Did I export as a 16-bit TIFF to protect image quality for my final color grade?
No stacking software is perfect. You will get "halos" (ghost edges) where a foreground object overlaps a background. Here is how to fix it:
: Focus on the closest part of the subject, take a shot, and then incrementally shift the focus further back until the entire subject has been covered. 2. Importing to Helicon Focus
If you rendered the stack using both Method B and Method C, you can use this brush to paint the clean background of Method B onto the highly detailed foreground of Method C.
: Capture more frames than you think you need. Missing even one focal plane can lead to soft "bands" in your final image.
: Computes weight based on contrast; often best for smooth surfaces.
No automated focus stacking software is perfect. You will frequently encounter minor errors such as edge halos, transparent foreground elements, or background noise. Helicon Focus includes a powerful built-in tab to manually correct these flaws using data directly from your source frames. How to Use the Retouching Brush
Click the menu and select Open Images , or drag and drop your image files directly into the left panel. Helicon Focus supports JPEG, TIFF, and native RAW formats (CR2, NEF, ARW, DNG, etc.). Step 2: Choose Your Rendering Method
Paint directly onto the right-side (stacked) image. The software will overwrite the flawed data with the clean pixels from your chosen source frame. Use the brush if you accidentally over-paint. 7. Saving and Exporting
If you own the Premium license, Helicon Focus integrates seamlessly with . This turns your computer into a focus stacking robot.
Launch Helicon Focus and drag your source files (RAW or TIFF files are highly recommended) directly into the main window. Alternatively, click . Your source files will populate the right-hand panel. Step 2: Alignment and Pre-Configuration
The Ultimate Helicon Focus User Guide: Master Focus Stacking
Keeps the image incredibly sharp but can result in harsh, abrupt transitions between focus zones.