"..
+    "- {time} - time in format HH-mm-ss\n"..
+    "- {date} - date in foramt YYYY-mm-dd\n"..
+    "- {first_file} - name of first input file\n"..
+    "- {last_file} - name of last last_file"
+    ),
+  text = string_pref_read("filename_entry","timelapse_{date}_{time}"),
+ -- changed_callback = string_pref_write("filename_entry", "text") -- Not imlemented yet
+}
+
+local output_box = dt.new_widget("box"){
+  orientation="vertical",
+  destination_label,
+  override_output_cb,
+  destination_box,
+  filename_entry,
+}
+
+local open_after_export_cb = dt.new_widget("check_button"){
+  label = _(" open after export"),
+  tooltip = _("open video file after successful export"),
+  value = dt.preferences.read(MODULE_NAME, "open_after_export", "bool"),
+  clicked_callback = function (widget)
+    dt.preferences.write(MODULE_NAME, "open_after_export", "bool",  widget.value)
+  end
+}
+
+local widgets_list = {}
+if not df.check_if_bin_exists("ffmpeg") then
+  table.insert(widgets_list, df.executable_path_widget({"ffmpeg"}))
+end
+table.insert(widgets_list, res_selector)
+table.insert(widgets_list, framerates_selector)
+table.insert(widgets_list, format_selector)
+table.insert(widgets_list, codec_selector)
+table.insert(widgets_list, output_box)
+table.insert(widgets_list, open_after_export_cb)
+
+
+local module_widget = dt.new_widget("box") {
+  orientation = "vertical",
+  table.unpack(widgets_list)
+}
+
+---- EXPORT & REGISTRATION
+
+local function show_status(enf_storage, image, format, filename, number, total, high_quality, extra_data)
+  dt.print(_("export ")..tostring(number).." / "..tostring(total))   
+end
+
+local function init_export(storage, img_format, images, high_quality, extra_data)
+  -- store filename preference here cause there is no changed_callback on entry yet
+  string_pref_write("filename_entry", "text")(filename_entry)
+
+  extra_data["images"] = images -- needed, to preserve images order
+  extra_data["tmp_dir"] = dt.configuration.tmp_dir..PS..MODULE_NAME.."_"..os.time()
+  extra_data["fps"] = framerates_selector.value
+  extra_data["res"] = extract_resolution(res_selector.value)
+  extra_data["codec"] = codec_selector.value
+  extra_data["img_ext"] = "."..img_format.extension
+  local override_output = override_output_cb.value
+  local output_directory = auto_output_directory_btn.value and images[1].path or output_directory_chooser.value
+  local filename_mappings = {
+    date = os.date("%Y-%m-%d"),
+    time = os.date("%H-%M-%S"),
+    first_file = images[1].filename,
+    last_file = images[#images].filename
+  }
+  local output_extension = "."..formats[format_selector.value]["extension"]
+  local filename = format_string(filename_entry.text, filename_mappings)
+  local path = output_directory..PS..filename..output_extension
+  if not override_output then
+    path = df.create_unique_filename(path)
+  end
+
+  extra_data["output_file"] = path
+  extra_data["open_after_export"] = open_after_export_cb.value
+end
+
+local function export(extra_data)
+  local ffmpeg_path = df.check_if_bin_exists("ffmpeg")
+  if not ffmpeg_path then
+    dt.print_error("ffmpeg not found")
+    dt.print("ERROR - ffmpeg not found")
+    return
+  end
+  local dir = extra_data["tmp_dir"]
+  local fps = extra_data["fps"]
+  local res = extra_data["res"]
+  local codec = extra_data["codec"]
+  local img_ext = extra_data["img_ext"]
+  local output_file = extra_data["output_file"]
+  
+  local dir_create_result = df.mkdir(df.sanitize_filename(df.get_path(output_file)))
+  if dir_create_result ~= 0 then return dir_create_result end
+
+  local cmd = ffmpeg_path.." -y -r "..fps.." -i "..dir..PS.."%d"..img_ext.." -s:v "..res.." -c:v "..codec.." -crf 18 -preset veryslow "..df.sanitize_filename(output_file)
+  return dsys.external_command(cmd), output_file
+end
+
+local function finalize_export(storage, images_table, extra_data)
+    local tmp_dir = extra_data["tmp_dir"]
+    
+    dt.print(_("prepare merge process"))
+    
+    local result = df.mkdir(df.sanitize_filename(tmp_dir))
+    if result ~= 0 then dt.print(_("ERROR: cannot create temp directory")) end
+    
+    local images = extra_data["images"]
+    -- rename all images to consecutive numbers
+    for i, file in pairs(images) do
+      local filename = images_table[file]
+      dt.print_error(filename, file.filename)
+      df.file_move(filename, tmp_dir .. PS .. i .. extra_data["img_ext"])
+    end
+    dt.print("Start video building...")
+    local result, path = export(extra_data)
+    if result ~= 0 then 
+      dt.print(_("ERROR: cannot build image, see console for more info")) 
+    else
+      dt.print(_("SUCCESS"))
+      if extra_data["open_after_export"] then
+        dsys.launch_default_app(df.sanitize_filename(path))
+      end
+    end
+
+    df.rmdir(df.sanitize_filename(tmp_dir))
+end
+
+dt.register_storage(
+  "module_video_ffmpeg", 
+  _(MODULE_NAME), 
+  show_status, 
+  finalize_export,
+  nil, 
+  init_export, 
+  module_widget
+)
+
diff --git a/contrib/video_mencoder.lua b/contrib/video_mencoder.lua
index 3f39587..71c8a4d 100644
--- a/contrib/video_mencoder.lua
+++ b/contrib/video_mencoder.lua
@@ -31,11 +31,12 @@ USAGE
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 require "official/yield"
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,1},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.1", "video_mencoder") 
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("video_mencoder",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
@@ -49,6 +50,10 @@ local function show_status(storage, image, format, filename, number, total, high
 end
 
