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Macro Studio

Macro Studio is desktop focus-stacking software for macro photography, combining focus-bracket images with non-destructive editing tools.

Place
#12 of 24
Score
6.2
Macro Studio's website

What Macro Studio is

Macro Studio is desktop focus-stacking software for macro photography, combining focus-bracket images with non-destructive editing tools. It analyzes a set of images taken at different focus points and merges their sharp areas into one image. The editor includes adjustments, masks, retouching, cropping, image comparison, and watermarks; automatic alignment, batch processing, and RAW support are also listed. Exports include TIFF, JPEG, and DNG. AI-assisted tools offer subject masks, species identification, and draft social posts. The app runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and listed integrations include Adobe Bridge, Lightroom Classic, DxO PhotoLab, and ON1 Photo RAW. Its Lightroom plugin works with Lightroom Classic, not the cloud-based Lightroom app. The maker says photos stay on the user's machine and are not used to train AI. Macro Studio 2026 costs $59, paid once-time purchase, with a 30-day invite-only trial that unlocks all features. The license covers up to three machines and updates within the 2026 version.

Good

  • Combines focus stacking with non-destructive editing.
  • Includes masks, retouching, and image comparison.
  • Supports RAW files and exports TIFF, JPEG, and DNG.
  • Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
  • One license activates on up to three machines.

Watch out

  • Free trials are invite-only.
  • The Lightroom plugin does not support the cloud-based Lightroom app.
  • Minimum requirements include 8 GB RAM and 20 GB free disk space.
  • The 2026 license costs 59.00 USD as a one-time purchase.

Who it suits

Macro Studio is aimed at photographers stacking close-up subjects such as beetles, mushrooms, wildflowers, and water droplets. It may suit people seeking editing and stacking in one desktop app, with local photo processing.

Verdict

Macro Studio brings stacking and editing tools together for macro photography, with integrations and local processing among its listed details. Consider the Lightroom plugin limitation, invite-only trial, and one-time license cost before choosing it.

Plans and prices

From Macro Studio's own pricing page, checked 2 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
Macro Studio 2026$59, paid onceAll features · up to 3 machines per license · free updates within 2026 version · macOS, Windows, Linux · email support · One-time purchase; launch price shown as $59, reduced from $99

The facts

Each one read from Macro Studio's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

AI data use
The maker says it never trains AI on users' images.checked 2 Oct 2026
AI features
The app offers AI-assisted subject masks, species identification, and draft social posts.checked 2 Oct 2026
Audience
The maker describes the intended audience as people stacking macro subjects such as beetles, mushrooms, wildflowers, and water droplets.checked 2 Oct 2026
Editing
The built-in editor includes adjustments, masks, retouching, crop, image comparison, and watermarks.checked 2 Oct 2026
Integrations
The documentation lists integrations for Adobe Bridge, Lightroom Classic, DxO PhotoLab, and ON1 Photo RAW.checked 2 Oct 2026
License limit
Each license can be activated on up to three machines.checked 2 Oct 2026
Lightroom support
The Lightroom plugin works with Lightroom Classic; the cloud-based Lightroom app does not support the plugin.checked 2 Oct 2026
Local processing
The maker says photos stay on the user's machine and describes the product as a native desktop app with no cloud.checked 2 Oct 2026
Minimum requirements
The download page lists 8 GB RAM and 20 GB free disk space as minimum requirements.checked 2 Oct 2026
Purpose
Macro Studio is focus stacking software for macro photography that combines stacking and non-destructive editing in one desktop app.checked 2 Oct 2026
Stacking
It analyzes focus-bracket images and combines sharp regions into a single image.checked 2 Oct 2026
Support
The pricing page includes email support, and the maker says a real person reads the support email.checked 2 Oct 2026
Updates
Updates and improvements within the 2026 version are included; future major versions may be optional paid upgrades.checked 2 Oct 2026

The company

Headquarters
Austin, Texas, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026

Money

Trial
Free trials are invite-only, run for 30 days, and unlock every feature.checked 2 Oct 2026

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