Side by side

ImageFocus Alpha vs PlaneFuse

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.

ImageFocus Alpha

Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

ImageFocus Alpha combines microscope capture with measurement, image analysis, and fluorescence functions. Its camera compatibility and the iOS App Store restriction are important practical considerations.

Visit ImageFocus Alpha

PlaneFuse

Free plan APILinuxMac+3

PlaneFuse brings several stacking methods, retouching, and batch tools into a local workflow. Its RAW constraints and required setup are worth considering before choosing it.

Visit PlaneFuse

The facts

	ImageFocus Alpha	PlaneFuse
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows	API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	euromex.com	github.com
On focus stacking software	#7 of 24	#11 of 24

ImageFocus Alpha: what it does well

Measures and annotates live or captured images.
Includes segmentation, counting, stitching, and depth-of-focus tools.
Saves images in four listed formats.
Available for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Free software updates are available.

What to know first

Designed for compatible Euromex camera models.
iOS app is available only from the App Store.
No free trial is listed.

PlaneFuse: what it does well

Four focus-stacking methods are available.
Can reject misaligned frames and thin redundant brackets.
Retouching is non-destructive.
Free for personal and commercial use.
Local API and command-line tools support automation.

What to know first

Initial setup requires Node.js and uv.
RAW stacks require the same camera and sensor mode.
RAW demosaicing is irreversible.
No camera tethering, panorama stitching, or mobile app.

Alternatives to ImageFocus Alpha Alternatives to PlaneFuse The whole list