The basic way to add a photo to video depends on which tool you're using

Most video editors work the same way: you import your photo into the project, place it on the timeline above or below your video track, and adjust how long it stays visible. The exact steps change between tools — some use drag-and-drop, others use menu buttons — but the concept is identical. Whether you're using DaVinci Resolve (free), CapCut, iMovie, or Adobe Premiere, you'll follow this pattern: import the file, position it, set its duration, then adjust size or position if needed.

The main decision you'll make is whether the photo appears as a full-screen image or overlaid on top of your video. Full-screen means the photo replaces the video for a few seconds. Overlay means the photo sits on top of the video, usually smaller, so you see both at once. Most beginner projects use full-screen photos between video clips, while more advanced edits layer photos over video to add visual interest.

Key Takeaways

  • Import your photo by clicking File > Import or dragging it directly into the media library, depending on which editor you use.
  • Drag the photo from the library onto the timeline, positioning it where you want it to appear in the video.
  • Set the photo's duration by dragging the edge of the photo clip on the timeline — shorter drag means it appears for fewer seconds.
  • Resize or reposition the photo by selecting it and using the handles or transform tools, which vary by software.
  • Export your finished video through File > Export, choosing a format like MP4 that works on the platform you're sharing to.

How to import a photo in DaVinci Resolve (free version)

Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project. Go to File > Import Media and select the photo from your computer. It will appear in the Media Pool on the left side of the screen. You can also drag and drop a photo directly into the Media Pool if you have a file browser open.

Once the photo is in the Media Pool, drag it onto the timeline at the bottom of the screen. Drop it on the video track (the track with your video clips). The photo will appear as a clip on the timeline, and you can now adjust its length and position. If you want the photo to appear between two video clips, place it in the gap between them. If you want it to overlay your video, place it on a track above your main video track.

How to add a photo in CapCut (mobile and desktop)

In CapCut, tap or click the + button to start a new project, then import your video. Once your video is on the timeline, tap Upload (mobile) or click the import button (desktop) to add a photo. Select the photo from your device. CapCut will add it to the end of your timeline by default.

To move the photo to a different spot, hold and drag it along the timeline. To change how long the photo appears, tap or click the photo on the timeline, then adjust the duration slider. Most phones default to showing a photo for about 3 seconds, which you can shorten or lengthen. If you want the photo to overlay your video instead of replacing it, create a new layer by tapping the layer icon, then add the photo there.

How to add a photo in iMovie (Mac and iPad)

Open iMovie and create a new project. Click or tap Media at the top, then select Photos. Browse to the photo you want and double-click or tap it. iMovie will add it to the end of your timeline. You can also drag a photo directly from your Photos app into the timeline if both windows are open.

Once the photo is on the timeline, click or tap it to select it. A duration slider will appear at the bottom of the screen — drag it left to shorten how long the photo appears, or right to lengthen it. iMovie defaults to 4 seconds for a still photo. To move the photo to a different position in your video, drag it along the timeline. iMovie automatically handles the spacing, so you don't have to worry about gaps.

How to resize or reposition a photo on the timeline

After you've placed a photo on the timeline, you may want to change its size or move it within the frame. In most editors, click or tap the photo to select it, and handles (small squares) will appear around the edges. Drag these handles inward to make the photo smaller, or outward to make it larger. Dragging a corner handle keeps the photo's proportions correct — dragging a side handle can stretch or squash it.

To move the photo within the frame (not along the timeline), look for a move or transform tool in your editor's toolbar. In DaVinci Resolve, this is the Inspector panel on the right, where you can type exact position numbers. In CapCut, select the photo and use the on-screen handles to drag it. In iMovie, double-click the photo and use the crop and position tools that appear. The exact method varies, but the goal is the same: you're changing where the photo sits in the frame, not when it appears in the video.

How to add transitions or effects between photos and video

A transition is a visual effect that plays between two clips — for example, a fade where one image gradually disappears and another appears. Most editors have a transitions library you can drag between clips. In DaVinci Resolve, go to the Fusion tab and look for the Transitions panel. In CapCut, tap Effects and then Transition. In iMovie, click the Transitions button and drag a transition onto the gap between your photo and video.

You can also add effects directly to the photo itself — for example, a blur, color adjustment, or animation. Select the photo on the timeline, then look for an Effects or Adjustments panel. Most free editors include basic effects like brightness, contrast, and saturation. Paid editors like Adobe Premiere offer more advanced effects, but for a beginner project, the built-in options are usually enough. explore the effect, preview it by playing the timeline, and adjust if needed.

How to export your video with photos included

Once you've added all your photos and are happy with the result, you need to export the video. Go to File > Export (or Share in iMovie and CapCut). Choose a format — MP4 is the safest choice because it works on almost every platform and device. Set the resolution to 1080p if you're sharing online, or 4K if you're archiving or printing. Lower resolution exports faster and uses less storage.

The export process can take several minutes depending on your video's length and your computer's speed. Don't close the program until it's finished. Once the export is complete, you'll have a single video file that contains all your video clips and photos in the order you arranged them. You can now share this file on social media, email it, or upload it to a video platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add multiple photos at once?

Yes. In most editors, you can select multiple photos in your media library (usually by holding Ctrl or Cmd and clicking each one), then drag them all onto the timeline at once. They'll appear in sequence. You can then adjust each photo's duration individually by selecting it and dragging its edges on the timeline.

Why does my photo look stretched or blurry in the video?

This usually happens when the photo's aspect ratio (width-to-height shape) doesn't match your video's aspect ratio. If your video is 16:9 (widescreen) but your photo is 4:3 (square-ish), the editor will stretch it to fit. To fix this, resize the photo to match your video's dimensions before importing, or use your editor's crop tool to adjust the photo without stretching it.

How long should a photo stay on screen?

There's no fixed rule, but 2 to 4 seconds is typical for a photo that viewers should read or absorb. If the photo contains text or detail, give it 4 to 6 seconds. If it's just a visual accent between video clips, 1 to 2 seconds works. You can always preview your timeline and adjust based on what feels right when you watch it back.

Can I add a photo on top of video that's still playing?

Yes, that's an overlay. Place the photo on a track above your main video track instead of replacing the video. You can then resize the photo to be smaller and position it anywhere in the frame — top corner, center, bottom, wherever you want. The video will play behind it. This is useful for adding logos, captions, or visual emphasis without cutting away from the main footage.

What file types work for photos?

JPG, PNG, and TIFF are the most common. Most video editors accept these without any conversion. Some editors also support WebP, BMP, and GIF. If you're not sure whether your photo format will work, try importing it — your editor will tell you if it's not compatible. If it isn't, you can convert the photo using free online tools or image software before importing.