 local function create_video_mencoder(storage, image_table, extra_data)
+    dt.print("video_mencoder is deprecated.  Please use video_ffmpeg instead.  Please see the log for more details.")
+    dt.print_log("The mencoder executable is no longer distributed as part of most distributions,")
+    dt.print_log("therefore video_mencoder is deprecated. video_ffmpeg should be used in it's place.  video_mencoder")
+    dt.print_log("will be removed when darktable 2.8 is released.")
     if not df.check_if_bin_exists("mencoder") then
         dt.print_error(_("mencoder not found"))
         return
diff --git a/examples/gettextExample.lua b/examples/gettextExample.lua
index 856a825..c6eda49 100644
--- a/examples/gettextExample.lua
+++ b/examples/gettextExample.lua
@@ -53,7 +53,10 @@ LUA ERROR Hallo Welt!
 
 ]] 
 local dt = require "darktable"
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0}))
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+
+--check API version
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "gettextExample")
 
 -- Not translated Text
 dt.print_error("Hello World!")
diff --git a/examples/hello_world.lua b/examples/hello_world.lua
index 6a19880..11a287e 100644
--- a/examples/hello_world.lua
+++ b/examples/hello_world.lua
@@ -27,7 +27,9 @@ USAGE
 
 ]]
 local dt = require "darktable"
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,0},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.0", "hello_world") 
 
 dt.print("hello, world")
 
diff --git a/examples/moduleExample.lua b/examples/moduleExample.lua
index eda8748..ecc2ac3 100644
--- a/examples/moduleExample.lua
+++ b/examples/moduleExample.lua
@@ -31,8 +31,9 @@ https://www.darktable.org/lua-api/index.html.php#darktable_new_widget
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "moduleExample") 
 
 -- add a new lib
 local check_button = dt.new_widget("check_button"){label = "MyCheck_button", value = true}
diff --git a/examples/multi_os.lua b/examples/multi_os.lua
index 0371768..96b60c2 100644
--- a/examples/multi_os.lua
+++ b/examples/multi_os.lua
@@ -80,12 +80,13 @@ local function _(msgid)
 end
 
