The fastest way to add a second image

Open your first image in Photoshop, then go to File > Open as Layers. Find the second image on your computer and click Open. Photoshop will place it on a new layer above your first image, ready to move, resize, or blend. This is faster than opening the second image separately and dragging it over.

If you want to paste an image you've already copied, use Edit > Paste as > New Layer instead. This puts the copied image on its own layer without flattening it into your background.

Key Takeaways

  • File > Open as Layers is the standard way to add a second image — it creates a new layer automatically.
  • Each image lands on its own layer, so you can move, resize, or delete one without affecting the other.
  • Use the Move tool (keyboard shortcut V) to reposition an image after you add it.
  • The Free Transform tool (Ctrl+T on Windows, Cmd+T on Mac) lets you resize or rotate the new image to fit your design.

Understanding layers when you add an image

When you use Open as Layers, Photoshop creates a new layer for the second image and stacks it above your first one. You can see both layers in the Layers panel on the right side of your screen. The top layer is what you see first; layers below it show through only where the top layer is transparent or has gaps.

This matters because it means your original image is safe. You can move, resize, or even delete the new layer without touching the first image. If you want to swap which image is on top, click and drag a layer up or down in the Layers panel.

Moving and resizing the new image

After you add the second image, it often lands in the wrong spot or at the wrong size. Select the layer with the new image in the Layers panel, then press V to set up the Move tool. Click and drag the image to where you want it.

To resize it, press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Cmd+T (Mac) to open Free Transform. Grab a corner handle and drag to make it bigger or smaller. Hold Shift while dragging to keep the proportions the same so the image doesn't look stretched. Press Enter when you're done.

Blending two images together

If you want the new image to blend with the one below instead of sitting on top, change the layer's Blend Mode. In the Layers panel, you'll see a dropdown that says "Normal" — click it and try options like Multiply, Screen, or Overlay. Each one mixes the colors differently.

You can also lower the layer's Opacity to make it see-through. The slider is right above the Blend Mode dropdown. Drag it left to make the image fainter, so the layer below shows through more.

Cropping or masking the new image

Sometimes the second image is larger than the area where you want it. You can crop it to size using the Crop tool (press C), or you can use a layer mask to hide parts without deleting them.

To add a layer mask, right-click the layer in the Layers panel and choose Add Layer Mask > Reveal All. Then select the Paintbrush tool (press B), set your foreground color to black, and paint on the mask to hide parts of the image. Paint white to reveal them again. This is gentler than cropping because you can undo it later.

Saving your work with multiple images

When you have two or more images as separate layers, save your file as a PSD (Photoshop Document) to keep all the layers intact. Go to File > Save As, choose PSD from the format dropdown, and pick a location on your computer.

If you want to export the final result as a JPG or PNG, go to File > Export As instead. Photoshop will flatten all the layers into one image and save it in the format you choose. The original PSD stays unchanged, so you can always go back and edit the layers later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add more than two images at once?

Yes. Go to File > Open as Layers and select multiple files by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) while clicking. Photoshop will add them all as separate layers in the order you selected them.

What if the second image is way too big?

Press Ctrl+T or Cmd+T to open Free Transform, then drag a corner handle inward. Hold Shift to keep the proportions even. If it's still too large to see the handles, press Ctrl+0 or Cmd+0 to fit the whole image in your window, then try again.

How do I remove the second image without losing the first?

Click the layer with the second image in the Layers panel to select it, then press Delete or right-click and choose Delete Layer. The layer below stays untouched. If you delete the wrong layer, press Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z to undo.

Can I align two images automatically?

Yes, if they have similar content. Select both layers in the Layers panel by holding Shift and clicking them, then go to Edit > Auto-Align Layers. Photoshop will try to line them up based on matching details. This works best for photos of the same scene taken from slightly different angles.