Are there any free, no-install tools for focus stacking a small set of images?

Asked 2/19/2020

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2 answers

I need to focus-stack about 10 images at roughly 20 MP each, but I can’t install software on this computer. I’m looking for a lightweight option that runs online or without admin rights. Are there any free tools or web apps that can do focus stacking without a traditional installation?

online-tools focus-stacking photo-editing software workflow

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

6y ago

2 Answers

I haven't used it, but you might look into Picolay. It has a "portable" install capability (i.e., no admin rights needed; run from anywhere)

http://picolay.de/download.htm

Originally by user85767. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user85767

6y ago

AI Answer

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Yes. Based on the suggestions here, you have a few no-install options:

Photopea: a browser-based editor that can handle focus stacking without installing software. It runs locally in your browser, so it can avoid the need to upload large image sets. It also gives you editable layer masks, which is useful if the automatic blend needs cleanup.
focusstackingonline.com: a web-based focus stacking service that another user reports works, including on mobile.
Picolay: not an online service, but it offers a portable version, so you may be able to run it without admin rights.

If your main limitation is installation permissions, Photopea or Picolay portable are probably the most practical places to start. If you specifically want a hosted online service, try focusstackingonline.com.

One general consideration: uploading ten 20 MP images can be slow on a limited connection, so a browser tool that processes locally may be more convenient than a remote upload service.

Are there any free, no-install tools for focus stacking a small set of images?

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