The main difference between focus stacking and photo merging is what happens to the source photos: focus stacking blends multiple shots of the same scene, each focused at a different depth, into one fully sharp image, while photo merging places separate, unrelated photos next to each other unchanged.
What focus stacking does
Focus stacking takes several photos of the same subject, each with a different focus point, and combines the sharpest areas of each into a single image with far greater depth of field than any one shot alone. It's common in macro and product photography, where a single exposure can't keep the whole subject in focus.
What photo merging does
Photo merging doesn't analyze focus or blend exposures at all. It places separate photos, related or not, into a grid, row, or stack with a visible boundary between them.
| Focus stacking | Photo merging | |
|---|---|---|
| Input photos | Same subject, different focus points | Any separate photos |
| Output | One blended, fully sharp image | Photos placed together, unaltered |
| Requires specialized software | Yes, for alignment and blending | No, instant layout |
| Best for | Macro, product, landscape depth of field | Comparisons, collages, grids |
How to choose
- Shooting a macro or product photo where nothing stays in focus in one shot? Use focus stacking software.
- Placing two or more separate photos together for a comparison or layout? Use a merge tool.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a merge tool do focus stacking?
- No. A merge tool places photos in a layout without analyzing focus or blending exposures, which is what dedicated focus stacking software does.
- Do focus stacking photos need to be aligned first?
- Yes, focus stacking software aligns the shots before blending, since even small camera movement between exposures can shift the frame.
- Is focus stacking the same as HDR?
- No. Focus stacking blends different focus points for sharpness, while HDR blends different exposures for brightness and contrast range.