Best Focus Stacking Software in 2026
Updated
In short: ImageFocus Alpha is ranked #1 of 23 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of PlaneFuse and ForgePix. The best-ranked option with a free plan is PlaneFuse.
Focus stacking combines photographs taken at different focus distances to bring more of a subject into focus. Compared on automatic alignment, batch processing, manual retouching, RAW file support, and output formats, these options offer different ways to work with image sets. ImageFocus Alpha, PlaneFuse, and ForgePix are among the named entries to consider. Check supported platforms against your setup, and weigh free-plan availability and paid-from pricing alongside the workflow features. The relevant trade-offs depend on the files you handle and how much control you want over alignment and retouching.
23 focus stacking software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
6 of the 23 here have a free tier you can use, 0 have open-source code on record, and 0 have full bars: free, open, on most of your devices and documented.
| # | App | Signal | Free tier | Open code | Devices | From | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ImageFocus AlphaWindows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 5 of 6 | Free | 6.6 | |
| 2 | PlaneFuseWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 6.6 | |
| 3 | ForgePixWindows · Mac · Linux | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 4 | Shine StackerWindows · Mac · Linux · API | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 5 | Aduku StackerWindows · Mac | Two bars | — | 2 of 6 | Free | 6.4 | |
| 6 | PICOLAYWindows | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 6.3 | |
| 7 | ChimpStackrWindows · Mac · Linux | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 8 | CKANWindows · Mac · Linux | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 9 | EnfuseWindows · Mac · Linux | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 10 | focus-stackWindows · Mac · Linux | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 11 | OpenFocusWindows · Mac · Linux | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 12 | FocusFusionWindows | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 13 | TuFuseWindows | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 14 | CombineZPWindows | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 15 | Focus Stacking OnlineWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 16 | Helicon FocusWindows · Mac | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 17 | Macro StudioWindows · Mac · Linux | Two bars | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 18 | Open GalileoNo platforms listed | No signal | — | — | 0 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 19 | PhotoAcute StudioWindows · Mac · Linux | Two bars | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 20 | Zerene StackerWindows · Mac · Linux | Two bars | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 21 | FOCUS projects 4 professionalWindows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.8 |
| 22 | Rekall FusionWindows | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 4.8 |
| 23 | Vitamin-RMac | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 4.7 |
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which focus stacking software is ranked first on Freedom251?
ImageFocus Alpha is ranked #1 of 23 with a score of 6.6. PlaneFuse is second and ForgePix third.
How many of these have a free plan?
6 of the 23 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked free-and-open first: a usable free tier and open-source code, then the platforms it runs on and its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.