StarTrail Studio

Your first stack

If you are unsure which settings you need, make a stack with effects off first. It will show you what needs attention. Then change one thing at a time so you can tell whether it helped.

Step 1 of 6

Prepare your sequence

Prepare consecutive photographs with the same framing. Use Nikon NEF, Fujifilm RAF, Sony ARW/SRF/SR2 and Canon CRW/CR2/CR3 directly, or JPG, PNG and TIFF, keeping consistent dimensions and adjustments.

Individual photograph · Original sample
Individual photograph · Original sample
Next: Add photographs →

Step 2 of 6

Add photographs

Use Add images, Add folder, or drag files/folders into Frames.

Add images or Add folder.Enlarge screenshot ↗
Add images or Add folder.
Screenshot detail · FramesAdd images or Add folder.
← PreviousNext: Review the selection →

Step 3 of 6

Review the selection

Inspect the photographs and uncheck those you want to exclude. All included images must have matching dimensions.

Inspect photographs and uncheck those you want to exclude.Enlarge screenshot ↗
Inspect photographs and uncheck those you want to exclude.
Screenshot detail · FramesInspect photographs and uncheck those you want to exclude.
← PreviousNext: Stack with effects off →

Step 4 of 6

Stack with effects off

Select Trails, leave effects off and click Stack for an initial Lighten reference result.

Lighten result. Select Final image to inspect the stack.Enlarge screenshot ↗
Lighten result. Select Final image to inspect the stack.
← PreviousNext: Export the image →

Step 5 of 6

Export the image

Click Export, choose the destination, name and format, then save the image.

Export saves a separate image.Enlarge screenshot ↗
Export saves a separate image.
← PreviousNext: Save the project →

Step 6 of 6

Save the project

Use File → Save to retain source references, selections and settings in a .stproj project.

File → Save keeps the project.Enlarge screenshot ↗
File → Save keeps the project.

Originals kept safe

When you finish, keep both the exported image and the project. The image is ready to share, while the project lets you continue working with every completed stack version at original resolution and precision, together with its settings. Keep the original photographs too, since they remain external files.

← PreviousContinue exploring →
Where should I start?
I want… Start with… Check…
A still image of stellar arcs Trails, Sky on Lighten, effects off Trail continuity and passing lights.
Arcs over a cleaner landscape Sky on Lighten and Ground on Mean with rejection Horizon mask and landscape detail.
Arcs over my favorite landscape photograph Sky on Lighten and Ground on No stacking · reference photo Reference name before Stack.
Stars with bright heads and soft tails Comet mode after a reference stack Apparent length and fading direction.
A film with natural motion Timelapse in Normal mode Order, duration, framing and flicker.
A film with growing or moving trails Timelapse in Accumulative or Moving trails Growth or expiration of older contributions.
To develop one photograph Include one original, adjust it and Export That an older Final image version is not selected.
Importing and selecting photographsA sequence is a set of photographs processed together. For regular trails, use consecutive photos of the same size and keep the framing consistent.Read topic →Projects and recoveryThe project is your StarTrail Studio working file. It stores your decisions—included photos, cleanup, masks and settings—and completed stacking versions. An exported i…Read topic →

Contents

v0.1.0 · Available offline