Hugin is a program for creating panoramic images from photographs. In essence, it is a free open analogue of the utility, which is also based on the Panorama Tools engine.

You can create panoramas either automatically or manually. There are three operating modes for this: simple, advanced and expert. The first one is ideal for beginners: there are a minimum of complex settings and everything is as automated as possible. The Panorama Wizard will guide you step by step through all the stages of creating a panoramic image, from adding photos to choosing the final format. Advanced mode is something between automatic and manual settings: here the program can perform the main operations itself, but if you need to turn the controls or manually specify control points, you can take control yourself. In expert mode, the user has access to all settings, as well as the ability to set all values ​​manually without using graphical prompts.

Hugin can determine which lens the original images were taken on based on the EXIF ​​data, and make geometric corrections based on that. If the photos turn out to be uneven due to handheld shooting, the program will automatically straighten them. There's also vignetting correction and exposure smoothing to ensure that the brightness in the final result is evenly distributed. Among other things, we can note the choice of 22 available projections (cylindrical, equidistant, three-plane and others), the ability to change the position of the panorama on a plane or sphere (depending on the projection), cropping and a saving wizard in which you can select the format and size. In addition, in advanced mode you can use masks and many other tools.

Key Features and Functions

• creating panoramic images in various projections;
• the ability to create multi-row gigapixel panoramas;
• three operating modes: simple, advanced and expert;
• step-by-step panorama wizard in simple mode;
• automatic placement of control points with the possibility of manual adjustment;
• correction of perspective, color, vignetting and exposure;
• detection of moving objects, removal of “ghosts”;
• high speed;
• the ability to use masks;
• automatic use of camera data from EXIF;
• possibility of batch image processing;
• Russified interface;
• possibility of free use of the program (GPL v2 license).

Special Requirements

• at least 256 MB of RAM (for working with large projects, preferably 512 and above);
• A processor with 2 or more cores is recommended.

What's new in this version?

2016.2.0 (01.11.2016)

In order to create quality panoramic image it doesn't have to be professional photographer or have a good understanding of how special programs work. Thanks to the rapid development information technologies There are more and more companies appearing on the Internet that provide free services for creating panoramas online.
The most famous service for creating panoramic photographs among Runet users is the resource Dermandar.

Now we will not go into the details and features of this process, since our task at this stage is limited only to introducing the novice photographer to the wonderful world of panoramic images. But it’s still worth saying a few words about what panoramas are and what they are like.

Panoramic image is a picture or photograph that allows the observer, usually located in the center, to receive maximum visual information about the space around him. Panoramic images are divided into three main types. Widescreen panoramas are long images made up of images taken from different angles.


Circular or cylindrical panoramas differ from the previous ones in that they end in the same place where they begin. And finally, spherical or volumetric panoramas are a cubic projection of an image; they are also called 3D panoramas.

Since images of this type use flash technology, they can only be viewed in a browser or using a special software. But for wide-format and cylindrical images, any image viewer can work.

To create professional panoramic images, it is best to use special programs, such as PTGui Pro or Autopano Giga. But for a simple workout it will be enough to visit online service creating Dermandar panoramas.

The service is extremely simple and convenient, so you will not have any problems using it. This service allows you to create widescreen and cylindrical panoramas. To create a widescreen panorama you will need at least three photographs good quality and best of all, the same size, while it is highly desirable that the overlap in the border area is at least 15 and no more than 20 percent.

This is necessary so that the program on the server can determine the overlap points as accurately as possible, otherwise your panorama may turn out to be of poor quality. To create a circular panorama you will need at least six images, but do not forget that the first photo must overlap the last one.

The finished images should be renamed in the order in which the pictures were taken. Let the first photo be called 1.jpg, the second 2.jpg, the third 3.jpg, and so on. On home page service press the button " Create Your Panorama", selects the type of panorama, mark the prepared images with the mouse, upload them to the server and in a few seconds your panorama will be ready.

A window will appear in the browser window in which you will be asked to save the finished panorama to your hard drive (in JPG format), create a new one or upload it to the service and receive a link to embed on a website or blog, although you will have to register for this. No registration is required to download the image.

In our material we will learn how, without the use of deep knowledge in specialized programs, you can create your own panoramic photograph. And the Internet browser will help us with this, as well as photographs prepared for this mission.

The name of the service where we will look for subsequent work is Dermandar, with its help you can create two types of panoramic images - circular panoramas, covering 360 degrees (the optimal number of frames involved is 6) and wide-angle panoramas (from 3 frames).

To get a good, accurate and beautiful panorama, it is recommended to use enough a large number of frames of the same size. Typically they are sorted by A-Z principle, that is, the first image should be called 1.jpg and the last 6.jpg, in the case of creating a panorama of six photos.

The principle of working with this service will not be difficult for you. Just click on Create Your Panorama on the main page, and then set the desired panorama type:

This is followed by a typical photo upload dialog, but do not forget about the upload order (A...Z)

After a few seconds or minutes, your panorama will appear on the screen, after which the service will offer several options for its use:

For example, you can upload the resulting panorama to the service and then use a link to embed it on your own website. However, for this you will need to register.

Or, you simply save the resulting panorama on your computer. Well, if you still want to insert it on your website, copy the Embed Code as in Youtube or other similar services.

Photo panoramas are one of the best ways demonstrate to users all the nuances of what is happening, show the object “from the inside,” and so on. Introducing 6 free tools for creating photo panoramas.

Image Composite Editor, created by Microsoft, is the easiest program to use. Image Composite Editor can create panoramas from both photos and videos.

The program contains four buttons at the top that guide you through each stage of the process - Import, Splice, Trim and Export. On the right you will see options that can further enhance the panorama. You can export your file to a variety of file formats with different quality settings. Remember to change the Quality in the drop-down menu to Superb before exporting your panorama.

