Macro Studio vs Open Galileo

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.

Open Galileo is free, open-source Windows software for focus stacking and signal integration in scientific photography, microscopy, macro photography, astrophotography, and technical documentation. It automatically aligns image sets with correlation algorithms, compensating for focus breathing and small shot differences. Focus fusion options include PMax multiband, weighted average, and depth-map methods. Astronomy mode combines signals using mean, median, sum, or sigma-clipping integration. Processing uses Laplacian, Difference of Gaussians, and variance focus measures, plus multiscale fusion with Laplacian pyramids. Optional tools provide contrast normalization, CLAHE, Unsharp Mask sharpening, and noise reduction including BM3D and approximate Noise2Void. Folders can be processed and saved automatically. JPG, PNG, TIFF, and RAW files are supported. The interface includes live previews, progress bars, parameter sliders, and a large-screen layout. It is released under CC BY-NC 4.0; commercial use needs the author's prior permission.