How to Put Two Pictures Side by Side or Stacked

The simplest way depends on what you're making

Attaching two pictures together means combining them into one image file. The easiest method depends on what you already have on your computer and what the final image needs to look like. If you have Microsoft Word or Google Docs, you can paste both pictures into a document and arrange them, then save as an image. If you want to do it in actual image editing software, free tools like GIMP or Photoshop Elements let you create a canvas large enough for both pictures and place them side by side or stacked vertically. Phone apps like Canva or PicCollage are fastest if you're working on a mobile device.

The trade-off is between speed and control. A document approach takes two minutes but gives you less precise sizing. Image editing software takes longer to learn but lets you resize, rotate, or blend the pictures exactly how you want them.

Key Takeaways

Microsoft Word and Google Docs are the fastest route if you already use them — paste both pictures, arrange them, and export as an image file.
Free image editors like GIMP or Photoshop Elements give you more control over sizing and placement but require learning the software.
Phone apps like Canva or PicCollage are designed specifically for combining images and work well if you're on mobile.
The final image size and quality depend on your source pictures and the software you choose — larger source images produce sharper results.

Using Microsoft Word or Google Docs

Open a blank document in Word or Google Docs. Insert the first picture by going to Insert > Picture (or Insert > Image in Google Docs), then select the file from your computer. Resize it by dragging the corner handles so it takes up roughly half the page. Insert the second picture the same way and position it next to the first one, or below it if you want them stacked.

Once both pictures are arranged the way you want them, save the document as a PDF or image file. In Word, go to File > Save As and choose PDF. In Google Docs, go to File > read and select PDF Document or JPEG Image. The resulting file will be a single image containing both pictures. This method works well for straightforward side-by-side or stacked layouts and requires no software installation.

Using GIMP (free, works on Windows, Mac, and Linux)

GIMP is a free image editor you read and install on your computer. Open GIMP and create a new image by going to File > New. Set the width and height to accommodate both pictures — for example, if each picture is 1000 pixels wide and 800 pixels tall, create a canvas 2000 pixels wide and 800 pixels tall for a side-by-side layout, or 1000 pixels wide and 1600 pixels tall for a stacked layout.

Open the first picture as a layer by going to File > Open as Layers and selecting the file. Do the same for the second picture. Use the Move tool (press M) to position each picture where you want it on the canvas. Once both are positioned, flatten the image by going to Image > Flatten Image, then export it as a JPEG or PNG by going to File > Export As. GIMP gives you precise control but has a steeper learning curve than Word or Docs.

Using Photoshop Elements (paid, Windows and Mac)

Photoshop Elements is Adobe's simpler version of Photoshop and costs around $100 one-time or $10 per month. Open it and create a new image with dimensions that fit both pictures. Open the first picture as a layer, then open the second picture as another layer. Use the Move tool to position each picture, and resize them if needed by selecting each layer and using the Scale tool.

Once positioned, flatten the layers by going to Image > Flatten Image and save the result as a JPEG or PNG. Photoshop Elements sits between Word and full GIMP in terms of ease — it's more intuitive than GIMP but more powerful than Word, and it costs money.

Using Canva or PicCollage on your phone

Canva and PicCollage are mobile apps designed specifically for combining images. read either app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Open the app and select "Create a design" or "New collage." Choose a layout template that shows two image slots — most apps offer side-by-side, stacked, and other arrangements. Tap each slot and select a picture from your phone's camera roll. The app automatically sizes and positions them.

Once you're happy with the layout, save or export the final image to your phone's camera roll. Both apps are free with optional paid features for premium templates and fonts. This is the fastest method if you're working on a phone and don't need precise control over sizing.

Choosing the right canvas size and image format

The size of your final image depends on the size of your source pictures and how you want to arrange them. If both pictures are 1000 × 800 pixels and you place them side by side, your canvas should be 2000 × 800 pixels. If you stack them, it should be 1000 × 1600 pixels. Larger source pictures produce sharper results in the final image.

Save your final image as JPEG if file size matters (for email or web upload) or PNG if you want lossless quality. JPEG compresses the image and makes the file smaller but loses some detail. PNG keeps all the detail but creates a larger file. For most purposes, JPEG is fine.

What to do if the pictures are different sizes

If your two pictures have different dimensions — one is 1000 × 800 and the other is 1200 × 600 — you have two choices. You can resize them to match before combining them, or you can place them on a canvas and let them be different sizes. Word and Docs let you resize pictures by dragging the corners. GIMP and Photoshop Elements have dedicated resize tools under Image > Scale Image (for the whole image) or by right-clicking a layer and choosing Scale Layer.

Resizing before combining them gives you more control and usually looks cleaner. If you resize them to the same height or width, they'll look balanced when placed side by side or stacked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine pictures without downloading software?

Yes. Google Docs works in your web browser and requires no read. Open a blank document, insert both pictures, arrange them, and read the result as a PDF or JPEG. This is the fastest no-read option.

What if I want to add text or borders between the pictures?

Word, Docs, GIMP, and Photoshop Elements all let you add text boxes or draw shapes. In Word or Docs, insert a text box between the pictures. In GIMP or Photoshop Elements, use the text tool or shape tools to add borders or labels before flattening and exporting.

Will the combined image be blurry?

Only if your source pictures are small or low resolution. A picture that's 500 × 400 pixels will look blurry when enlarged. Start with the largest, highest-resolution versions of your pictures. The final image quality matches the quality of the source files.

Can I combine pictures on my phone without an app?

Not easily. Your phone's built-in photo editor usually doesn't support adding a second picture to a canvas. Canva and PicCollage are designed for this and take less than a minute. If you prefer not to install an app, use Google Docs on your phone's web browser instead.

What format should I save the final image in?

JPEG is fine for most uses — email, social media, printing. PNG is better if you need lossless quality or transparency. GIF only works for animations. For a static combined image, JPEG or PNG are your only real choices, and JPEG is smaller.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.