 --[[
-    Specify the version(s) of the lua API that this script is compatible with.  This script uses new
-    features released in the latest version of darktable and is only compatible with the latest API version.
-    Multiple API versions may be specified, seperated by commas.
+    Check that the current api version is greater than or equal to the specified minimum.  If it's not
+    then du.check_min_api_version will print an error to the log and return false.  If the minimum api is
+    not met, then just refuse to load and return.  Optionally, you could print an error message to the 
+    screen stating that you couldn't load because the minimum api version wasn't met.
 ]]
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "multi_os") 
 
 --[[
     copy_image_attributes is a local subroutine to copy image attributes in the database from the raw image
diff --git a/examples/preferenceExamples.lua b/examples/preferenceExamples.lua
index 7ac1cfd..9710b95 100644
--- a/examples/preferenceExamples.lua
+++ b/examples/preferenceExamples.lua
@@ -22,7 +22,9 @@ USAGE
 * require this script from your main lua file
 ]] 
 local dt = require "darktable"
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,1},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.1", "preferenceExamples") 
 
 dt.preferences.register("preferenceExamples",        -- script: This is a string used to avoid name collision in preferences (i.e namespace). Set it to something unique, usually the name of the script handling the preference.
                         "preferenceExamplesString",  -- name
diff --git a/examples/printExamples.lua b/examples/printExamples.lua
index 5ef3695..074a5db 100644
--- a/examples/printExamples.lua
+++ b/examples/printExamples.lua
@@ -20,7 +20,9 @@ USAGE
 * require this file from your main lua config file:
 ]]
 local dt = require "darktable"
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{5,0,0})
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "printExamples") 
 
 -- Will print a string to the darktable control log (the long
 -- overlayed window that appears over the main panel).
diff --git a/examples/running_os.lua b/examples/running_os.lua
index a615fa9..632c033 100644
--- a/examples/running_os.lua
+++ b/examples/running_os.lua
@@ -26,7 +26,9 @@ prints the operating system
 
 ]]
 local dt = require "darktable"
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{5,0,0})
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "running_os") 
 
 dt.print("You are running: "..dt.configuration.running_os)
 
diff --git a/lib/dtutils.lua b/lib/dtutils.lua
index abe51d6..e1d403e 100644
--- a/lib/dtutils.lua
+++ b/lib/dtutils.lua
@@ -32,7 +32,42 @@ local dt = require "darktable"
 
 local log = require "lib/dtutils.log"
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{5,0,0})
+dtutils.libdoc.functions["check_min_api_version"] = {
+  Name = [[check_min_api_version]],
+  Synopsis = [[check the minimum required api version against the current api version]],
+  Usage = [[local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+
+    local result = du.check_min_api_version(min_api, script_name)
+      min_api - string - the api version that the application was written for (example: "5.0.0")
+      script_name - string - the name of the script]],
+  Description = [[check_min_api_version compares the minimum api required for the appllication to
+    run against the current api version. The minimum api version is typically the api version that 
+    was current when the application was created. If the minimum api version is not met, then an 
+    error message is printed saying the script_name failed to load, then an error is thrown causing the
+    program to stop executing. 
+
+    This function is intended to replace darktable.configuration.check_version(). The application code
+    won't have to be updated each time the api changes because this only checks the minimum version required.]],
+  Return_Value = [[result - true if the minimum api version is available, false if not.]],
+  Limitations = [[When using the default handler on a script being executed from the luarc file, the error thrown
+    will stop the luarc file from executing any remaining statements. This limitation does not apply to script_manger.]],
+  Example = [[check_min_api_version("5.0.0") does nothing if the api is greater or equal to 5.0.0 otherwise an
+    error message is printed and an error is thrown stopping execution of the script.]],
+  See_Also = [[]],
+  Reference = [[]],
+  License = [[]],
+  Copyright = [[]],
+}
+
+function dtutils.check_min_api_version(min_api, script_name)
+  local current_api = dt.configuration.api_version_string
+  if min_api > current_api then
+    dt.print_error("This application is written for lua api version " .. min_api .. " or later.")
+    dt.print_error("The current lua api version is " .. current_api)
+    dt.print("ERROR: " .. script_name .. " failed to load. Lua API version " .. min_api .. " or later required.")
+    error("Minimum API " .. min_api .. " not met for " .. script_name .. ".", 0)
+  end
+end
 
 dtutils.libdoc.functions["split"] = {
   Name = [[split]],
diff --git a/lib/dtutils/file.lua b/lib/dtutils/file.lua
index 120b70f..f4306ff 100644
--- a/lib/dtutils/file.lua
+++ b/lib/dtutils/file.lua
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 local dtutils_file = {}
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local ds = require "lib/dtutils.string"
+local dsys = require "lib/dtutils.system"
 
 local log = require "lib/dtutils.log"
 
