Freedom251 › Design, Video & Audio
Free and open first
Best Focus Stacking Software in 2026
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.
- 24 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
OpenFocus
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1OpenFocus provides alignment, fusion, comparison, and batch tools for multi-focus image work. Users should account for unsigned app warnings and check license terms for included algorithms.
- 2
ChimpStackr
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose ChimpStackr for free focus stacking with RAW support, multiple alignment options, and both GUI and CLI workflows.
- 3
Aduku Stacker
Free plan MacWindowsAduku Stacker provides several stacking and alignment options, local processing, and a command-line engine. Note its RAW import caveat and the absence of a clone tool.
- 4
CKAN
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsCKAN combines mod discovery with installation checks for dependencies, conflicts, and game versions. Its macOS interface limitation is worth noting if you prefer a graphical client.
- 5
Focus Stacking Online
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Focus Stacking Online offers a free browser workflow for combining differently focused photos, with two listed alignment methods and a downloadable result.
- 6
focus-stack
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose focus-stack if you need a free desktop tool to combine focus-bracketed images and want control over alignment and processing.
- 7
ImageFocus Alpha
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2ImageFocus Alpha combines microscope capture with measurement, image analysis, and fluorescence functions.
- 8
ForgePix
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsForgePix brings focus stacking, astrophotography workflows, and image editing tools into one beta desktop app.
- 9
CombineZP
Free plan WindowsChoose CombineZP if you use Windows for close-up or macro focus stacking and want alignment options, batch processing, and adjustable memory use.
- 10
Enfuse
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose Enfuse if you want a free command-line tool for exposure fusion or focus stacking, with adjustable blending criteria and TIFF or JPEG output.
- 11
PlaneFuse
Free plan APILinuxMac+3PlaneFuse brings several stacking methods, retouching, and batch tools into a local workflow. Its RAW constraints and required setup are worth considering before choosing it.
- 12
FocusFusion
Free plan WindowsFocusFusion offers two stacking approaches, alignment and retouching in a free Windows app.
- 13
Shine Stacker
Free plan APILinuxMac+1Shine Stacker covers focus stacking from alignment and image processing through manual retouching and batch workflows.
- 14
Open Galileo
Free plan WindowsOpen Galileo combines focus stacking and astronomy signal integration with batch processing and optional image filters. Its Windows release is free, while commercial use requires prior permission.
- 15
PICOLAY
Free plan WindowsPICOLAY combines stack processing, image editing and 3D outputs in a portable Windows program.
- 16
TuFuse
Free plan WindowsTuFuse offers focused and exposure-based image fusion without a listed price.
- 17
FOCUS projects 4 professional
Free trial MacWindowsChoose FOCUS projects 4 professional if you need focus stacking for macro photography and value support for large stacks, alignment tools, and Lightroom integration.
- 18
Macro Studio
Free trial LinuxMacWindowsMacro Studio is suited to macro photographers who want focus stacking and non-destructive editing in a desktop app, with AI-assisted tools and integrations also available.
- 19
Helicon Focus
Free trial MacWindowsChoose Helicon Focus if focus stacking is central to your photography workflow and you want RAW support, retouching, or batch rendering. The trial lets you use the full feature set for 30 days.
- 20
PhotoAcute Studio
Free trial LinuxMacWindowsPhotoAcute Studio brings multi-frame enhancement, HDR, focus stacking, corrections, and batch processing into one desktop workflow.
5.9 Visit site - 21
Zerene Stacker
Free trial LinuxMacWindowsZerene Stacker covers focus stacking, retouching, and 3-D animation, with higher editions adding specific workflow integrations.
- 22
Rekall Fusion
Free trial WindowsRekall Fusion covers focus stacking and repeated-scene blending, with additional output and workflow options in Pro.
- 23
Vitamin-R
Free trial MacVitamin-R combines time-boxed focus sessions with distraction capture, prompts, breaks, and session tracking. Its trial lasts 14 days, and the single-user license is a one-time purchase.
- 24
Ashampoo FOCUS #6
Paid Windows
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price