PlaneFuse

Overview

PlaneFuse is a focus-stacking tool for photographers combining close-up, product, or landscape frames captured at different focus distances. It suits people who want local processing and control over the stacking workflow, especially those comfortable with a technical setup. Its broad stacking and automation options are compelling at no cost, but its RAW workflow has strict constraints and it does not control the camera or capture sequence.

Key features

Stacking and alignment

Four methods—PMax, DMap, weighted average, and Slab—give photographers different ways to combine a focus bracket. Translation, similarity, and perspective alignment accommodate different kinds of frame shifts; rejection of poorly aligned frames and thinning of redundant brackets can help keep a sequence usable before processing. The range is useful for varied subjects, though photographers seeking an all-in-one capture workflow will need separate camera-control software: PlaneFuse does not offer tethering or capture control.

RAW workflow and retouching

PlaneFuse fuses RAW frames from one camera and sensor mode in scene-linear RGB, then can export a re-editable Linear DNG. That is a useful route for continuing adjustments in Capture One or another RAW developer, but the same-camera, same-sensor-mode requirement rules out mixing such frames. Its required demosaicing is irreversible, a meaningful limitation for photographers who want the original RAW data to remain untouched throughout the stack.

Built-in non-destructive retouching can work on source frames or results. Exports include TIFF, PNG, JPEG, and Linear DNG for RAW stacks; the supported output formats also include depth maps. A local browser workspace adds deep zoom, source/result comparisons, a live histogram, and a reorderable job queue, giving users inspection tools without requiring a cloud workspace.

Performance and automation

NVIDIA CUDA and Apple MPS acceleration are supported, with CPU fallback and tiled processing if GPU memory runs out. That flexibility can help keep processing possible across different hardware, though actual speed will depend on the user's machine. A command-line interface and local HTTP and WebSocket API support scripting and batch stacking, making PlaneFuse a stronger fit for repeatable workflows than a purely manual desktop tool.

Privacy and setup

Processing stays on the user's computer, the application binds to 127.0.0.1, and photos are not uploaded. The local-only design also means there is no authentication; it is not a shared or hosted service. Initial setup requires Node.js and uv, so users should expect more setup work than with a conventional install-and-open application. Searchable in-app help covers shooting technique, settings, and troubleshooting.

Pricing

PlaneFuse's Free plan costs nothing and permits personal and commercial use. It has no tiers and is MIT licensed; the free offering includes the stacking, RAW support, batch processing, manual retouching, and listed output formats. There is no free trial because the software is free. With no paid tier, there is no cheaper plan that trades away features, though users take on the initial setup themselves.

Platforms

PlaneFuse supports Linux, macOS, and Windows, alongside API, web, and self-hosted availability. Its local browser workspace should not be mistaken for cloud processing: photos are processed on the user's computer. There is no mobile app.

Who it's for

PlaneFuse is best suited to macro, product, and landscape photographers who want several blending methods, local image handling, and the option to automate or batch work. Its no-cost commercial use broadens its appeal to working photographers, while the Linear DNG route may suit those who continue RAW editing elsewhere. It is a poor fit for anyone who needs capture control, panorama stitching, cloud processing, accounts, or a mobile workflow.

Pros and cons

Pros

Flexible stacking: Four methods plus three alignment approaches give users meaningful control over how focus brackets are combined.

Local workflow: Processing remains on the user's computer, with a browser workspace for inspection and retouching rather than photo uploads.

Automation without a paid tier: CLI and local HTTP and WebSocket interfaces support batch and scripted work, while the plan allows commercial use.

Multiple export paths: TIFF, PNG, JPEG, Linear DNG, and depth maps cover several downstream uses.

Cons

Technical first setup: Node.js and uv are required, adding friction for photographers who expect a standard desktop installer.

Constrained RAW stacks: Frames must share a camera and sensor mode, and demosaicing cannot be reversed.

No capture or panorama tools: Users must handle camera control and panorama stitching elsewhere.

No hosted collaboration: Cloud processing, accounts, and a mobile app are outside its scope.

Alternatives

Compare focus stacking software if you want to survey the category before choosing a workflow.

ImageFocus Alpha is a free option for users of compatible Euromex camera models, with Android and iOS support as well as desktop platforms.

OpenFocus may suit someone who wants a free, MIT-licensed option with a GUI for Windows and macOS and a CLI across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

ForgePix is another free MIT-licensed option for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Helicon Focus is a paid alternative for macOS and Windows with a free trial and single-user annual packages.

PhotoAcute Studio is a paid alternative for Linux, macOS, and Windows with a free trial; its developer is Almalence.

Shine Stacker is a free, open-source option for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with an LGPL-3.0 license.

Zerene Stacker offers a paid Student Edition for eligible students at $39, paid once, with no periodic charges and license terms that apply while the buyer is a student.

Aduku Stacker is a free alternative for macOS and Windows.

Verdict

Choose PlaneFuse if you want a free, locally processed focus-stacking workflow with multiple blend methods and scripting or batch options. The main reason to look elsewhere is a need for camera control, cloud or mobile access, or a RAW workflow that avoids its fixed camera-mode and irreversible-demosaicing constraints.