@@ -24,7 +26,7 @@ dtutils_file.libdoc = {
 
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "dtutils.file")
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
 gettext.bindtextdomain("dtutils.file",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
@@ -289,9 +291,12 @@ dtutils_file.libdoc.functions["file_copy"] = {
 function dtutils_file.file_copy(fromFile, toFile)
   local result = nil
   -- if cp exists, use it
-  if dtutils_file.check_if_bin_exists("cp") then
+  if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
+    result = os.execute('copy "' .. fromFile .. '" "' .. toFile .. '"')
+  elseif dtutils_file.check_if_bin_exists("cp") then
     result = os.execute("cp '" .. fromFile .. "' '" .. toFile .. "'")
   end
+
   -- if cp was not present, or if cp failed, then a pure lua solution
   if not result then
     local fileIn, err = io.open(fromFile, 'rb')
@@ -553,5 +558,55 @@ function dtutils_file.sanitize_filename(filename)
   return ds.sanitize(filename)
 end
 
+dtutils_file.libdoc.functions["mkdir"] = {
+  Name = [[mkdir]],
+  Synopsis = [[create the directory(ies) if they do not already exists]],
+  Usage = [[local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
+
+     df.mkdir(path)
+      path - string - a directory path]],
+  Description = [[mkdir creates directories if not already exists. It 
+    create whole parents subtree if needed
+  ]],
+  Return_Value = [[path - string - a directory path]],
+  Limitations = [[]],
+  Example = [[]],
+  See_Also = [[]],
+  Reference = [[]],
+  License = [[]],
+  Copyright = [[]],
+}
+function dtutils_file.mkdir(path) 
+  if not dtutils_file.check_if_file_exists(path) then
+    local mkdir_cmd = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and "mkdir" or "mkdir -p"
+    return dsys.external_command(mkdir_cmd.." "..path)
+  else
+    return 0
+  end
+end
+
+dtutils_file.libdoc.functions["rmdir"] = {
+  Name = [[rmdir]],
+  Synopsis = [[recursively remove a directory]],
+  Usage = [[local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
+
+     df.rmdir(path)
+      path - string - a directory path]],
+  Description = [[rm allow to recursively remove directories]],
+  Return_Value = [[path - string - a directory path]],
+  Limitations = [[]],
+  Example = [[]],
+  See_Also = [[]],
+  Reference = [[]],
+  License = [[]],
+  Copyright = [[]],
+}
+
+function dtutils_file.rmdir(path)
+  local rm_cmd = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and "rmdir /S /Q" or "rm -r"
+  return dsys.external_command(rm_cmd.." "..path)
+end
+
+
 return dtutils_file
 
diff --git a/lib/dtutils/system.lua b/lib/dtutils/system.lua
index 0425a10..f202d6d 100644
--- a/lib/dtutils/system.lua
+++ b/lib/dtutils/system.lua
@@ -101,4 +101,33 @@ function dtutils_system.windows_command(command)
   return result
 end
 
