Helicon Focus User Guide May 2026

  • Smoothing (default 4–6): Reduces transition band visibility.
  • Click the Render button (or press F6). The software processes the stack. For 20 RAW files, this takes about 30 seconds on a modern PC.


    When you open Helicon Focus, you are greeted by a four-panel layout: helicon focus user guide

    You have a perfect stack. Now, save it.

    After rendering, you’ll have a composite. Rarely perfect – use Retouching: Click the Render button (or press F6)

    Advanced Tip: Use the "Show mask" overlay to see exactly where each pixel is being sourced from. Red areas = from source image A; Green = source B. When you open Helicon Focus, you are greeted