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PICOLAY
What it is
PICOLAY is a Windows program that builds images from picture series, with tools for focus stacking and 3D outputs. Its stacking function combines sharp areas from images captured at different focus levels in a z-stack. From stacks, it can create depth maps, 3D projections, stereo images, hologram views, and 3D animations. Editing options include resizing, color and sharpness adjustments, filtering, rotation, flipping, painting, cloning, text, and scale bars. PICOLAY can align stack images displaced along x and y positions and harmonize their brightness. It 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 Version 2026-09-29 as the current release and lists AI-supported builds. The maker says antivirus software may flag the download because the site lacks broad distribution and a strong reputation score. PICOLAY is provided as-is without express or implied warranty and is free for non-commercial use. The maker’s September 2026 note says the new program may contain bugs. Manuals are available in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish, with tutorials and FAQs linked from the site.
For and against
For
- Combines sharp areas from different focus levels
- Creates multiple 3D views and animations
- Runs without installation
- Manuals available in five languages
Against
- Windows only
- Free use is limited to non-commercial purposes
- Provided without warranty
- Maker warns the new program may contain bugs
The verdict
PICOLAY offers stacking, alignment, editing, and 3D output tools in a portable Windows program. Consider its non-commercial-use condition, lack of warranty, and the maker’s warning that the new program may contain bugs.
Who it suits
PICOLAY may suit Windows users working with image stacks who need focus stacking, alignment, or 3D image outputs. Its stated free use is for non-commercial purposes.
Plans and prices
PICOLAY
Free for non-commercial purposes · offered as is without warranty
Read 4 Oct 2026 · picolay.de
On the record
- 3D imaging
- It can create depth maps, 3D projections, stereo images, hologram views, and 3D animations from stacks.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Alignment
- It can align displaced stack images by their x and y positions and harmonize their brightness.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Commercial use
- The maker states that PICOLAY may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Current download
- The download page labels the current release Version 2026-09-29 and lists AI-supported builds.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- Manuals are available in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish, with tutorials and FAQs also linked from the site.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Download formats
- The download page offers 64-bit versions and a 32-bit ZIP version.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Focus stacking
- It combines sharp areas from images taken at different focus levels in a z-stack.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Image editing
- It includes image resizing, color and sharpness adjustments, filtering, rotation, flipping, painting, cloning, text, and scale-bar tools.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Portability
- PICOLAY runs without installation and can be copied to a folder or USB stick.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PICOLAY generates improved images from picture series on Windows computers.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Recent development
- The maker’s September 2026 note says PICOLAY is being coded with Claude under the author’s direction and warns that the new program may contain bugs.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security note
- The maker says some antivirus software may flag the download because the site lacks broad distribution and a strong reputation score.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support contact
- The maker’s September 2026 program note invites feedback at [email protected].picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
- Warranty
- The maker provides PICOLAY as-is without express or implied warranty.picolay.de · read 4 Oct 2026