-return dtutils_system
\ No newline at end of file
+
+dtutils_system.libdoc.functions["launch_default_app"] = {
+  Name = [[launch_default_app]],
+  Synopsis = [[open file in default application]],
+  Usage = [[local dsys = require "lib/dtutils.file"
+
+    result = dsys.launch_default_app(path)
+      path - string - a file path]],
+  Description = [[launch_default_app allows opening a file in the application that is assigned as default 
+    for that filetype in the users's system]],
+  Return_Value = [[result - the return value signalling success or failure.]],
+  Limitations = [[]],
+  Example = [[]],
+  See_Also = [[]],
+  Reference = [[]],
+  License = [[]],
+  Copyright = [[]],
+}
+function dtutils_system.launch_default_app(path) 
+  local open_cmd = "xdg-open "
+  if (dt.configuration.running_os == "windows") then
+    open_cmd = "" -- On Windows we don't need any command. (start e.g. has problems with spaces in the filename, even if we put quoter around them.) https://stackoverflow.com/questions/13691827/opening-file-with-spaces-in-windows-via-command-prompt
+  elseif  (dt.configuration.running_os == "macos") then
+    open_cmd = "open "
+  end   
+  return dtutils_system.external_command(open_cmd .. path)
+end
+
+
+return dtutils_system
diff --git a/official/check_for_updates.lua b/official/check_for_updates.lua
index 221a660..712daab 100644
--- a/official/check_for_updates.lua
+++ b/official/check_for_updates.lua
@@ -28,10 +28,11 @@ USAGE
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local https = require "ssl.https"
 local cjson = require "cjson"
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,0},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.0", "check_for_updates") 
 
 -- compare two version strings of the form "major.minor.patch"
 -- returns -1, 0, 1 if the first version is smaller, equal, greater than the second version,
diff --git a/official/copy_paste_metadata.lua b/official/copy_paste_metadata.lua
index 4d1c70b..ca7ccae 100644
--- a/official/copy_paste_metadata.lua
+++ b/official/copy_paste_metadata.lua
@@ -26,8 +26,9 @@ USAGE
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "copy_paste_metadata")
 
 -- set this to "false" if you don't want to overwrite metadata fields
 -- (title, description, creator, publisher and rights) that are already set
diff --git a/official/delete_long_tags.lua b/official/delete_long_tags.lua
index 5a2da73..9ab1a28 100644
--- a/official/delete_long_tags.lua
+++ b/official/delete_long_tags.lua
@@ -29,7 +29,9 @@ all tags longer than the given length will be automatically deleted at every res
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,0},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.0", "delete_long_tags") 
 
 dt.preferences.register("delete_long_tags", "length", "integer",
                         "maximum length of tags to keep",
diff --git a/official/delete_unused_tags.lua b/official/delete_unused_tags.lua
index 337f5f6..4c11423 100644
--- a/official/delete_unused_tags.lua
+++ b/official/delete_unused_tags.lua
@@ -27,8 +27,9 @@ all tags that are not used will be automatically deleted at every restart
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "delete_unused_tags") 
 
 -- deleting while iterating the tags list seems to break the iterator!
 local unused_tags = {}
diff --git a/official/enfuse.lua b/official/enfuse.lua
index 04dda4d..e3b43f9 100644
--- a/official/enfuse.lua
+++ b/official/enfuse.lua
@@ -33,14 +33,18 @@ TODO
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
-require "official/yield"
+local dtsys = require "lib/dtutils.system"
+
+local PS = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and "\\" or "/"
+
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "enfuse")
 
 -- Tell gettext where to find the .mo file translating messages for a particular domain
-gettext.bindtextdomain("enfuse",dt.configuration.config_dir.."/lua/locale/")
+gettext.bindtextdomain("enfuse",dt.configuration.config_dir..PS .. "lua" .. PS .. "locale" .. PS)
 
 local function _(msgid)
     return gettext.dgettext("enfuse", msgid)
@@ -50,15 +54,21 @@ end
 -- is enfuse installed?
 local enfuse_installed = df.check_if_bin_exists("enfuse")
 
+-- instance of DT tiff exporter
+local tiff_exporter = dt.new_format("tiff")
+tiff_exporter.bpp = 16
+tiff_exporter.max_height = 0
+tiff_exporter.max_width = 0
+
 -- check the version so that we can use the correct arguments
 
 local version = nil
 
-local p = io.popen(enfuse_installed .. " --version | grep enfuse | grep -e \"[0123456789\\.]\"")
+local p = io.popen(enfuse_installed .. " --version")
 local f = p:read("all")
-version = string.match(f, "[%d\\.]+" )
-dt.print_log("enfuse version is " .. version)
 p:close()
+version = string.match(f, "enfuse (%d.%d)")
+dt.print_log("enfuse version is " .. version)
 
