Helicon Focus vs Macro Studio
Helicon Focus
heliconsoft.com
Macro Studio
macrostudio.proSide by side
| Figure | Helicon Focus | Macro Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 12 | 1 |
| Spec score · Focus Stacking Software | 7.9 (#10) | 8.0 (#8) |
| Integrations | The maker describes plugins for exporting stacks from Lightroom and Capture One to Helicon Focus. | The documentation lists integrations for Adobe Bridge, Lightroom Classic, DxO PhotoLab, and ON1 Photo RAW. |
| Minimum requirements | The downloads page lists a 64-bit operating system, 8 GB RAM, and 1600×1200 screen resolution as minimum hardware requirements. | The download page lists 8 GB RAM and 20 GB free disk space as minimum requirements. |
| Purpose | Helicon Focus combines multiple images taken at different focus distances into one image with extended depth of field. | Macro Studio is focus stacking software for macro photography that combines stacking and non-destructive editing in one desktop app. |
| Support | For technical issues, the maker directs users to submit a bug report through Help → Contact support on Windows or Mac and points users to its FAQ. | The pricing page includes email support, and the maker says a real person reads the support email. |
Plans
Helicon Focus
- Lite — 1 yearPrice not published
- Pro package — 1 yearPrice not published
- Premium package — 1 yearPrice not published
- Lite — lifetimePrice not published
- Pro package — lifetimePrice not published
- Premium package — lifetimePrice not published
- Helicon Focus Lite — 1 year license$30 a year
- Helicon Focus Pro package — 1 year license$55 a year
- Helicon Focus Premium package — 1 year license$65 a year
- Helicon Focus Lite — Lifetime license$115, paid once
In their own words
Helicon Focus
Helicon Focus combines photographs captured at different focus distances into one image with extended depth of field. It is designed for focus stacking in macro and micro photography, close-ups, jewelry, products, landscapes, flowers, animals, and still life. The software processes images at 16-bit precision, supports color profiles, opens RAW files, and can save Pro results as DNG. It handles stacks of hundreds of high-resolution images and supports unlimited stack length. Retouching tools copy areas from aligned source images or combine areas from outputs, with a grid for detailed work. Batch rendering can queue and split stacks, while command-line parameters allow calls from other applications. Lightroom and Capture One plugins export stacks. Pro features add 3D model export and 2D micropanorama stitching. Current downloads support 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 12 or later. A fully featured trial lasts 30 days; Demo mode then limits resolution and adds a watermark.
Macro Studio
Macro Studio is desktop software for focus stacking and non-destructive editing in macro photography. It analyzes focus-bracket images and merges their sharp areas into one image, with automatic alignment and batch processing listed. The editor includes adjustments, masks, retouching, cropping, image comparison, and watermarks; it also supports RAW files and TIFF, JPEG, and DNG output. AI-assisted tools provide subject masks, species identification, and draft social posts. Macro Studio runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Listed integrations include Adobe Bridge, Lightroom Classic, DxO PhotoLab, and ON1 Photo RAW. Its Lightroom plugin works with Lightroom Classic, not the cloud-based Lightroom app. The maker says photos stay on the user's machine and are not used to train AI. The Macro Studio 2026 license is $59.00 USD as a one-time purchase, with a launch price shown as reduced from $99. It includes all features, use on up to three machines, and updates within the 2026 version. Free trials are invite-only, last 30 days, and unlock every feature.