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Helicon Focus
What it is
Helicon Focus combines photographs made at different focus distances into one image with greater depth of field. It is intended for focus stacking in macro and micro photography, close-ups, jewelry, products, landscapes, flowers, animals, and still life. Processing uses 16-bit precision and color profiles, and the software can open RAW files. Pro RAW-in-DNG-out saves results as DNG. Helicon Focus handles stacks of hundreds of high-resolution images with unlimited stack length. Retouching tools copy areas from aligned source images or combine areas from multiple outputs, with a grid for detailed work. Batch rendering can queue and split stacks, while command-line parameters allow calls from other applications. Plugins export stacks from Lightroom and Capture One. Pro features add 3D model export and 2D micropanorama stitching. It runs on 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.
For and against
For
- Handles unlimited-length image stacks
- Supports RAW files and DNG output
- Includes batch rendering and retouching
- Offers Lightroom and Capture One plugins
- Supports 3D model export in Pro
Against
- No free plan
- Demo mode adds a watermark after trial
- Requires 64-bit Windows or macOS
- Minimum requirements include 8 GB RAM
The verdict
Helicon Focus provides stacking, RAW, retouching, and batch tools for photographers who need extended depth of field. Its 30-day trial allows full-feature access before Demo mode restrictions apply.
Who it suits
It suits photographers working with focus-stacked macro, product, landscape, or still-life images. It is also aimed at users needing RAW handling, batch rendering, or retouching tools on Windows or macOS.
Plans and prices
Lite — 1 year
Single user · Up to four computers
Read 20 Sep 2026 · heliconsoft.com
Pro package — 1 year
Single user · Up to four computers
Read 20 Sep 2026 · heliconsoft.com
Premium package — 1 year
Single user · Up to four computers
Read 20 Sep 2026 · heliconsoft.com
Lite — lifetime
Single user · Up to four computers
Read 20 Sep 2026 · heliconsoft.com
Pro package — lifetime
Single user · Up to four computers
Read 20 Sep 2026 · heliconsoft.com
Premium package — lifetime
Single user · Up to four computers
Read 20 Sep 2026 · heliconsoft.com
Helicon Focus Lite — 1 year license
Lite features · single user · up to four computers, one copy in use at a time
Read 3 Oct 2026 · heliconsoft.com
Helicon Focus Pro package — 1 year license
Pro features · Helicon Remote for desktop computers · single user · up to four computers, one copy in use at a time
Read 3 Oct 2026 · heliconsoft.com
Helicon Focus Premium package — 1 year license
Pro features · Helicon Remote for desktop, Android, and iOS · single user · up to four computers, one copy in use at a time
Read 3 Oct 2026 · heliconsoft.com
On the record
- 3D and panorama
- Pro features include 3D model export and 2D micropanorama stitching.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Editing tools
- Retouching tools can copy areas from aligned source images or combine areas from multiple outputs, and a grid supports detailed retouching.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Image processing
- The software processes images with 16-bit precision and supports color profiles for color reproduction.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The maker describes plugins for exporting stacks from Lightroom and Capture One to Helicon Focus.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Minimum requirements
- The downloads page lists a 64-bit operating system, 8 GB RAM, and 1600×1200 screen resolution as minimum hardware requirements.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Personal data
- The maker says it collects checkout and contact-form information to provide licenses, deliver products, and provide customer support, and describes using industry-standard security technologies, procedures, and organizational measures.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Helicon Focus combines multiple images taken at different focus distances into one image with extended depth of field.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- RAW workflow
- Helicon Focus can open RAW files, and its Pro RAW-in-DNG-out mode saves the result as a DNG file.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Stack capacity
- The maker says Helicon Focus can process stacks of hundreds of high-resolution images and supports unlimited stack length.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- 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.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Supported operating systems
- The current Helicon Focus 8 downloads are listed for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 and macOS 12.0 or later.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Target users
- The maker describes focus stacking as useful for macro and micro photography, close-ups, jewelry, product photography, landscapes, flowers, animals, and still life.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Trial and demo limit
- The fully featured trial starts at first installation and lasts 30 days; afterward, Demo mode limits output resolution and adds a watermark.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Workflow features
- Helicon Focus can queue and split stacks for batch rendering and can be called from other applications using command-line parameters.heliconsoft.com · read 3 Oct 2026