 
 -- initialize exposure_mu value and depth setting in config to sane defaults (would be 0 otherwise)
@@ -104,6 +114,115 @@ local depth = dt.new_widget("combobox")
   "8", "16", "32"
 }
 
+local enfuse_button = dt.new_widget("button")
+{
+  label = enfuse_installed and "run enfuse" or "enfuse not installed",
+  clicked_callback = function ()
+    -- remember exposure_mu
+    -- TODO: find a way to save it whenever the value changes
+    local mu = exposure_mu.value
+    if version < "4.2" then
+      dt.preferences.write("enfuse", "exposure-mu", "float", mu)
+    else
+      dt.preferences.write("enfuse", "exposure-optimum", "float", mu)
+    end
+
+    -- create a temp response file
+    local response_file = os.tmpname()
+    if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
+      response_file = dt.configuration.tmp_dir .. response_file -- windows os.tmpname() defaults to root directory
+    end
+    local f = io.open(response_file, "w")
+    if not f then
+      dt.print(string.format(_("Error writing to `%s`"), response_file))
+      os.remove(response_file)
+      return
+    end
+
+    -- add all filenames to the response file
+    local cnt = 0
+    local n_skipped = 0
+    local target_dir
+    for i_, i in ipairs(dt.gui.action_images) do
+
+      -- only use ldr files as enfuse can't open raws
+      if i.is_ldr then
+        cnt = cnt + 1
+        f:write(i.path..PS..i.filename.."\n")
+        target_dir = i.path
+
+      -- alternatively raws will be exported as tiff
+      elseif i.is_raw then
+        local tmp_exported = os.tmpname()..".tif"
+        if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
+          tmp_exported = dt.configuration.tmp_dir .. tmp_exported -- windows os.tmpname() defaults to root directory
+        end
+            dt.print(string.format(_("Converting raw file '%s' to tiff..."), i.filename)) 
+        tiff_exporter:write_image(i, tmp_exported, false)
+        dt.print_log(string.format("Raw file '%s' converted to '%s'", i.filename, tmp_exported))
+
+        cnt = cnt + 1
+        f:write(tmp_exported.."\n")
+        target_dir = i.path
+        
+      -- other images will be skipped
+      else
+        dt.print(string.format(_("Skipping %s..."), i.filename))
+        n_skipped = n_skipped + 1
+      end
+    end
+    f:close()
+    -- bail out if there is nothing to do
+    if cnt == 0 then
+      dt.print(_("No suitable images selected, nothing to do for enfuse"))
+      os.remove(response_file)
+      return
+    end
+
+    if n_skipped > 0 then
+      dt.print(string.format(_("%d image(s) skipped"), n_skipped))
+    end
+
+    -- call enfuse on the response file
+    -- TODO: find something nicer
+    local ugly_decimal_point_hack = string.gsub(string.format("%.04f", mu), ",", ".")
+    -- TODO: make filename unique
+    local output_image = target_dir.. PS .. "enfuse.tif"
+    local exposure_option = " --exposure-optimum "
+    if version < "4.2" then
+      exposure_option = " --exposure-mu "
+    end
+    local command = enfuse_installed.." --depth "..depth.value..exposure_option..ugly_decimal_point_hack
+                    .." -o \""..output_image.."\" \"@"..response_file.."\""
+    if dtsys.external_command( command) > 0 then
+      dt.print(_("Enfuse failed, see terminal output for details"))
+      os.remove(response_file)
+      return
+    end
+
+    -- remove the response file
+    os.remove(response_file)
+
+    -- import resulting tiff
+    local image = dt.database.import(output_image)
+
+    -- tell the user that everything worked
+    dt.print(_("enfuse was successful, resulting image has been imported"))
+    -- normally printing to stdout is bad, but we allow enfuse to show its output, so adding one extra line is ok
+    print(string.format(_("enfuse: done, resulting image '%s' has been imported with id %d"), output_image, image.id))
+  end
+}
+
+local lib_widgets = {}
+
+if not enfuse_installed then
+  table.insert(lib_widgets, df.executable_path_widget({"ffmpeg"}))
+end
+table.insert(lib_widgets, exposure_mu)
