Side by side
ChimpStackr vs focus-stack
Both stand on focus stacking software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose ChimpStackr for free focus stacking with RAW support, multiple alignment options, and both GUI and CLI workflows. Look elsewhere if your workflow depends on an Exposure Fusion method for focus stacking, since that method is described for varying exposure or lighting instead.
Visit ChimpStackr Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose focus-stack if you need a free desktop tool to combine focus-bracketed images and want control over alignment and processing. Consider its memory estimate and the unsigned macOS app when deciding whether it fits your setup.
Visit focus-stackThe facts
| ChimpStackr | focus-stack | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | github.com |
| On focus stacking software | #2 of 24 | #6 of 24 |
ChimpStackr: what it does well
- Free and open source under GPL-3.0.
- Supports RAW input and preserves 16-bit depth through output.
- Offers three focus-stacking methods and automatic alignment.
- Includes both a graphical interface and headless command-line tool.
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What to know first
- Source builds require Python 3.9–3.13.
- Source builds can be made only for the current platform.
- Exposure Fusion is described for varying exposure or lighting, not focus stacking.
focus-stack: what it does well
- Combines images by selecting the sharpest source at each pixel
- Can align images by resizing and rotating them
- Produces focus-stacked images, depth maps, and 3D previews
- Offers denoising and consistency filtering controls
- Uses OpenCL GPU acceleration when available
What to know first
- Default memory estimate is about 100 MB per megapixel
- The macOS application is unsigned and may be quarantined
- Linux builds require OpenCV 3.0 or newer and build tools
Alternatives to ChimpStackr Alternatives to focus-stack The whole list