A fast multi-focus image fusion algorithm based on lifting wavelet transform is introduced. Firstly, the original images are decomposed into four sub-bands such as LL, LH, HL and HH through the algorithm. And then, high frequency details sub-bands such as LH, HL and HH representing three directions are performed lifting wavelet inverse transform to obtain high frequency details images of sub-bands on all directions. Non-uniform weighted area energy of obtained high frequency detail images is calculated through Gaussian kernel weight algorithm. And the final fusion images are obtained according to image fusion rule based on energy. Comparing with the characteristics of multi-focus image fusion schemes, experimental results show that the method is more effective than present methods on processing speed at the condition of same fusion effect.