CombineZP vs PICOLAY

CombineZP is a Windows focus-stacking program that combines focused regions from multiple photographs into an image with greater depth of field. Its documented methods include Do Stack and Pyramid Maximum Contrast. It provides quick and thorough image alignment, with rotation correction in thorough alignment. Batch processing can stack images, and users can adjust memory use for image sets that demand more from the computer. Macro parameters are editable for additional control over close-up stacking. JPEG is the documented output format. The program is free and the repository identifies its license as GPL-3.0. The repository preserves code originally created by Alan Hadley and shared under the GPL; it contains CombineZ5 and combineZP directories, a README, a license file, and an installer. The README refers to a compiled Windows x86 version 1.0, updated January 27, 2012, in a file named combinezp.msi. The repository says it is kept for posterity, lists no published releases, and a microscopy tools page describes the software as not maintained. Windows is the listed platform; a third-party microscopy tools page also says it works with Wine on Linux.

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.