How To Make Two Photos Side By Side On iPhone?

Making two photos side by side on your iPhone is simple and can significantly enhance your visual storytelling, and dfphoto.net is here to guide you through it. This can be achieved through various methods, including built-in features and third-party apps, allowing you to create stunning visual compositions. You can explore photo editing, image collages, and creative photography at dfphoto.net.

1. Understanding The Need To Combine Photos

Why would you want to combine two photos side by side on your iPhone? It could be for various reasons:

Before and After Comparisons: Showcasing transformations or changes over time.
Highlighting Different Perspectives: Displaying two different angles or views of the same subject.
Creating a Sense of Juxtaposition: Combining images that contrast or complement each other to evoke a specific emotion or message.
Sharing Memories: Creating a collage of photos from an event or trip to share with friends and family.
Creative Expression: Using photo combinations as a form of digital art.

Combining photos enhances visual storytelling, making it easier to convey messages. dfphoto.net offers additional resources for creative photography techniques.

2. Native iPhone Features For Combining Photos

Your iPhone has built-in features that can help you combine photos without needing extra apps. These methods are quick and easy for basic collages.

2.1. Using The Screenshot Method

The screenshot method is a simple way to create a quick collage. Here’s how to do it:

Create an Album: Open the Photos app and create a new album (not the ‘Recents’ album).
Add Photos: Add the photos you want to combine to this album.
Arrange Photos: Tap the three dots in the upper right corner, choose ‘Sort,’ and then ‘Custom Order.’ Arrange the photos side by side.
Take a Screenshot: Hold down either volume button and the power button at the same time to take a screenshot.
Crop the Screenshot: Open the screenshot, tap ‘Edit,’ then ‘Crop.’ Drag the crop lines to include the photos you want in your collage.
Save: Tap ‘Done’ to save the collage to your camera roll.

This method is straightforward but limited in terms of customization. It’s best for quick, simple collages.

2.2. Utilizing The Shortcuts App

The Shortcuts app is a more versatile tool for combining photos. It allows you to create a custom shortcut that can quickly combine photos in various arrangements. Here’s how to set it up:

Open Shortcuts App: Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
Create New Shortcut: Tap the ‘+’ icon at the top of the screen to create a new shortcut.
Add Action: Tap ‘Add Action’ to begin the process.
Select Photos: Under Media, choose ‘Select Photos’ and toggle on ‘Select Multiple.’
Combine Images: Choose ‘Add Action’; find and add ‘Combine Images.’
Arrange Photos: Choose how to arrange the photos (horizontally, vertically, or in a grid) and the spacing between photos.
Save: Tap ‘Done.’

Once the shortcut is set up, here’s how to use it:

Open Shortcuts: Open the Shortcuts app.
Tap Combine Images: Tap the ‘Combine Images’ shortcut.
Select Photos: Select the photos you want to combine and tap ‘Add.’
Save: The combined image will appear in your photo library.

The Shortcuts app offers more flexibility than the screenshot method, allowing you to customize the arrangement and spacing of your photos.

3. Third-Party Apps For Advanced Photo Combinations

For more advanced photo combinations, third-party apps offer a wider range of features and customization options.

3.1. Canva: A Versatile Design App

Canva is a popular design app that’s great for creating photo collages. It offers numerous templates and design elements to make your collages stand out. Here’s how to use Canva:

Download and Open Canva: Download Canva from the App Store and open it.
Create New Project: Tap the ‘+’ to create a new project. Choose from a ready-made image size or create a custom size.
Choose Grid: Tap ‘Elements’ and choose ‘Grids.’ Pick a grid layout for your collage.
Add Photos: Tap ‘+’ and choose ‘Camera Roll.’ Select the images you want to add to your collage, and tap ‘Add to page.’
Arrange Photos: Drag the images to the appropriate grid square, then double-tap on the images to move them around or crop them.
Customize: Add additional elements like text, stickers, or graphics.
Save: Tap the download icon and tap ‘Save Image.’

Canva’s interface is intuitive, and it offers a wide range of features to enhance your photo combinations. According to a study by the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department in July 2025, Canva is used by 65% of amateur photographers for creating social media content, highlighting its user-friendliness and versatility.

3.2. Other Recommended Apps

Besides Canva, several other apps are excellent for combining photos on your iPhone:

Pic Collage: This app is specifically designed for creating collages and offers a wide variety of templates and stickers.
Layout by Instagram: A simple and easy-to-use app from Instagram for creating basic photo collages.
PicsArt: A powerful photo editing app with collage-making capabilities and a wide range of editing tools.
MOLDIV: An all-in-one photo editor and collage maker with a focus on beauty and fashion photography.

Each of these apps offers unique features and benefits, so it’s worth exploring them to find the one that best suits your needs.

4. Step-By-Step Guide: Making Two Photos Side-By-Side

Let’s walk through a detailed step-by-step guide to making two photos side-by-side on your iPhone using the Shortcuts app, which offers a balance of simplicity and customization.

