Helicon Focus
Helicon Focus combines photographs taken at different focus distances into one image with extended depth of field.
What Helicon Focus is
Helicon Focus combines photographs taken at different focus distances into one image with extended depth of field. It is intended for focus stacking in macro and micro photography, close-ups, jewelry and product work, landscapes, flowers, animals and still life. The software processes images at 16-bit precision, supports color profiles and opens RAW files; its Pro RAW-in-DNG-out mode saves results as DNG. It handles stacks of hundreds of high-resolution images and supports unlimited stack length. Retouching tools let users copy regions from aligned source images or combine areas from multiple outputs, with a grid for detailed work. Batch rendering can queue and split stacks, while command-line parameters let other applications call the software. Plugins export stacks from Lightroom and Capture One. Pro features include 3D model export and 2D micropanorama stitching. The fully featured trial lasts 30 days from first installation; afterward, Demo mode limits output resolution and adds a watermark. Current downloads support 64-bit Windows 10 and 11, and macOS 12 or later.
Good
- Combines focus-distance images into extended-depth-of-field results.
- Opens RAW files and processes images at 16-bit precision.
- Supports unlimited stack length.
- Batch rendering can queue and split stacks.
- Retouching tools work with aligned sources and outputs.
Watch out
- No free plan is listed.
- The fully featured trial lasts 30 days.
- Demo mode limits resolution and adds a watermark.
- Current downloads require Windows 10/11 or macOS 12 or later.
Who it suits
Helicon Focus suits photographers who need to combine images captured at different focus distances, including macro, product and still-life photographers. Batch tools, command-line calling and Lightroom or Capture One plugins may suit established image workflows.
Verdict
Helicon Focus brings stacking, retouching and batch tools together for still photography workflows. Its paid licenses include annual and lifetime options, while the post-trial Demo mode limits output.
Plans and prices
From Helicon Focus's own pricing page, checked 20 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Lite — 1 year | — | Single user · Up to four computers |
| Pro package — 1 year | — | Single user · Up to four computers |
| Premium package — 1 year | — | Single user · Up to four computers |
| Lite — lifetime | — | Single user · Up to four computers |
| Pro package — lifetime | — | Single user · Up to four computers |
| Premium package — lifetime | — | Single user · Up to four computers |
| Helicon Focus Lite — 1 year license | $30 a year | Lite features · single user · up to four computers, one copy in use at a time · Valid for one year after purchase; then reverts to demo mode. |
| Helicon Focus Pro package — 1 year license | $55 a year | Pro features · Helicon Remote for desktop computers · single user · up to four computers, one copy in use at a time · Valid for one year after purchase; then reverts to demo mode. |
| Helicon Focus Premium package — 1 year license | $65 a year | Pro features · Helicon Remote for desktop, Android, and iOS · single user · up to four computers, one copy in use at a time · Valid for one year after purchase; then reverts to demo mode. |
| Helicon Focus Lite — Lifetime license | $115, paid once | Lite features · single user · up to four computers, one copy in use at a time · Lifetime license; all updates are free. |
| Helicon Focus Pro package — Lifetime license | $200, paid once | Pro features · Helicon Remote for desktop computers · single user · up to four computers, one copy in use at a time · Lifetime license; all updates are free. |
| Helicon Focus Premium package — Lifetime license | $240, paid once | Pro features · Helicon Remote for desktop, Android, and iOS · single user · up to four computers, one copy in use at a time · Lifetime license; all updates are free. |
The facts
Each one read from Helicon Focus's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 3D and panorama
- Pro features include 3D model export and 2D micropanorama stitching.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Editing tools
- Retouching tools can copy areas from aligned source images or combine areas from multiple outputs, and a grid supports detailed retouching.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Image processing
- The software processes images with 16-bit precision and supports color profiles for color reproduction.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The maker describes plugins for exporting stacks from Lightroom and Capture One to Helicon Focus.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Minimum requirements
- The downloads page lists a 64-bit operating system, 8 GB RAM, and 1600×1200 screen resolution as minimum hardware requirements.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Personal data
- The maker says it collects checkout and contact-form information to provide licenses, deliver products, and provide customer support, and describes using industry-standard security technologies, procedures, and organizational measures.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Helicon Focus combines multiple images taken at different focus distances into one image with extended depth of field.checked 3 Oct 2026
- RAW workflow
- Helicon Focus can open RAW files, and its Pro RAW-in-DNG-out mode saves the result as a DNG file.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Stack capacity
- The maker says Helicon Focus can process stacks of hundreds of high-resolution images and supports unlimited stack length.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- For technical issues, the maker directs users to submit a bug report through Help → Contact support on Windows or Mac and points users to its FAQ.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Supported operating systems
- The current Helicon Focus 8 downloads are listed for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 and macOS 12.0 or later.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Target users
- The maker describes focus stacking as useful for macro and micro photography, close-ups, jewelry, product photography, landscapes, flowers, animals, and still life.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Workflow features
- Helicon Focus can queue and split stacks for batch rendering and can be called from other applications using command-line parameters.checked 3 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Nochecked 20 Sep 2026
- Trial and demo limit
- The fully featured trial starts at first installation and lasts 30 days; afterward, Demo mode limits output resolution and adds a watermark.checked 3 Oct 2026
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