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ChimpStackr

github.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.4 #4 of 24 in Focus Stacking Software

What it is

ChimpStackr is a free, open-source application for focus stacking, with graphical and headless command-line interfaces. It offers Laplacian Pyramid, Weighted Average, Depth Map, and Exposure Fusion methods. Automatic alignment supports translation, Euclidean rotation, similarity rotation and scale, and affine correction. Its 16-bit pipeline preserves bit depth from RAW input to output, and automatic cropping removes black edges caused by alignment shifts. Users can drag image files or folders into the app, compare input and output with a slider, and pause, resume, or cancel long-running stacks. Auto-tuning detects parameters from image resolution. Downloads are listed for Windows as a ZIP, macOS as a DMG, and Linux x86-64 as an AppImage; TIFF and PNG are listed output formats, and RAW files are supported. The project uses the GPL-3.0 license. Exposure Fusion is described for images with varying exposure or lighting, rather than focus stacking. Building from source requires Python 3.9–3.13, and builds can only be made for the current platform.

Spec sheet

Purpose
ChimpStackr is an open-source application for focus stacking.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
The README says gallery images were post-processed in darktable; it does not describe a software integration.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The project is licensed under GPL-3.0.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Algorithms
It offers Laplacian Pyramid, Weighted Average, Depth Map, and Exposure Fusion (HDR) stacking methods.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Auto-crop and tuning
Auto-crop removes black edges caused by alignment shifts, and auto-tuning detects parameters from image resolution.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Bit depth
Its 16-bit pipeline preserves full bit depth from RAW input to output.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build requirement
Building from source requires Python 3.9–3.13, and builds can only be made for the current platform.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Downloads
The releases page lists Windows ZIP, macOS DMG, and Linux x86-64 AppImage downloads.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
GUI and CLI
It includes a graphical interface and a headless command-line tool for focus stacking.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Image alignment
Automatic alignment supports translation, Euclidean rotation, similarity rotation and scale, and affine correction.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Image processing
Its 16-bit pipeline preserves bit depth from RAW input to output, and auto-crop removes black edges caused by alignment shifts.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integration
The README says example stacks were post-processed in darktable; it does not describe a software integration.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended use
The README describes HDR exposure fusion as suitable for varying exposure or lighting and says it is not for focus stacking.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Interfaces
It includes a graphical interface and a headless command-line tool for focus stacking.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Requirements
Building from source requires Python 3.9–3.13.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security and compliance
The README does not state security controls or compliance certifications.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support and trust
The opened project pages do not state a support policy, security certifications, or compliance claims.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Workflow controls
Users can pause, resume, or cancel long-running stacks, compare input and output with a slider, and drag image files or folders into the app.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

ChimpStackr Free Free, multi-platform focus stacking software · GPL-3.0 Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every ChimpStackr plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and licensed under GPL-3.0.
  • Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Supports RAW input and 16-bit processing.
  • Offers GUI and headless command-line tools.
  • Can pause, resume, or cancel long stacks.

Limits

  • Source builds require Python 3.9–3.13.
  • Source builds are limited to the current platform.
  • Exposure Fusion is not intended for focus stacking.

Who it suits

It suits photographers who want a free focus-stacking tool with automatic alignment and both graphical and command-line workflows. It is also relevant to users who need RAW input or a 16-bit processing pipeline.

Verdict

ChimpStackr provides multiple stacking methods, alignment options, and image-handling controls in a free multi-platform application. Check the source-build requirements if you plan to compile it, and treat Exposure Fusion as an HDR option rather than a focus-stacking method.

Where Specifiction places it

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