The basic method: placing one image on top of another

To put one picture on top of another in Photoshop, you open both images, then drag one into the other as a new layer. Start by opening your background image — the one that will show behind everything else. Then open the image you want to place on top. In the top image's window, select the Move tool (the cross with arrows) from the toolbar on the left, click and drag the entire image into the background image's window, and release. Photoshop creates a new layer automatically.

The dragged image usually arrives much larger or smaller than you need. To resize it, go to Edit > Free Transform, then drag the corner handles to make it bigger or smaller. Hold Shift while dragging to keep the proportions correct. Press Enter when you are done.

If the top image does not fit in the window after dragging, you can also use File > Place Embedded to insert the second image directly. This method opens a dialog where you choose the file, and Photoshop places it as a smart object layer that you can resize when ready without losing quality.

Key Takeaways

  • Drag one open image into another using the Move tool, or use File > Place Embedded to insert a second image as a layer.
  • Resize the top image with Edit > Free Transform, holding Shift to keep proportions correct.
  • Adjust where the top image sits by moving its layer in the Layers panel or using the Move tool to reposition it on the canvas.
  • Control how much of the background shows through by lowering the top layer's opacity in the Layers panel, or by adding a layer mask to erase parts of the top image.
  • Flatten the image when you are done by going to Image > Flatten Image, which merges all layers into one before saving.

Positioning and sizing the top image

After the second image lands on your canvas, you control where it sits and how large it appears. The Move tool (keyboard shortcut V) lets you click and drag the top image anywhere on the canvas. If you need to resize it again after the initial placement, go back to Edit > Free Transform.

The Layers panel on the right side of your screen shows each layer as a separate item. Click on the layer you want to move or resize, and that layer becomes active — any changes you make affect only that layer. If you cannot see the Layers panel, go to Window > Layers to open it.

For precise positioning, you can also use the alignment tools. Select the Move tool, then click the top image layer in the Layers panel. In the tool options at the top of the screen, you will see alignment buttons that let you center the image horizontally, vertically, or both within the canvas.

Blending the top image with the background

A picture-in-picture often looks better when the edges blend smoothly rather than appearing as a hard cutout. The simplest way is to lower the opacity of the top layer so the background shows through. In the Layers panel, find the Opacity slider at the top right — it usually shows 100%. Click the number and type a lower value, like 50% or 70%, to make the top image semi-transparent.

For more control, add a layer mask to the top layer. Right-click the layer in the Layers panel and choose Add Layer Mask > Reveal All. A white rectangle appears next to the layer thumbnail. Select the Brush tool, set your foreground color to black, and paint on the mask where you want the top image to fade away. Black areas of the mask hide the layer; white areas show it. You can paint with gray for partial transparency.

Another approach is to change the blend mode of the top layer. In the Layers panel, the dropdown that says "Normal" at the top left controls how the top layer mixes with the background. Try Multiply to darken, Screen to lighten, or Overlay to increase contrast while keeping both images visible.

Removing unwanted parts of the top image

If the top image has a background you do not want to see, erase it using a layer mask or the Eraser tool. The layer mask method is safer because you can undo or adjust the erasing later. Add a layer mask as described above, select the Brush tool, set the foreground color to black, and paint over the parts you want to hide.

The Eraser tool (keyboard shortcut E) removes pixels permanently, so use it only when you are certain. Select the Eraser from the toolbar, adjust the brush size and hardness in the tool options, and paint over the areas you want gone. If you make a mistake, press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac) to undo.

For images with a solid-color background, the Select > Color Range tool can remove that background automatically. Go to Select > Color Range, click on the background color in the image, adjust the Fuzziness slider to include similar colors, and click OK. Then press Delete to remove the selected area, or add a layer mask and fill the selection with black.

Saving your final image

Before you save, flatten the image if you want a single-layer file. Go to Image > Flatten Image to merge all layers into one. This reduces file size and makes the image compatible with programs that do not support layers, but you cannot edit individual layers afterward.

To save, go to File > Export As (or Save As if you want to keep the Photoshop format with layers). Choose your format — JPEG for photos, PNG for images with transparency, or PSD to keep all layers editable. Name the file, choose where to save it, and click Export or Save.

If you think you might need to adjust the layers later, save a copy as a PSD file first, then export a JPEG or PNG for sharing or printing. The PSD keeps all your layers intact so you can go back and change the top image, resize it, or adjust the blending without starting over.

Common problems and how to fix them

If the top image appears too small or too large after you drag it in, use Edit > Free Transform again. If the image looks blurry after resizing, you may have enlarged it too much — Photoshop cannot add detail that was not there. Start with a larger original image if possible, or use Image > Scale Image to enlarge the source file before placing it.

If you cannot see the top image after dragging it in, it may be hidden behind the background layer. Check the Layers panel and click on the top layer to select it. If it is there but invisible, the opacity might be set to 0% — raise it in the Layers panel. If the layer is missing entirely, undo the last action with Ctrl+Z or Command+Z and try again.

When the edges of the top image look jagged or pixelated, you may need to add a feathered layer mask to soften them. Add a layer mask, select the Brush tool with a soft brush (not hard-edged), and paint black along the edges with low opacity to create a gradual fade rather than a sharp line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move the top image after I place it?

Yes. Select the Move tool from the toolbar (or press V), click on the top image in the canvas, and drag it to a new position. Make sure the correct layer is selected in the Layers panel, or the Move tool will move a different layer instead.

What is the difference between Place Embedded and dragging?

Dragging is faster for quick placement, but Place Embedded gives you a resize dialog before the image lands on the canvas, which can be more precise. Place Embedded also creates a smart object, which means you can resize it multiple times without losing quality — dragging creates a regular layer that degrades if you enlarge it too much.

How do I make the background show through the top image?

Lower the opacity of the top layer using the Opacity slider in the Layers panel, or add a layer mask and paint black on the areas where you want the background visible. A layer mask gives you more control over which parts fade and which stay solid.

Can I undo changes after I flatten the image?

No — flattening merges all layers permanently and you cannot separate them again. Always save a copy as a PSD file before flattening if you think you might need to edit the layers later.

What format should I save in if I want to keep editing the layers?

Save as PSD, which is Photoshop's native format and preserves all layers, masks, and adjustments. Export as JPEG or PNG only when you are finished editing and ready to share or print the final image.