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PICOLAY

PICOLAY is a free Windows program that builds improved images from picture series.

Place
#18 of 24
Score
5.9
PICOLAY's website

What PICOLAY is

PICOLAY is a free Windows program that builds improved images from picture series. Its focus-stacking feature combines sharp regions from images captured at different focus levels in a z-stack. From stacks, it can also produce depth maps, 3D projections, stereo images, hologram views, and 3D animations. Editing tools cover resizing, color and sharpness adjustments, filtering, rotation, flipping, painting, cloning, text, and scale bars. PICOLAY can align displaced stack images by their x and y positions and harmonize brightness. It runs without installation and can be copied to a folder or USB stick. Downloads include 64-bit versions and a 32-bit ZIP; the download page labels the current release Version 2026-09-29 and lists AI-supported builds. The maker says some antivirus software may flag the download because the site has limited distribution and a weak reputation score. PICOLAY is offered as-is without warranty and may be used freely for non-commercial purposes. A September 2026 note says the new program may contain bugs.

Good

  • Combines sharp areas across focus levels.
  • Creates depth maps and 3D projections from stacks.
  • Can align displaced images and harmonize brightness.
  • Runs without installation.
  • Manuals are available in five languages.

Watch out

  • Windows is the only listed platform.
  • Free use is stated for non-commercial purposes.
  • The program is provided without warranty.
  • The maker warns the new program may contain bugs.

Who it suits

PICOLAY suits Windows users working with image stacks who want focus stacking or 3D views, along with basic image editing tools. Its stated free use is for non-commercial purposes.

Verdict

PICOLAY offers focus stacking, stack alignment, image editing, and several 3D outputs in a portable Windows program. Note the non-commercial-use terms, no-warranty provision, and the maker's warning about possible bugs.

Plans and prices

From PICOLAY's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
PICOLAYFreeFree for non-commercial purposes · offered as is without warranty

The facts

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

What it does

3D imaging
It can create depth maps, 3D projections, stereo images, hologram views, and 3D animations from stacks.checked 4 Oct 2026
Alignment
It can align displaced stack images by their x and y positions and harmonize their brightness.checked 4 Oct 2026
Commercial use
The maker states that PICOLAY may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.checked 4 Oct 2026
Current download
The download page labels the current release Version 2026-09-29 and lists AI-supported builds.checked 4 Oct 2026
Documentation
Manuals are available in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish, with tutorials and FAQs also linked from the site.checked 4 Oct 2026
Download formats
The download page offers 64-bit versions and a 32-bit ZIP version.checked 4 Oct 2026
Focus stacking
It combines sharp areas from images taken at different focus levels in a z-stack.checked 4 Oct 2026
Image editing
It includes image resizing, color and sharpness adjustments, filtering, rotation, flipping, painting, cloning, text, and scale-bar tools.checked 4 Oct 2026
Portability
PICOLAY runs without installation and can be copied to a folder or USB stick.checked 4 Oct 2026
Purpose
PICOLAY generates improved images from picture series on Windows computers.checked 4 Oct 2026
Recent development
The maker’s September 2026 note says PICOLAY is being coded with Claude under the author’s direction and warns that the new program may contain bugs.checked 4 Oct 2026
Security note
The maker says some antivirus software may flag the download because the site lacks broad distribution and a strong reputation score.checked 4 Oct 2026
Support contact
The maker’s September 2026 program note invites feedback at [email protected].checked 4 Oct 2026
Warranty
The maker provides PICOLAY as-is without express or implied warranty.checked 4 Oct 2026

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