Ease of use: 5
Capabilities: 6
Result: 5

The photo gallery built into Windows 7 and 8 is primarily an organization program with useful tagging features and basic editing capabilities.

One feature that is not usually associated with Photo Gallery is the creation of panoramic images. Surprisingly, this program is one of the simplest to create them.

To create a panorama, drag and drop individual photos into the Photo Gallery. Then select them, click the Create tab at the top, and then click Panorama and wait for the program to merge the photos. You will be prompted to save the panorama to your computer without any preview.

Ease of use: 5
Possibilities: 2
Result: 4

After launching Autostitch, click on the folder icon and upload your photos. The program will automatically stitch them together to create a panorama.

Ease of use: 4
Possibilities: 3
Result: 3

Hugin is an advanced panorama editing program. It allows you to stitch together photos taken with different cameras, and even several rows of photos (top and bottom) to create a large panorama. There are also options for calibrating lenses and creating 360° panoramas.

No other program has such capabilities.

After importing images, you need to accurately align them, then manually clear them of errors that the program itself will find. Only after this Hugin will start working.

Ease of use: 2
Possibilities: 5
Result: 5

Dermandar is a website that stitches your photos together in a couple of clicks.

Go to the website and choose from two options (360-degree view or wide-angle). Now select and upload your photos, then wait a few seconds for the tool to stitch them together. As a result, you will get an excellent result that you can drag with your mouse from one edge to the other. Click the Fullscreen icon to expand the image. The Options button allows you to download the file to your computer in JPEG format.

Ease of use: 5
Possibilities: 2
Result: 5

Google Photos has quickly become the default photo storage service for millions of users. It works on Android, iOS, as a website and even as a computer program. After uploading photos, a useful assistant function appears. The assistant analyzes your photos and looks for ways to improve them - whether it's creating a story from photos taken from around the same location, or adding effects to individual photos.

The assistant automatically detects adjacent photos taken from the same point and stitches them together to create a panorama.

Ease of use: 0
Possibilities: 0

Don't think that only Photoshop can create panoramas. By the way, I described how to make a panorama using Photoshop in my review ().

There are a number of free programs that do an excellent job of this task. And the best part is, you absolutely don't have to pay for them. Some of them do not even require installation on your computer.

Over many years of photography (more than 10 years), I have tried many and decided to put together my own small personal rating of free programs for creating panoramas. So, let's begin!

Rating of free programs for creating Panoramas

4th place - Canon Ptoho Stitch program

An old, good and free program that comes with Canon cameras. The program's interface is old, but it performs its functions.

How to make a panorama using Canon Photo Stitch?

Step 1- launch the program

Step 2— select photos from which the panorama will be created.

Step 3— we start combining the photos into one large panorama frame.

At the same time, you can enable the option to display the seams along which the photos are combined.

Step 4— Select panorama generation settings (the program offers a choice of possible options)

Step 5— crop the edges of the panorama and save it to a file.

Result of work Canon Photo Stitch - assembled separate panorama with cropped edges. Very good, but it took a lot of manual work!

3rd place - Hugin program

A free program from a large team of authors with extensive but confusing functionality. In my opinion too difficult for a beginner. One of the advantages is that there is support for the Russian language in the interface.

How to make a panorama using Hugin?

Step 1- launch the program. When you open it, there is a set of tips for beginners - a small bonus from the developers.

Step 2— We set the settings for creating a panorama using Hugin - the folder for saving, the name of the files, etc. There are a lot of settings, so hang in there :)

Step 3— Upload photos to create a panorama.

Step 4— Select the lens type and look at the aligned images.

Step 5— Select the settings for creating a panorama before generating the resulting photo.

Saving the panorama.....

As a result, we get this processed panoramic photo by using free program Hugin.

2nd place - MS Image Composite Editor program

Yes, yes, you heard right - the letters MS means that this program was made by Microsoft. Moreover, it’s free! 🙂

Cons - there is no Russian interface, but the program is so simple that you don’t need to read too much.

How to make a panorama using MS Image Composite Editor?

Step 1- open the program and go to the settings section - upper right part of the window - see the gear.

Step 2— select a photo to create a panorama. Button in the top header - “New Panorama from Images”

You have completed step 1 - imported photos for the panorama.

Step 3— combining photos into one picture — “Stitch”

After you receive the panorama, you can enlarge it for viewing using the sliders.

Step 4— If you need to crop a photo, go to the “Crop” button.

For cropping, markers are used, exactly the same as in Photoshop for this command.

If everything suits you, save it.

As a result, you receive a finished processed panorama using the MS Image Composite Editor program

1st place - AutoStitch program

My favorite free program for creating panoramas!

What captivates her?

• no need to install on PC, just open the archive and work
• minimum settings for creating a panorama
• small program size
• smart frame detection

How to make a panorama using AutoStitch?

Step 1- launch the program and go to settings

Step 2— Open the photos and add them to the program

ALL…. I repeat... THAT'S ALL! 🙂

the program will do the rest itself.

The result of the program will be a assembled panorama from the files that you added.

If you are still not satisfied with this functionality, you can make panoramas using Photoshop CS ().

Additional Information free program for creating panoramas:

• AutoStitch - Website address - http://matthewalunbrown.com/autostitch/autostitch.html
• MS Image Composite Editor - Website address - http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/redmond/projects/ice/
• Hugin - Website address -
• Canon Ptoho Stitch— Website address — http://support-au.canon.com.au/contents/AU/EN/0200246607.html (select the Download checkbox to see the download link)

Video review of free programs for creating panoramas (Rating)