Focus Stacking Online

Focus Stacking Online is a free browser tool for combining photos taken at different focus distances. It suits photographers who want to stack images without installing software, particularly for macro work. Its appeal is the simple online workflow; its main constraint is that a steady, consistent capture sequence matters.

Overview

Focus stacking blends the sharp regions of multiple photos into one image, a useful way to increase apparent depth of field when close-up subjects leave little room for error. The workflow is direct: add pictures, choose an alignment method and reference image, stack, then download the result. Because the service runs in a browser, it avoids a software installation, but it cannot compensate for every difference between frames. Keeping the camera fixed helps reduce movement and scene changes that can complicate the blend.

A stack may contain just two images or more than 100, making the method applicable to both small and extensive sequences. The reference image is another meaningful choice: the maker recommends selecting one according to how much of the object is in focus. A recent-stacks gallery and a social-sharing gallery feature add a way to display work, though they are secondary to the core stacking workflow.

Key features

• Standard and Beta alignment: Two methods give users an option when aligning a particular sequence. Beta can outperform Standard in some cases, but it is not a guaranteed improvement for every stack.
• Reference-image selection: Users choose a frame to guide the stack. This gives some control over the result, and makes choosing a frame with useful subject focus part of the process.
• Browser-based workflow: Add, align, stack and download without installing software. That is convenient on a supported device with a browser, but the workflow depends on capturing a suitable set of images first.

Pricing

Free — free. The plan provides free online focus stacking, and the maker describes the service as completely free to use. There is no paid tier to weigh against it, so it is a straightforward choice for occasional or regular stacking if a browser workflow fits. No seat or usage quota is stated in the plan, so there is no published cap to factor into the decision.

Platforms

The service supports the web and is described as working on home laptops and smartphones. The platform directory also associates it with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows; the stated workflow itself is online in a browser, with no installation required.

Who it's for

Focus Stacking Online is best for photographers who want a no-cost way to combine focus-bracketed images, especially macro photographers dealing with shallow depth of field. It is a sensible fit when avoiding installation matters more than having a desktop application. It is less suitable when a scene or camera is likely to shift between shots, since movement and scene variation can make stacking harder.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Free online access. The stated plan costs nothing and needs no software installation.
• Pro: Choice of alignment methods. Standard and Beta offer an alternative when one method is not a good fit for a stack.
• Pro: Works across common device types. The browser workflow is described for laptops and smartphones, and the service supports the web.
• Con: Capture consistency is important. Camera shake and scene changes can make the images harder to combine, so careful setup remains necessary.
• Con: Beta is not a universal upgrade. It may outperform Standard in some cases, leaving users to choose the method that suits their sequence.

Alternatives

For a broader set of options, browse Focus Stacking Software.

• CKAN is a free, MIT-licensed option for Linux, macOS and Windows.
• ImageFocus Alpha is free software for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, designed for compatible Euromex camera models.
• focus-stack is a free option for Linux, macOS and Windows, with no pricing or usage limits stated.
• PlaneFuse is free for personal and commercial use, has no tiers and is MIT licensed; it supports web, API, self-hosted and desktop platforms.
• ChimpStackr is free, multi-platform focus stacking software under GPL-3.0.
• ForgePix is free software under the MIT license for Linux, macOS and Windows.
• Open Galileo is a free Windows option whose maker says it will always be free; voluntary donations are accepted.
• OpenFocus is free and open source under MIT, with a GUI for Windows and macOS and a CLI for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Verdict

Choose Focus Stacking Online if you want free focus stacking in a browser and can capture a stable sequence of images. The installation-free workflow and two alignment methods are its clearest advantages. Look elsewhere if you need a desktop-specific workflow or your subject and camera are difficult to keep consistent across frames.