StarStaX for Windows

StarStaX is a free image stacking software designed to help photographers create star trail photos and composite images. It merges multiple photos into a single output while preserving light paths, making it ideal for astrophotography. The program simplifies the stacking process, allowing users to produce visually striking night sky images with ease.

StarStaX  includes several blending modes, including the popular Lighten mode that reveals star movement across the sky. It also supports gap filling to address small interruptions in trails. With a clean interface and quick processing, it is a helpful tool for photographers wanting to enhance their night sky photography.

Helpful features for star photography

StarStaX offers key tools needed for star trail image creation. It supports JPEG, TIFF, and PNG formats, but RAW file support requires external plug-ins, which can be inconvenient for users expecting full native compatibility. Users can choose from blending modes like Lighten, Darken, and Average to customize their output. The Gap Filling feature is especially helpful for compensating small breaks in exposures, improving the overall quality of the final image.

The interface is straightforward, with minimal setup required. Drag-and-drop functionality makes importing files simple, and processing is relatively fast based on image size and quantity. However, the software lacks real-time preview, which can make adjustments less intuitive. It also offers limited editing tools, requiring users to rely on other programs for post-processing tasks, which can disrupt workflow efficiency. Despite this, it handles large batches and produces high-resolution results effectively.

While the program excels in its field, it lacks advanced editing tools and customization features, which can limit creative control. Alternatives such as Adobe Photoshop offer far more control and post-processing options, though they require a paid subscription. Sequator is another free alternative focused on night sky stacking, but it's limited to Windows. DeepSkyStacker also offers similar functionality with more astrophotography-specific settings, making it a strong option for serious users.

A reliable tool for photographers

StarStaX is a simple yet effective solution for creating star trail photographs and composite night sky images. It’s ideal for both hobbyist and professional photographers seeking a no-cost, no-frills image stacking tool. Although it lacks advanced editing features, its ease of use, consistent performance, and quality output make it a dependable choice for enhancing astrophotography projects without the need for complex software.

• Improved memory usage for large image stacks
• Faster blending performance
• Enhanced gap filling algorithm
• Bug fixes and general stability improvements
• Minor updates to the user interface for better usability