+table.insert(lib_widgets, depth)
+table.insert(lib_widgets, enfuse_button)
+
+ 
 -- ... and tell dt about it all
 dt.register_lib(
   "enfuse",                                                                    -- plugin name
@@ -115,87 +234,7 @@ dt.register_lib(
   {
     orientation = "vertical",
     sensitive = enfuse_installed,
-    exposure_mu,
-    depth,
-    dt.new_widget("button")
-    {
-      label = enfuse_installed and "run enfuse" or "enfuse not installed",
-      clicked_callback = function (_)
-        -- remember exposure_mu
-        -- TODO: find a way to save it whenever the value changes
-        local mu = exposure_mu.value
-        if version < "4.2" then
-          dt.preferences.write("enfuse", "exposure-mu", "float", mu)
-        else
-          dt.preferences.write("enfuse", "exposure-optimum", "float", mu)
-        end
-
-        -- create a temp response file
-        local response_file = os.tmpname()
-        local f = io.open(response_file, "w")
-        if not f then
-          dt.print("error writing to `"..response_file.."'")
-          os.remove(response_file)
-          return
-        end
-
-        -- add all filenames to the response file
-        local cnt = 0
-        local n_skipped = 0
-        local target_dir
-        for _, i in ipairs(dt.gui.action_images) do
-          -- only use ldr files as enfuse can't open raws. alternatively we could export raws that we encounter
-          if i.is_ldr then
-            cnt = cnt + 1
-            f:write(i.path.."/"..i.filename.."\n")
-            target_dir = i.path
-          else
-            dt.print("skipping "..i.filename)
-            n_skipped = n_skipped + 1
-          end
-        end
-        f:close()
-        -- bail out if there is nothing to do
-        if cnt == 0 then
-          dt.print("no suitable images selected, nothing to do for enfuse")
-          os.remove(response_file)
-          return
-        end
-        if n_skipped == 1 then
-          dt.print(n_skipped.." image skipped")
-        elseif n_skipped > 1 then
-          dt.print(n_skipped.." images skipped")
-        end
-
-        -- call enfuse on the response file
-        -- TODO: find something nicer
-        local ugly_decimal_point_hack = string.gsub(string.format("%.04f", mu), ",", ".")
-        -- TODO: make filename unique
-        local output_image = target_dir.."/enfuse.tiff"
-        local exposure_option = " --exposure-optimum "
-        if version < "4.2" then
-          exposure_option = " --exposure-mu "
-        end
-        local command = "enfuse --depth "..depth.value..exposure_option..ugly_decimal_point_hack
-                        .." -o \""..output_image.."\" \"@"..response_file.."\""
-        if dt.control.execute( command) > 0 then
-          dt.print("enfuse failed, see terminal output for details")
-          os.remove(response_file)
-          return
-        end
-
-        -- remove the response file
-        os.remove(response_file)
-
-        -- import resulting tiff
-        local image = dt.database.import(output_image)
-
-        -- tell the user that everything worked
-        dt.print("enfuse was successful, resulting image was imported")
-        -- normally printing to stdout is bad, but we allow enfuse to show its output, so adding one extra line is ok
-        print("enfuse: done, resulting image '"..output_image.."' was imported with id "..image.id)
-      end
-    }
+    table.unpack(lib_widgets)
   },
   nil,-- view_enter
   nil -- view_leave
diff --git a/official/generate_image_txt.lua b/official/generate_image_txt.lua
index 8dcd5d1..a214a2a 100644
--- a/official/generate_image_txt.lua
+++ b/official/generate_image_txt.lua
@@ -35,10 +35,11 @@ USAGE
 --  * make filenames with double quotes (") work
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 require "darktable.debug"
 require "official/yield"
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{2,1,0},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("2.1.0", "generate_image_txt") 
 
