TuFuse review
A free Windows utility for controlled image fusion, with alignment handled elsewhere.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
TuFuse is a free Windows command-line image-fusion utility for photographers combining multiple exposures or focus settings into one composite. It accepts JPEG and TIFF inputs, with RAW input available when DCRaw is installed separately. The software is suited to users who want direct control over focus stacking and exposure blending rather than an all-in-one graphical workflow.
Its standout capability is a two-stage process: similarly exposed images can be focus-blended first, then the resulting images can be exposure-blended. TuFuse also offers single-stage image fusion, automatic focus blending for similarly exposed images, and auto-bracketing from a single input image. Output can be selected as 8-bit or 16-bit, with LZW, DEFLATE, or uncompressed options. TIFF and BigTIFF support gives the workflow room for larger output files, while RAW input expands the types of source images it can process.
The main tradeoff is workflow responsibility. TuFuse expects aligned inputs and does not provide automatic alignment. PTAssembler and Panorama Tools integrations address its wider ecosystem fit, while PTAssembler can provide alignment and a graphical interface. This makes TuFuse a practical choice for Windows photographers who already have an alignment workflow or prefer command-line controls. Photographers seeking built-in alignment, a native graphical interface, or an integrated RAW setup should choose a different tool. The official page shows version 1.60 from August 2012, so buyers should also consider whether its dated release fits their requirements.
TuFuse pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Combines focus and exposure blending in a two-stage workflow
- Supports RAW input through DCRaw plus 8-bit and 16-bit output
- Provides TIFF, BigTIFF, and multiple compression options at no cost
- Where it doesn't
- Requires aligned inputs before blending
- Command-line workflow does not provide its own graphical interface
- RAW support requires a separate DCRaw installation
TuFuse fact sheet, pricing and score →
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