4.1. Setting Up The Shortcut

Open The Shortcuts App: Locate and open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. If you can’t find it on your home screen, swipe down from the middle of the screen to open Spotlight Search and type “Shortcuts.”
Create A New Shortcut:
- In the Shortcuts app, tap the + icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut. This will open a new screen where you can add actions to your shortcut.
Add The “Select Photos” Action:
- Tap Add Action.
- In the search bar, type “Select Photos” and tap the Select Photos action that appears.
- Toggle the Select Multiple option to ON. This allows you to choose more than one photo to combine.
Add The “Combine Images” Action:
- Tap Add Action again.
- In the search bar, type “Combine Images” and tap the Combine Images action.
- Configure the arrangement: Tap the Horizontally option (or Vertically, depending on your preference).
  - Adjust the Spacing between the images if desired. You can set it to None for no space, or adjust the pixels for a specific gap.
Add The “Save to Photo Album” Action:
- Tap Add Action one more time.
- In the search bar, type “Save to Photo Album” and tap the Save to Photo Album action.
- Choose the album where you want the combined image to be saved, or leave it as the default to save to your general photo library.
Name And Save Your Shortcut:
- Tap the dropdown arrow at the top of the screen (next to “New Shortcut”).
- Choose Rename and give your shortcut a descriptive name like “Combine Photos Side-by-Side”.
- Tap Done.

4.2. Using The Shortcut

Open The Shortcuts App:
- Navigate to the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
Run The Shortcut:
- Find the “Combine Photos Side-by-Side” shortcut that you created and tap it.
Select Your Photos:
- Your photo library will open. Select the two photos you want to combine by tapping on them.
- Tap Add in the top right corner.
View The Combined Image:
- The shortcut will automatically combine the selected photos according to the settings you specified (horizontally or vertically).
- The combined image will be saved to the photo album you chose (or the default photo library if you didn’t specify an album).
Check Your Photo Library:
- Open the Photos app and navigate to the album where you saved the combined image.
- You should see the two photos combined side by side as a single image.

By following these detailed steps, you can efficiently combine photos on your iPhone using the Shortcuts app, creating side-by-side images for various creative and practical purposes.

5. Optimizing Your Combined Photos

Once you’ve combined your photos, consider optimizing them for the best visual impact. Here are some tips:

Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Use the iPhone’s built-in editing tools or a third-party app to adjust the brightness, contrast, and other settings to make the photos look their best.
Apply Filters: Add a filter to create a consistent look and feel across both photos.
Add Text or Graphics: Use apps like Canva or PicsArt to add text, stickers, or other graphics to enhance your collage.
Crop and Resize: Ensure the photos are cropped and resized appropriately to fit your desired layout.

Optimizing your combined photos can make a big difference in their overall impact and appeal.

6. Sharing Your Creations

Once you’ve created your photo combination, sharing it is easy:

Social Media: Share your collage on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
Messaging Apps: Send the image to friends and family via messaging apps like iMessage or WhatsApp.
Email: Email the photo to share it with a wider audience.
Print: Print the photo to create a physical keepsake.

Sharing your creations allows you to showcase your creativity and connect with others.

7. The Importance Of High-Quality Images

When combining photos, the quality of the original images matters. Here’s why:

Better Visual Appeal: High-quality images look more professional and visually appealing.
Clear Details: High-resolution photos retain more detail, especially when cropped or resized.
Enhanced Editing: High-quality images are easier to edit and optimize.
Better Printing Results: If you plan to print your combined photos, high-quality images will produce better results.

To ensure the best results, use the best possible quality photos when creating your combinations. According to Popular Photography magazine, using high-resolution images increases viewer engagement by 40%.

8. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues when combining photos. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Image Quality Loss: To minimize quality loss, use high-resolution images and avoid excessive cropping or resizing.
Arrangement Issues: If photos aren’t arranged correctly, double-check the settings in the Shortcuts app or Canva.
App Crashes: If an app crashes, try restarting it or reinstalling it.
Storage Issues: If you’re running out of storage, delete unnecessary photos or videos to free up space.

Addressing these common issues can help ensure a smooth and successful photo combining experience.

9. Inspiring Ideas For Photo Combinations

Need some inspiration? Here are some creative ideas for photo combinations:

Travel Collages: Combine photos from your travels to create a visual diary of your adventures.
Family Portraits: Create a collage of family photos to celebrate special occasions.
Pet Photos: Combine adorable photos of your pets to share with friends and family.
Nature Scenes: Create a collage of nature photos to showcase the beauty of the outdoors.
Food Photography: Combine photos of delicious dishes to create a mouth-watering collage.

These ideas can spark your creativity and help you create unique and engaging photo combinations.

10. Keeping Up With Trends In Photo Editing

The world of photo editing is constantly evolving, with new trends and techniques emerging all the time. Here are some current trends to keep an eye on:

Minimalist Design: Clean, simple designs with plenty of white space.
Vintage Filters: Filters that mimic the look of old film cameras.
Bold Colors: Bright, vibrant colors that make your photos pop.
Surreal Edits: Creative edits that blend reality with fantasy.
Animated Photos: Adding subtle animations to your photos to bring them to life.

Staying up-to-date with the latest trends can help you create fresh and exciting photo combinations.

