What a side by side photo is and why you'd make one

A side by side photo puts two images next to each other in a single frame so you can compare them directly. The left image and right image sit at equal size, usually separated by a thin line or small gap. People use them to show before-and-after changes, compare two versions of the same scene, display product variations, or demonstrate the difference between two techniques.

You do not need design software or photo editing experience to make one. Most phones have built-in tools, free web tools exist that require no account, and desktop programs like Photoshop or GIMP can do it if you already use them. The simplest route depends on what device you have and whether you want to keep the original images or combine them into one file.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone's built-in photo editor or a free app like Canva can create a side by side photo in under two minutes without downloading anything extra.
  • Web tools like Pixlr, Photopea, and Canva let you upload two images, resize them to match, and read the result as a single file.
  • Desktop programs like Photoshop and GIMP give you precise control over spacing, borders, and background color, but take longer to learn.
  • The two images should be the same height so they line up visually, even if their widths are different.
  • Save your final result as a JPG or PNG file so you can share it anywhere — email, social media, or print.

Using your phone's built-in tools

iPhones and Android phones both have photo editors that can create a side by side layout without installing anything. On iPhone, open the Photos app, select a photo, tap Edit, then look for the crop or layout options — some versions show a grid icon that lets you change the frame shape. On Android, open Google Photos, select an image, tap Edit, and look for the Collage or Layout tool in the menu.

These built-in tools work best when you want a quick result and do not mind limited customization. You can usually choose how many images to include, adjust spacing, and pick a background color. The downside is that each phone brand works differently, and the options are more limited than a dedicated tool. If your phone's editor does not have a side by side option, move to a free app instead.

Creating one with Canva on any device

Canva is a free web tool that works on phones, tablets, and computers without installing anything. Go to canva.com, click Create a Design, search for "collage" or "side by side", and pick a template that shows two images side by side. Upload your first image by clicking the image placeholder on the left, then upload your second image on the right. Canva automatically resizes them to match.

Once both images are in place, you can adjust the spacing between them, change the background color, add a border, or add text. When you are done, click read in the top right corner and choose JPG or PNG. Canva's free version includes everything you need for a basic side by side photo — you do not need to pay for a premium account.

Canva works well if you want a polished result with minimal effort. The templates handle sizing for you, so you do not have to think about making the images the same height. The trade-off is less control over exact dimensions and spacing compared to desktop software.

Using Pixlr or Photopea for more control

Pixlr and Photopea are free web editors that let you control the exact size and spacing of your images. Both work in your browser without installing anything. Go to pixlr.com or photopea.com, click New or Create, and set your canvas size — for a side by side layout, make the width twice as wide as the height (for example, 1200 pixels wide by 600 pixels tall).

Upload your first image, resize it to fit the left half of the canvas, then upload your second image and resize it to fit the right half. You can add a line down the middle, adjust the background color, or leave white space between them. When finished, export the file as JPG or PNG. These tools take a few more steps than Canva but give you exact control over every element.

Pixlr and Photopea are best if you need consistent sizing across multiple side by side photos or want to match a specific layout. They have a steeper learning curve than Canva but are still much simpler than desktop software.

Making one in Photoshop or GIMP

If you already use Photoshop or GIMP, you can create a side by side photo there. In Photoshop, create a new document with the width and height you want (for example, 1200 by 600 pixels), then open your two images as layers. Resize and position each image to fit the left and right halves of the canvas. In GIMP, the process is similar — create a new image, import your photos as layers, and position them side by side.

Desktop software gives you the most control: you can feather edges, add shadows, adjust colors individually, or create complex layouts. The downside is that both programs have a learning curve, and you need to own or subscribe to them. Use this route only if you already know the software or plan to make many side by side photos and want professional results.

Making sure your images line up visually

The most common mistake is placing images of different heights next to each other, which makes them look unbalanced. If your two images are different sizes, resize them so they have the same height before placing them side by side. Most tools let you crop or scale an image — adjust the taller one down or the shorter one up so they match.

If the images are different widths, that is fine — one can be narrower than the other. What matters is that the top and bottom edges line up. If you are using a tool like Photoshop or GIMP, use guides or alignment tools to make sure the images are centered vertically. In Canva or Pixlr, the templates or grid usually handle this for you automatically.

Saving and sharing your final photo

Always save your side by side photo as JPG or PNG, not as a project file. JPG is smaller and works everywhere — email, social media, websites, and print. PNG is larger but preserves quality and works well if you need transparency or plan to edit the image again later. Most tools have a read or Export button that lets you choose the format.

Before you share, open the downloaded file on your phone or computer to make sure it looks right. Check that both images are visible, the spacing looks even, and the colors are correct. If something is off, go back to the tool, make the adjustment, and read again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a side by side photo on my phone without an app?

Yes. Open Canva.com in your phone's browser, search for a side by side or collage template, upload your two images, and read the result. You do not need to install anything or create an account. Your phone's built-in photo editor may also have a collage or layout tool — check the Edit menu in your Photos app.

What size should I make my side by side photo?

Common sizes are 1200 by 600 pixels (landscape), 600 by 1200 pixels (portrait), or 800 by 400 pixels (smaller). The exact size depends on where you plan to use it — social media, email, or print. If you are unsure, 1200 by 600 is a safe choice that works almost everywhere.

How do I make the images the same height if they are different sizes?

Most tools have a crop or scale option. Open the taller image, crop it to match the height of the shorter one, or open the shorter image and scale it up. Alternatively, create a canvas that is tall enough for both images, then position them so their top edges align — the shorter one will have empty space below it, which you can fill with a background color.

Can I add text or a caption to my side by side photo?

Yes. Canva, Pixlr, and Photopea all have text tools. Click the text button, type your caption, and position it above, below, or between the images. You can change the font, size, and color. Most tools let you add text for free.

What if I want to add a line or border between the images?

In Canva, use the Shapes tool to draw a thin vertical line down the middle. In Pixlr or Photopea, create a new layer, draw a line, and position it between the images. In Photoshop or GIMP, use the line tool or create a thin rectangle. Most tools also let you add a border around the entire image instead of just a dividing line.