Zerene Stacker
Zerene Stacker is focus stacking software for photographers working with macro subjects, including challenging details such as hairs and bristles.
What Zerene Stacker is
Zerene Stacker is focus stacking software for photographers working with macro subjects, including challenging details such as hairs and bristles. It aligns and combines images using algorithms intended to avoid halos and contour lines. Retouching is available in every edition, including the lowest-priced version. The software reads and writes 8-bit and 16-bit JPEG and TIFF files; it can read PNG and BMP, but cannot write those formats. It can also create stereo and 3-D rocking animations from a single stack. Prosumer and Professional editions include a Lightroom plugin and a controller for the StackShot automated rail. Zerene Stacker processes image files rather than communicating directly with a camera, though those editions can ingest and stack images while a USB- or wireless-connected camera is shooting. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. After the trial, saving images and projects is disabled and screen images are watermarked unless a license is installed.
Good
- Retouching is included in every version.
- Reads and writes 8-bit and 16-bit JPEG and TIFF.
- Can create stereo and 3-D rocking animations.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Licenses are one-time purchases.
Watch out
- PNG and BMP files cannot be written.
- Software processes files rather than connecting directly to cameras.
- Trial lasts 30 days.
- After the trial, saving is disabled without a license.
Who it suits
Zerene Stacker suits macro photographers who need to combine image stacks and retouch the resulting work. Prosumer and Professional editions may suit those who want a Lightroom plugin or capture workflow with a connected camera.
Verdict
Zerene Stacker focuses on combining macro image stacks, with retouching available across editions and additional workflow tools in higher editions. Check the format limits and trial restrictions against your workflow before choosing a license.
Plans and prices
From Zerene Stacker's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Student Edition | $39, paid once | For eligible students · Personal technical features · license terms apply while student · One-time cost; no periodic charges |
| Personal Edition | $89, paid once | Entry-level · basic features · trials of advanced Pro-only features · One-time cost; no periodic charges |
| Prosumer Edition | $189, paid once | Non-professional use · includes Professional technical features · One-time cost; no periodic charges |
| Professional Edition | $289, paid once | For commercial or funded use · advanced technical features · extended support · One-time cost; no periodic charges |
The facts
Each one read from Zerene Stacker's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 3D output
- It can generate stereo and 3-D rocking animations from a single stack, including difficult subjects with structural overlaps and bristles.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Camera workflow
- The software processes image files rather than communicating directly with a camera; Prosumer and Professional editions can ingest and stack images while they are being shot with a USB- or wireless-connected camera.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Download security
- The download page says malware protection software may flag the installer as untrusted or falsely identify it as malware, and directs users to download validation instructions or support.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Image formats
- It supports 8-bit and 16-bit input and output files; the FAQ specifies JPEG and TIFF input/output, with PNG and BMP readable but not writable.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Prosumer and Professional editions include a Lightroom plugin and an integrated controller for the StackShot automated rail.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the company does not use personal information for marketing or share it except as required by law or to complete a customer-initiated transaction; the software may collect IP address, version, and license-key information for piracy protection.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Zerene Stacker is focus stacking software designed for challenging macro subjects and discerning photographers.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Retouching
- Retouching is supported by all versions, including the lowest-price version.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Stack depth
- The maker states there is no intrinsic limit on stack depth and reports users processing stacks over 1,000 images.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Stacking quality
- The maker describes accurate alignment and interpolation, advanced algorithms, and clean handling of hairs and bristles without halos or contour lines.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker provides support by email and says Professional Edition includes extended access to support staff.checked 3 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- From 2026, the maker says new versions use Java 25 and require a 64-bit processor with Windows 10 or 11, macOS 10.14 or later, or a recent Linux version.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Updates and licenses
- The maker says program updates are free, and licenses other than Student Edition do not expire.checked 3 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Richland, Washington, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Trial
- The free trial provides full functionality for 30 days from first execution; afterward saving images and projects is disabled and screen images are watermarked unless a license is installed.checked 3 Oct 2026
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