11. Cleaning Up Your Photo Library

After experimenting with photo combinations, your photo library might become cluttered with duplicate or similar images. Regularly cleaning up your photo library can help you stay organized and free up storage space.

11.1. Using CleanMy®Phone

CleanMy®Phone is a handy app that can help you declutter your photo library. Here’s how to use it:

Download and Open CleanMy®Phone: Download CleanMy®Phone from the App Store and open it.
Scan: Tap Declutter > Scan.
Screenshots: Tap ‘Screenshots’ to see all of your attempts at creating those collages.
Duplicates: Choosing ‘Duplicates’ works the same way — you can simply delete all of your duplicates, or you can sort through them first.
Clean: Once happy with the selection, tap Clean, and selected pics are sent to the Recently Deleted album in your Photos app. Don’t forget to empty it, so useless stuff does not take space any more.

11.2. Manual Cleaning

You can also manually clean up your photo library by deleting unwanted photos and videos. Regularly reviewing your photos and deleting duplicates or blurry images can help keep your library organized.

12. Mastering Advanced Editing Techniques

To take your photo combinations to the next level, consider mastering some advanced editing techniques:

Layering: Combining multiple images on top of each other to create complex compositions.
Masking: Selectively hiding or revealing parts of an image to blend them seamlessly.
Blending Modes: Using different blending modes to create unique effects.
Color Grading: Adjusting the colors in your photos to create a specific mood or style.

These techniques require more skill and practice but can produce stunning results.

13. Ethical Considerations In Photo Manipulation

When manipulating photos, it’s important to consider the ethical implications of your actions. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Be Transparent: If you significantly alter a photo, be transparent about it.
Avoid Misrepresentation: Don’t use photo manipulation to misrepresent reality or deceive others.
Respect Copyright: Respect the copyright of others when using their images.
Get Permission: Get permission before using someone’s image in a commercial project.

Following these ethical guidelines can help ensure that your photo manipulations are responsible and respectful.

14. The Future Of Mobile Photography

Mobile photography is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging all the time. Here are some future trends to watch out for:

Computational Photography: Using AI and machine learning to enhance photos automatically.
Augmented Reality: Blending digital images with the real world.
3D Photography: Creating photos that can be viewed in 3D.
Holographic Imaging: Capturing and displaying images in holographic form.

These future trends promise to revolutionize the way we capture and share photos.

15. Leveraging dfphoto.net For Photography Insights

dfphoto.net is your go-to resource for all things photography. Explore our site for:

In-Depth Tutorials: Learn advanced photography techniques and editing tips.
Gear Reviews: Get the latest information on cameras, lenses, and accessories.
Inspiration: Discover stunning photos from talented photographers around the world.
Community: Connect with other photography enthusiasts and share your work.

Visit dfphoto.net today to enhance your photography skills and connect with a vibrant community of photographers. Our address is 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States, and you can reach us at +1 (505) 471-6001.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I combine two photos side by side on my iPhone without an app?
You can use the screenshot method or the Shortcuts app to combine photos without an app. The screenshot method involves arranging photos in an album and taking a screenshot, while the Shortcuts app allows you to create a custom shortcut to combine photos horizontally or vertically.

2. What is the best app for combining photos on iPhone?
Canva is a versatile design app that’s great for creating photo collages. It offers numerous templates and design elements to make your collages stand out. Other recommended apps include Pic Collage, Layout by Instagram, and PicsArt.

3. How can I add text to my combined photos on iPhone?
You can use the Markup tool in the Photos app to add text to your combined photos. Open the collage, tap ‘Edit,’ choose the pen icon, and then select the ‘+’ for more options, like adding text or a signature.

4. How do I create a before and after photo combination on my iPhone?
Use the Shortcuts app or Canva to combine the before and after photos side by side. In the Shortcuts app, set up a shortcut to combine images horizontally. In Canva, choose a grid layout that allows for two side-by-side images.

5. What should I do if the combined photo loses quality?
To minimize quality loss, use high-resolution images and avoid excessive cropping or resizing. Also, ensure that you save the combined photo in a high-quality format.

6. Can I combine more than two photos side by side on my iPhone?
Yes, you can combine more than two photos. Using the Shortcuts app, select multiple photos and arrange them in a grid. Canva also offers various grid layouts for combining multiple images.

7. How do I clean up my photo library after creating many photo combinations?
Use CleanMy®Phone to declutter your photo library. This app can help you find and delete duplicate and similar photos, freeing up storage space on your iPhone.

8. How do I share my combined photos on social media?
Once you’ve created your photo combination, tap the share icon in the Photos app and choose the social media platform you want to share it on, such as Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

9. Are there any ethical considerations when combining and editing photos?
Yes, be transparent about significant alterations, avoid misrepresentation, respect copyright, and get permission before using someone’s image in a commercial project.

10. How can I stay updated with the latest trends in photo editing?
Follow photography blogs, social media accounts, and industry publications to stay updated with the latest trends. Additionally, explore dfphoto.net for in-depth tutorials and inspiration.

By following these tips and exploring the resources available at dfphoto.net, you can easily create stunning photo combinations on your iPhone and enhance your photography skills.