TuFuse

What TuFuse is

TuFuse is a free Windows command-line program that combines selected regions from multiple images into a composite. It can use areas with the best focus, the best exposure, or both. By default, it first blends focus across images with similar exposures, then exposure-blends those intermediate results. An auto-bracketing option creates lighter and darker versions of an input image and fuses them with the original. TuFuse reads 8-bit JPEG and 8- or 16-bit TIFF files, and writes TIFF or BigTIFF output. It can also read RAW formats supported by DCRaw when that separate program is installed. The input images need to be perfectly aligned; they can be aligned in another program or captured from a tripod without moving the camera. TuFuse has no built-in graphical interface and is designed to work with PTAssembler, which can provide one and align images before invoking the program. The listed current version is 1.60, dated August 2012, with 32-bit and 64-bit downloads. It comes with no warranty.

Who it suits

TuFuse may suit Windows users who are comfortable with command-line image work and can provide aligned images. It is also designed for use with PTAssembler's graphical interface and alignment tools.

Limits

TuFuse is free, with no warranty. It does not automatically align images and has no built-in graphical interface; RAW input depends on separately installed DCRaw.

Getting started

1. Download the 32-bit or 64-bit TuFuse 1.60 version for Windows.
2. Align the images in another program, or capture them from a tripod without moving the camera.
3. Optionally install DCRaw separately to read RAW formats it supports.
4. Run TuFuse from the command line, or use PTAssembler to provide a graphical interface and align images before invoking it.

Verdict

TuFuse offers focused and exposure-based image fusion without a listed price. Its command-line interface, alignment requirement, and separate DCRaw dependency matter when deciding whether it fits a workflow.