CombineZP

CombineZP combines the sharp areas of several photographs into a single image with greater depth of field. It is intended for close-up and macro focus stacking on Windows. Users can choose methods such as Do Stack and Pyramid Maximum Contrast, and automatic alignment has quick and thorough options; the thorough option can correct rotation. Batch processing can stack images, while configurable memory use helps accommodate image sets that demand more from the computer. Macro parameters can also be edited for additional control. JPEG is the documented output format. CombineZP is free, with a GPL-3.0 license. The repository preserves the software and refers to a Windows x86 installer, version 1.0, updated January 27, 2012. It lists no published releases and describes the project as preserved for posterity. A microscopy tools page also says it works with Wine on Linux, though Windows is the listed platform, and describes the software as unmaintained.

CombineZP covers core focus-stacking tasks, including alignment, batch processing, and macro controls. Its preserved status and old referenced installer are key considerations for anyone choosing it.

CombineZP suits Windows users who want to combine close-up or macro photographs with different focus areas. It may also suit Linux users running it through Wine.

CombineZP is a free Windows application for building greater depth of field from multiple photographs, with alignment, stacking, batch, and macro controls aimed at close-up work. It suits photographers who can accept an old, preservation-oriented project; users requiring maintained software or broad output support should look elsewhere.

Overview

Focus stacking merges the sharp portions of several frames into one image. CombineZP concentrates on that workflow for macro and other close-up subjects, offering both alignment and selectable stacking approaches. The repository is explicitly preserved for posterity, and the referenced compiled build is version 1.0 (x86), dated January 27, 2012. That age is the central practical qualification: the core task is covered, but the project is described as unmaintained.

The code originated with Alan Hadley and was shared under the GPL; the repository identifies GPL-3.0 and includes CombineZ5 and combineZP directories, a README, and the installer. GitHub shows no published releases, so the README's installer reference is the available build path. No integrations, support channel, or security and compliance claims are documented.

Key features

• Focus stacking: CombineZP combines focused areas from multiple photographs to increase apparent depth of field. It is a direct fit for macro subjects and less compelling for users seeking a general photo editor.
• Alignment: Quick and thorough modes address differences between source frames, while thorough alignment also corrects rotation. That makes it more useful when a sequence shifts slightly than a stacker with no alignment controls.
• Stacking methods: Do Stack and Pyramid Maximum Contrast provide two named approaches to assembling a stack. The choice gives experienced users some process control without changing the program's narrow focus.
• Batch processing: Batch stacking can handle multiple image sets with less repeated intervention, a meaningful advantage for photographers processing a series rather than one composition.
• Memory controls: Users can configure memory usage for image sets that place heavier demands on the computer. This is helpful when source sets strain available resources, though it also requires users to manage those trade-offs themselves.
• Macro controls: Editable macro parameters offer additional control over close-up stacking and suit users prepared to tune the workflow.
• JPEG output: JPEG is the documented output format. That is workable for straightforward sharing, but it is a clear limitation for workflows built around other formats.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing. It is GPL-licensed and references the version 1.0 (x86) compiled build, with no paid tier, seat charge, quota, renewal, or trial term stated. This is the right fit for photographers who need basic stacking without a software budget and can source an old Windows installer. The trade-off is not a reduced feature tier but the project's age, limited documented distribution, and JPEG-only output.

Platforms

CombineZP supports Windows. A microscopy tools resource describes it as working with Wine on Linux, giving Linux users a possible compatibility route, but Windows is the stated platform and the referenced installer is an x86 MSI.

Who it's for

Choose CombineZP if you are a Windows macro or close-up photographer who values free, GPL-licensed software, automatic alignment, batch stacking, and adjustable memory or macro parameters. It is also a reasonable archival option for someone intentionally preserving an older tool.

It is a poor choice for users who need active maintenance, a modern release channel, documented support, integrations, or output beyond JPEG. Anyone unwilling to work with a 2012-era x86 build should favor a currently maintained stacker instead.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free GPL-licensed distribution: There is no subscription or paid plan barrier.
• Useful stacking workflow: Alignment, rotation correction, named stacking methods, and batch processing cover the main steps from source frames to a deeper-focus image.
• Macro-oriented control: Editable macro parameters and configurable memory usage suit demanding close-up sets.

Cons

• Unmaintained project: The preservation status makes it a weak choice when fixes or ongoing compatibility matter.
• Old referenced build: Version 1.0 (x86), updated January 27, 2012, is the documented compiled version, and no published releases are listed.
• JPEG-only documented output: Users needing another output format will find the workflow restrictive.
• Windows-centered distribution: Linux use depends on Wine rather than a stated native platform build.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison of this category, see the Focus Stacking Software list. BinEd is a free, open-source editor for Android, Linux, macOS, the web, and Windows, so choose it instead when cross-platform editing matters more than focus stacking. HexEd.it is free for commercial and non-commercial use across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, the web, and Windows, making it preferable for broad-access editing rather than photographic stacking. Bedrock Viz is a free GPL-2.0 tool for Minecraft Bedrock Edition worlds. dhex is a free Linux and macOS option. GNU hexedit is a free, open-source GNU GPL editor for Linux. Hecate is free MIT-licensed software for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Hex Editor Neo offers a free Windows tier with basic editing and limited or no support. Hex Fiend is a free, open-source macOS editor under a BSD-style license. For adjacent tools, the Hex Editors list covers that separate category.

Verdict

CombineZP is worth choosing for a Windows macro photographer who wants a no-cost, GPL-licensed stacker with alignment, batch processing, and tunable controls. Its decisive advantage is that focused workflow; its decisive weakness is the unmaintained project and old x86 build. If current maintenance, modern distribution, or flexible output are priorities, choose another focus-stacking application.