Using focus stacking software, several images with different focal points are combined to create a sharp image. The depth of field can vary from meters to millimeters.
You have to spend some time and effort if you want to keep a particular item in focus, such as the foreground plant, the background house, the object in the frame, etc. It is at times like these when such software proves useful.
You can get more control over your images if you use the best focus stacking software on the market. The benefits of mastering this technique are many. To begin with, you learn more about depth of field, aperture, and focus. Furthermore, you can develop compositional skills and learn how to work with them. Pick a program that meets your needs from the list below.
Helicon
Pros
- No watermark on results
- Multifunctional
- Fast visualization
- Easy to work with
Cons
- None
People looking for a robust focus stacking software will find Helicon to be an excellent option. To get started, you need to download a 30-day trial version. In addition to providing all the functions you need for this technique, it also enables you to save combined images without watermarks or copyright warnings.
Adobe Photoshop
Pros
- Tools for image correction
- Sophisticated interface with helpful tips
- Instruments for mobile and web design
- Many drawing and typography features
Cons
- No perpetual-license option
- Premium assets become very expensive
Long regarded as the industry’s leading photo editing software, Photoshop also offers extensive stacking capabilities through auto-alignment and auto-blending. Adding layers is a simple process, but pay attention to alignment. In the case of poorly aligned images, auto-blend will still work, but ghosting will result. The processing time is reasonable, but a lot depends on the size of the source images.
ON1 Photo RAW 2023
Pros
- Flawless photo retouching
- Supports RAW format of many cameras
- Hundreds of built-in photo effects
- Browsing and cataloging instruments
Cons
- No smart album function for catalogs
- Basic tools in a mobile app
Working with layers and effects is easy with ON1 Photo RAW. It is the ideal image editor for those who want a convenient, all-in-one tool that produces high-quality images at a reasonable cost. A user-friendly layout is provided by this free stacking software. Stacking focus won’t be visible right away, but you can find it on the right side of the editing toolbar.
Zerene Stacker
Pros
- User-friendly
- Fast and effective rendering
- Automatic image retouching processes
Cons
- Outdated UI
This software is a suitable alternative to Photoshop and has some excellent focus stacking features. There is a free 30-day trial, but after that, you need to buy a license, which is quite affordable. Trial versions, however, watermark all your images. Using this software is convenient and simple. Although the UI is somewhat outdated, all menu controls are well arranged.
Affinity Photo
Pros
- Supports RAW camera files
- Opens raster and vector pictures
- Panorama and HDR effects
- Layer editing
Cons
- Lack of import or photo management tools
- Confusing UI
If you are looking for a simple and convenient focus stacking program, this is it. Among its features are RAW editing, HDR combining, Panorama stitching, image retouching, batch processing, PSD editing, digital painting, 360-degree photo processing, and multi-layered composition.
CombineZP
Pros
- Great focus stacking instruments
- You can create and use macros
- Free
Cons
- Dated
- Windows-compatible
Designed to be used with microscopes, it can perform decent focus stacking as well. Depending on your needs, you can adjust the menu to get the most out of the software. The free focus stacking software is suitable for basic manipulations with photos, but may not be sufficient for more complex tasks.
Even though it’s not as feature-rich as advanced analogs, it’s handy when you’re using a camera for macro photography to increase depth of field. This is a great option if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on premium software.