 dt.preferences.register("generate_image_txt",
                         "enabled",
diff --git a/official/image_path_in_ui.lua b/official/image_path_in_ui.lua
index b21a218..18e57ca 100644
--- a/official/image_path_in_ui.lua
+++ b/official/image_path_in_ui.lua
@@ -29,7 +29,9 @@ This plugin will add a widget at the bottom of the left column in lighttable mod
 
 ]]
 local dt = require "darktable"
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,0},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.0", "image_path_in_ui") 
 
 local main_label = dt.new_widget("label"){selectable = true, ellipsize = "middle", halign = "start"}
 
diff --git a/official/save_selection.lua b/official/save_selection.lua
index fd9f4f8..1d71ea9 100644
--- a/official/save_selection.lua
+++ b/official/save_selection.lua
@@ -34,7 +34,9 @@ increase it if you need more temporary selection buffers
 
 ]]
 local dt = require "darktable"
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,0},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
+
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.0", "save_selection") 
 
 local buffer_count = 5
 
diff --git a/official/selection_to_pdf.lua b/official/selection_to_pdf.lua
index f44a8dc..f6fbfe8 100644
--- a/official/selection_to_pdf.lua
+++ b/official/selection_to_pdf.lua
@@ -34,9 +34,10 @@ Plugin allows you to choose how many thumbnails you need per row
 
 ]]
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 require "official/yield"
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{2,0,0},{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("2.0.0", "selection_to_pdf")
 
 dt.preferences.register
    ("selection_to_pdf","Open with","string",
diff --git a/tools/executable_manager.lua b/tools/executable_manager.lua
index 4c8f68d..03e35f6 100644
--- a/tools/executable_manager.lua
+++ b/tools/executable_manager.lua
@@ -32,6 +32,8 @@ local dt = require "darktable"
 local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "executable_manager")
+
 local PS = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and "\\" or "/"
 
 local gettext = dt.gettext
@@ -110,7 +112,7 @@ local exec_table = {}
 
 for _,pref  in ipairs(matches) do
   local parts = du.split(pref, "=")
-  local tmp = du.split(parts[1], PS)
+  local tmp = du.split(parts[1], "/") -- preferences are stored with forward slashes
   table.insert(exec_table, tmp[#tmp])
 end
 
diff --git a/tools/gen_i18n_mo.lua b/tools/gen_i18n_mo.lua
index d3b5b5b..d032484 100644
--- a/tools/gen_i18n_mo.lua
+++ b/tools/gen_i18n_mo.lua
@@ -30,6 +30,8 @@ local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 local log = require "lib/dtutils.log"
 local dtsys = require "lib/dtutils.system"
 
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "gen_I18n_mo")
+
 -- figure out the path separator
 
 local PS = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and "\\" or "/"
diff --git a/tools/get_lib_manpages.lua b/tools/get_lib_manpages.lua
index cea3bbc..9ea2f69 100644
--- a/tools/get_lib_manpages.lua
+++ b/tools/get_lib_manpages.lua
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 local log = require "lib/dtutils.log"
 local libname = nil
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "get_lib_manpages") 
 
 local keys = {"Name", "Synopsis", "Usage", "Description", "Return_Value", "Limitations", 
               "Example", "See_Also", "Reference", "License", "Copyright"}
diff --git a/tools/get_libdoc.lua b/tools/get_libdoc.lua
index 42b19e4..ed0813a 100644
--- a/tools/get_libdoc.lua
+++ b/tools/get_libdoc.lua
@@ -5,8 +5,9 @@
 ]]
 
 local dt = require "darktable"
+local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{3,0,0},{4,0,0},{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("3.0.0", "get_libdoc") 
 
 local keys = {"Name", "Synopsis", "Usage", "Description", "Return_Value", "Limitations", 
               "Example", "See_Also", "Reference", "License", "Copyright"}
diff --git a/tools/plugin_manager.lua b/tools/plugin_manager.lua
new file mode 120000
index 0000000..bc0e1bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/plugin_manager.lua
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+/home/bill/src/plugins/lua-scripts/tools/plugin_manager.lua
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tools/script_manager.lua b/tools/script_manager.lua
index d8484ea..e16b0cc 100644
--- a/tools/script_manager.lua
+++ b/tools/script_manager.lua
@@ -455,7 +455,7 @@ end
 
 -- api check
 
-dt.configuration.check_version(...,{5,0,0})
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0")
 
 -- set up tables to contain all the widgets and choices