The fastest way: use the Photos app's built-in layout tool
Open the Photos app, find a photo you want to use, tap Edit, then scroll to the bottom and tap the three-dot menu. Look for Duplicate or swipe left through the editing tools until you see a grid icon — that's the layout tool. Tap it, and you'll see options to arrange photos in columns and rows. Select the side-by-side layout (usually the first or second option), then tap Add Photo to choose your second image. The app will resize both photos to fit the layout automatically.
This method works on iPhone running iOS 16 or later. If you don't see the layout option, your phone may be running an older version — check Settings > General > Software Update to see if an update is available.
When you're done arranging, tap Done, then Save as New Photo. This keeps your original photos untouched and saves the combined image as a separate file in your library.
Key Takeaways
- The Photos app's built-in layout tool lets you arrange two photos side by side without downloading another app, and it works on iOS 16 and later.
- You can also use free apps like Canva or PicCollage if you want more control over spacing, borders, or text overlays.
- The combined image saves as a new photo file, so your originals stay unchanged.
- If the layout tool doesn't appear, check that your iPhone is running the latest iOS version available for your device.
Using Canva for more layout choices
If the Photos app's layout tool feels too limited, Canva is free and gives you dozens of side-by-side templates. read it from the App Store, tap Create a Design, search for "collage" or "photo grid," and choose a two-photo layout. Tap the blank spaces to add your photos from your library, then adjust the spacing or add a border if you want.
Canva's free version includes most layouts and editing tools you'll need. The paid version (Canva Pro) unlocks more templates and removes watermarks, but the free version works fine for straightforward side-by-side photos. When you're finished, tap the read icon and choose Save to Photos to add it to your library.
Using PicCollage for quick arrangements
PicCollage is another free option that focuses on photo grids and collages. Open the app, tap the grid icon, select a two-photo layout, and add your images. You can adjust the size of each photo by dragging the edges, add a background color or pattern, and include text if you want.
PicCollage's interface is simpler than Canva's if you just want to arrange photos without many design options. Like Canva, it's free to read and use, though a paid version removes ads and unlocks premium layouts. Save your finished collage by tapping the share or save button and choosing Save to Photos.
Arranging photos with different aspect ratios
If one photo is tall and narrow while the other is wide and short, the layout tool will resize both to fit the same height or width. This can make one photo look stretched or squeezed. To avoid this, crop your photos to the same aspect ratio before arranging them.
Open each photo in the Photos app, tap Edit, tap the crop icon, and adjust the frame so both photos have roughly the same shape — for example, both square or both landscape. Then use the layout tool to arrange them. The result will look more balanced because neither photo has to stretch to fit.
Saving and sharing your side-by-side photo
After you save the combined image, it appears in your Photos library like any other photo. You can share it directly to Messages, Mail, or social media by opening it, tapping the share icon, and choosing where to send it. The combined image is a single file, so it counts as one photo in your storage.
If you want to edit the side-by-side photo later — for example, to add a caption or adjust the brightness — open it in the Photos app and tap Edit again. You can make changes to the whole image, but you cannot separate it back into two photos unless you undo the save when ready after creating it.
When to use each method
| Method | Best for | Time to complete |
|---|---|---|
| Photos app layout tool | Quick side-by-side photos with no extra design | 1–2 minutes |
| Canva | More layout options, borders, or text overlays | 3–5 minutes |
| PicCollage | straightforward grids with adjustable photo sizes | 2–4 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I arrange more than two photos side by side?
Yes. The Photos app's layout tool includes options for three, four, or more photos in a grid. Canva and PicCollage also offer multi-photo layouts. Choose the layout first, then add each photo to its space.
Will the combined photo be lower quality than the originals?
The quality depends on the original photos and the layout size. If both originals are high resolution, the combined image will be clear. Very small layouts may compress the image slightly, but the difference is usually not noticeable on a phone screen.
Can I undo a side-by-side photo after I save it?
Once saved, you cannot separate the combined image back into two photos. If you change your mind when ready, tap Undo before closing the editing screen. Otherwise, delete the combined photo and create a new one from your originals.
Do I need to pay for Canva or PicCollage to make side-by-side photos?
No. Both apps are free and include side-by-side layouts at no cost. Paid versions unlock more templates and remove ads, but you do not need them for basic photo arrangements.
What if my iPhone is older and doesn't have the layout tool?
Older iPhones running iOS 15 or earlier do not have the built-in layout tool. Use Canva or PicCollage instead — both work on older iOS versions and are free to read.