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SPECIFICTION
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PICOLAY

picolay.de

Free plan Windows
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Spec score 7.3 #20 of 24 in Focus Stacking Software

What it is

PICOLAY is a free Windows program for improving images made from picture series. Its focus-stacking process combines sharp areas from photographs taken at different focus levels in a z-stack. From stacks, it can generate 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. It can align displaced stack images by their x and y positions and harmonize their brightness. PICOLAY runs without installation and can be copied to a folder or USB stick. Downloads include 64-bit versions and a 32-bit ZIP version. The download page labels the current release Version 2026-09-29 and lists AI-supported builds. The maker says some antivirus programs may flag the download because distribution is limited and its reputation score is weak. PICOLAY is offered as-is without warranty and may be used freely for non-commercial purposes. Manuals are available in five languages, with tutorials and FAQs linked.

Spec sheet

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

Plans and prices

PICOLAY Free Free for non-commercial purposes · offered as is without warranty Read 4 Oct 2026 · picolay.de

Every PICOLAY plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free for non-commercial use
  • Focus stacking from z-stacks
  • Creates multiple 3D views
  • Runs without installation
  • Includes alignment and brightness harmonization

Limits

  • Windows only
  • Provided without warranty
  • Antivirus software may flag downloads
  • New program may contain bugs

Who it suits

It suits Windows users working with focus stacks who also need image editing or 3D outputs. Its portable, non-commercial distribution fits users who do not want an installation step.

Verdict

PICOLAY combines focus stacking, stack alignment, editing, and varied 3D generation in a portable Windows package. Non-commercial users should note the as-is warranty and the maker’s warning about possible bugs and antivirus alerts.

Where Specifiction places it

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