Helicon 3D Viewer is a free companion utility included with Helicon Focus that reconstructs 3D surfaces from a single stack of photos. While traditional focus stacking merely blends multiple partially-focused images into one sharp photo, Helicon’s advanced algorithms compute the depth information of each pixel to build a natural, highly precise 180° topological relief map of your macro or microscopic subjects. How It Works
Depth Estimation: During standard photo stacking via Helicon Focus (typically utilizing Methods B or C), the software tracks which parts of the frame are in sharp focus across the varying slices.
Surface Reconstruction: The software converts this sharp-focus pixel progression into a grayscale depth map.
Texture Mapping: The fully focused composite photo is seamlessly mapped over the computed 3D surface mesh.
Viewer Export: With one click, the asset opens inside the standalone Helicon 3D Viewer where users can freely interact with the model. Key Customization Features
The viewer acts as a mini post-processing suite specifically for surface relief:
Relief Manipulation: Users can amplify or smooth the 3D relief texture to enhance micro-details.
Dynamic Lighting: You can add and manipulate artificial light sources to cast shadows, revealing hidden surface topography.
Viewpoint & Rotation Controls: You can change user viewing angles, invert surfaces, and precisely control rotation speeds. Supported Export Formats
Once optimized, your 3D artwork can be saved in several high-utility formats:
H3D (Helicon 3D): Native, interactive format sharable with anyone using the free utility.
Video & Animations: MP4 or Web animations displaying the smoothly rotating model. Unlike conventional videos that suffer from a paper-thin depth of field, these movies keep the entire object perfectly sharp throughout the rotation cycle.
Stereoscopic Media: Export options for anaglyph images (red/cyan 3D) and parallel stereo pairs. Main Use Cases Creating 3D models in Helicon Focus
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