What it does
Helicon Focus combines a focus stack into one image with extended apparent depth of field.
In the Lightroom Classic route, select the focus stack, export to Helicon Focus, choose a method and parameters, render, save and close to reimport the result. Method B needs consecutive focus order; radius and smoothing balance detail against halos, noise and transitions. RAW compatibility follows the selected converter. Full evaluation lasts 30 days, then Demo adds promotional text and caps saved images at 4 MP. A single-user licence permits four installed computers with one in use at a time; annual and lifetime options differ.
Strengths
- Dedicated focus-stack combination
Best for
- Macro and micro photography
Sources
- Helicon Focus - Helicon Soft (Oct 26, 2026)
- Helicon Focus evaluation, Demo and single-user licensing (Oct 26, 2026)
- Helicon Focus method, radius and smoothing tradeoffs (Oct 26, 2026)
- Helicon Focus Lightroom Classic round trip (Oct 26, 2026)