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SPECIFICTION
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CKAN vs PICOLAY

CKAN

github.com

PICOLAY

picolay.de

Side by side

FigureCKANPICOLAY
Price fromFreeFree
Free planYesYes
Free trial——
Open source——
WindowsYesYes
macOSYes—
LinuxYes—
Plans published11
Spec score · Focus Stacking Software8.8 (#1)7.3 (#20)
Download formatsThe latest release includes installation options for Windows, macOS, Debian and Ubuntu derivatives, Fedora and openSUSE, and Arch-based systems.The download page offers 64-bit versions and a 32-bit ZIP version.
PurposeCKAN is a repository of Kerbal Space Program mod metadata and tools for finding, installing, and managing mods.PICOLAY generates improved images from picture series on Windows computers.

Plans

CKAN

  • CKANFree

CKAN pricing →

PICOLAY

  • PICOLAYFree

PICOLAY pricing →

In their own words

CKAN

CKAN helps Kerbal Space Program players find, install, and manage mods through a client connected to an online registry. Users can refresh the registry and search by mod name, identifier, author, or relationships. CKAN uses mod metadata to select mods for the game version, install dependencies, and identify conflicts or incompatibilities. By default, a mod must be marked compatible with the exact game version; users can choose additional compatible versions, and an All filter can display incompatible mods. The client provides graphical, console, and command-line interfaces. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installation options for several Linux distributions. The executable can manage game installations from any folder; placing it in a game folder supports portable use. Mod authors can contribute or correct metadata. CKAN is open source and MIT-licensed, and is free. On macOS 10.15 and later, the console interface is the default because the graphical interface depends on a 32-bit WinForms application in Mono.

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PICOLAY

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.

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