The simplest way depends on what you want the result to look like

Adding two images together usually means one of three things: placing them side by side, stacking them vertically, or blending one on top of the other. The tool you use depends on which result you want and what you already have on your computer.

If you have Photoshop or a similar paid editor, you can do any of these in minutes. If you work with free tools, the process is slightly longer but still straightforward — you create a canvas large enough for both images, then paste each one into place. Phone apps can do this too, though they work best when both images are already the same size.

The method also changes based on whether you want the images to overlap, sit flush against each other, or have space between them. Start by deciding what the final image should look like, then pick the tool that matches your setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Photoshop and Affinity Photo let you drag images onto a canvas and position them freely, but cost money or require a subscription.
  • Free desktop tools like GIMP and Pixlr work the same way as paid editors — you create a canvas, paste both images, and arrange them.
  • Phone apps like Canva and PicsArt are fastest if both images are already the same size, but give you less control over exact positioning.
  • The canvas size must be large enough to hold both images at their final size, so measure or estimate before you start.

Using Photoshop or Affinity Photo

Open Photoshop and create a new document. Set the width and height to match what you want the final image to be — if you're placing two 1000-pixel-wide images side by side, make the canvas 2000 pixels wide. If you're stacking them, make the canvas tall enough for both.

Go to File > Open as Layers and select your first image. Photoshop will place it on a new layer. Repeat for the second image. Now you have both images as separate layers that you can move independently using the Move tool (the cross with arrows). Drag each image to where you want it on the canvas. If one image is larger than the other, use the Scale tool to resize it first.

When both images are positioned correctly, flatten the image by going to Image > Flatten Image. This merges all layers into one. Export as JPEG or PNG depending on what you need.

Affinity Photo works almost identically — open a new document, use File > Place to add each image as a layer, position them with the Move tool, then export. The main difference is that Affinity costs a one-time fee instead of a monthly subscription.

Using GIMP (free desktop tool)

GIMP is free and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Open GIMP and create a new image with dimensions large enough for both photos. If you're unsure of the size, make it bigger than you think you need — you can crop later.

Go to File > Open as Layers and select your first image. It will appear on the canvas. Open as Layers again and add the second image. Both images are now separate layers in the Layers panel on the right side of the screen.

Select the Move tool from the toolbox (it looks like a cross with four arrows). Click on one of the images and drag it to position it where you want. Repeat for the second image. If the images are different sizes and you want them to match, use the Scale tool (under Tools > Transform Tools > Scale) to resize either one.

When you're happy with the layout, flatten the image by going to Image > Flatten Image. This combines all layers. Export as JPEG or PNG by going to File > Export As.

Using Pixlr (free online tool)

Pixlr is a browser-based editor that works on any computer without downloading anything. Go to pixlr.com and click Create a New Image. Set the width and height for your final image size.

Once the blank canvas opens, go to File > Open Image and select your first photo. It will appear on the canvas. Go to File > Open Image again and add the second photo. Both images are now layers you can see in the Layers panel on the right.

Click the Move tool (arrow icon in the toolbox) and drag each image into position. If you need to resize one, right-click it and select Transform, then drag the corner handles to make it smaller or larger.

When both images are positioned, go to Image > Flatten and then File > Export. Choose JPEG or PNG and read the result.

Using phone apps like Canva or PicsArt

Canva and PicsArt are fastest if both images are already the same size. Open Canva, tap the plus icon to create a new design, and choose a custom size. Set it to match your images or slightly larger.

Tap the plus icon again to add an image from your phone. Place your first image on the canvas. Add the second image the same way. Both images now appear as separate elements you can drag around, resize by pinching, and rotate by twisting two fingers.

Position them side by side, stacked, or overlapping depending on what you want. When you're done, tap read to save the result as a JPEG or PNG to your phone.

PicsArt works the same way — open the app, tap Create, add a blank canvas, then add both images as layers and position them. The main difference is that PicsArt has more advanced blending options if you want one image to fade into the other.

When the images are different sizes

If one image is much larger than the other, you have two choices: resize the larger one to match, or enlarge the canvas to fit both at their original size.

To resize, use the Scale tool in GIMP or Affinity Photo, or pinch-to-zoom in Canva or PicsArt. Drag the corner handles to make the image smaller while keeping its proportions. In Photoshop, select the image layer and go to Edit > Scale. Drag a corner handle while holding Shift to resize without distorting it.

If you want to keep both images at their original size, make the canvas larger instead. In GIMP, go to Image > Canvas Size and increase the width or height. In Photoshop, go to Image > Canvas Size. Add extra space in the direction you need — if you're placing images side by side, add width; if stacking them, add height.

Blending one image on top of another

If you want one image to fade into or blend with the other instead of sitting next to it, you need to adjust the opacity of the top layer. In Photoshop, Affinity Photo, and GIMP, the Opacity slider is in the Layers panel. Select the top image layer and drag the Opacity slider left to make it more transparent. At 50% opacity, you'll see both images blended together.

You can also use Blend Modes to create different effects. In Photoshop and Affinity Photo, the Blend Mode dropdown is above the Opacity slider. Try Multiply, Screen, or Overlay to see how the images interact. GIMP has the same options under the Mode dropdown in the Layers panel.

Phone apps like PicsArt have built-in blend modes too — select the top image, tap the blend icon, and choose an effect like Multiply or Screen. Canva's blending options are more limited but still available under the image settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should I make the canvas?

If you're placing two images side by side, add their widths together and use the height of the taller one. If stacking them vertically, add their heights and use the width of the wider one. For example, two 800×600 images side by side need a canvas of 1600×600. If you're unsure, make it larger and crop afterward.

Can I do this on my phone without downloading an app?

Yes, Pixlr and Canva both work in a mobile browser without an app. Go to pixlr.com or canva.com on your phone's browser, create a new image, and add both photos the same way you would on a computer. The process is slightly slower on a phone but works the same.

What file format should I save as?

Use JPEG if the combined image contains photos and you want a smaller file size. Use PNG if you need transparency or if the image contains text or graphics that need to stay sharp. Most tools default to JPEG, which is fine for most uses.

How do I undo if I position an image wrong?

In desktop tools like Photoshop and GIMP, press Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo. You can undo multiple steps by pressing it repeatedly. In phone apps, look for an undo arrow icon, usually at the top of the screen.

Can I add more than two images?

Yes, the process is the same — open each image as a layer and position it on the canvas. Make the canvas large enough to hold all of them, then arrange each one. Desktop tools handle this better than phone apps because you have more precise control over positioning.