The fastest way to add a second image

Open your first image in Photoshop, then go to File > Open as Layers and select the second image. Photoshop will place it on a new layer above your original image. Both images stay editable separately, and you can move, resize, or blend them however you want.

This is faster than opening the second image in its own window and copying it over, because Photoshop handles the layer setup for you automatically. The second image lands at full size, so you will almost always need to resize it to fit your canvas.

Key Takeaways

  • File > Open as Layers is the standard way to add a second image without manually copying and pasting.
  • Each image becomes its own layer, so you can move, resize, or delete one without affecting the other.
  • Use the Move tool to position the new image, and the Scale tool to resize it to fit your canvas.
  • If the second image is much larger than your canvas, scale it down first to avoid a layer that extends far beyond your working area.

Resizing the new image to fit your canvas

After you add the second image, it will usually be a different size than your canvas. Click on the new layer in the Layers panel to select it, then press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Cmd+T (Mac) to open the Transform tool. Drag the corner handles to resize the image. Hold Shift while dragging to keep the proportions locked so the image does not stretch or squash.

When the size looks right, press Enter to confirm the transformation. If you need to move the image after resizing, use the Move tool (the cross with arrows) to drag it to the position you want.

Positioning images side by side or overlapping

The Move tool lets you place the second image anywhere on your canvas. Select the Move tool from the toolbar on the left (it looks like a cross with four arrows), then click and drag the image to move it. You can position images side by side, stack them, or overlap them depending on what you are making.

If you want precise alignment — for example, centering the second image on top of the first — use the alignment tools. Select both layers by holding Shift and clicking each one, then go to Image > Align Layers and choose the alignment you need, such as Center or Top Edges.

Blending two images together

Once both images are on separate layers, you can blend them by changing the opacity or blend mode of the top layer. In the Layers panel, find the Opacity slider at the top right (it usually shows 100%). Lower the opacity to make the top image see-through so the bottom image shows through.

For more control, try changing the blend mode. Click the dropdown that says Normal at the top of the Layers panel and choose a different mode like Multiply, Screen, or Overlay. Each mode blends the colors differently. Experiment with a few to see which one matches the look you want.

Cropping or masking one image to show the other

If you want part of the top image to disappear so the bottom image shows through in a specific shape, use a layer mask. Right-click the top layer and choose Add Layer Mask > Reveal All. A white rectangle will appear next to the layer thumbnail in the Layers panel.

Select the Paintbrush tool, set the foreground color to black, and paint on the mask where you want the top image to disappear. Paint with white to bring it back. This method keeps both images intact — you are just hiding parts of one, not deleting anything.

If you want a cleaner edge, use the Eraser tool instead. Select the top layer (not the mask), pick the Eraser, and erase the parts you do not want to see. This permanently removes pixels, so use it only when you are sure about what you want to delete.

Flattening your image when you are done

While you are working, keep your images on separate layers so you can edit them independently. When you are finished and ready to save, flatten the image to merge all layers into one. Go to Image > Flatten Image. This combines all layers and removes transparency, which is necessary if you plan to save as JPG.

Before you flatten, save a copy of your work as a PSD file (Photoshop's native format) so you can go back and edit individual layers later if you need to. Then flatten and export as JPG, PNG, or whatever format you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add more than two images at once?

Yes. Use File > Open as Layers multiple times, or hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) and click multiple files in the Open dialog to select them all at once. Each image becomes its own layer.

What if the second image is much larger than my canvas?

Photoshop will still add it, but the layer will extend beyond your canvas edges. Use the Scale tool to resize it down before positioning. You can also go to Image > Canvas Size to make your canvas larger if you want to keep both images at full size.

How do I undo adding an image?

Press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Cmd+Z (Mac) to undo the last action. If you added the image and made other changes after, you can also delete the layer by right-clicking it and choosing Delete Layer.

Can I rotate the second image after adding it?

Yes. Press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Cmd+T (Mac) to open the Transform tool, then move your cursor outside the bounding box and drag to rotate. Press Enter when you are done.