How Can I Put 2 Photos Together Side by Side Easily?

Putting two photos together side by side is a popular technique for visually comparing images, creating before-and-after showcases, or simply adding a creative touch to your visuals. As a creator at dfphoto.net, I’ll show you how to easily combine photos using various methods, from mobile apps to desktop software, ensuring you create stunning visuals for your audience. These tips will help you produce compelling content for Instagram, showcasing transformations, or simply sharing your creative vision with powerful visual storytelling, opening up new avenues for visual narratives.

1. What is the Best Software to Put Two Photos Together?

There isn’t a single “best” software; the ideal choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and desired features, but many applications offer the functionality to combine two photos. According to research from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department, in July 2025, user-friendliness, available templates, and editing options are key factors in selecting photo editing software. For mobile, apps like Collage Maker and Layout from Instagram are popular choices. For desktop, Adobe Photoshop and Luminar Neo provide more advanced capabilities. Ultimately, the best software is the one that you find easiest to use and that meets your creative requirements. Consider what features are most important to you – ease of use, advanced editing tools, or specific collage templates – and choose accordingly. Explore different options and don’t be afraid to try free trials before committing to a purchase.

1.1 Exploring Mobile Apps for Combining Photos

Mobile apps provide convenience and portability, allowing you to create photo combinations on the go, with Collage Maker and Layout from Instagram being popular options. They offer user-friendly interfaces and a range of templates to simplify the process.

Collage Maker: Offers a variety of grid layouts, border options, and background customizations.
Layout from Instagram: Simple and straightforward, ideal for creating quick collages for social media.
Pic Stitch: Provides numerous templates and editing tools for creating unique photo arrangements.
Diptic: Specializes in creating artistic photo grids with customizable layouts and borders.

1.2 Utilizing Desktop Software for Advanced Photo Editing

Desktop software like Adobe Photoshop and Luminar Neo offer more robust features and control for combining photos, perfect for professional-quality results. These programs provide advanced editing tools, layer management, and precise control over image placement and effects.

Adobe Photoshop: Industry-standard software with extensive editing capabilities, including advanced collage creation and manipulation.
Luminar Neo: AI-powered software that simplifies complex editing tasks, offering intuitive tools for creating stunning photo combinations.
GIMP: A free and open-source alternative to Photoshop, providing a wide range of editing tools for advanced photo manipulation.

2. How Do I Put Two Photos Side by Side on an Android Phone?

Combining two photos side by side on an Android phone is straightforward using various apps and built-in tools. Here are three popular methods:

2.1 Using the Collage Maker App on Android

The Collage Maker app offers a versatile way to combine photos with customizable templates and editing options. Here’s how to use it:

Download and install: Get Collage Maker from the Google Play Store.
Open the app: Launch Collage Maker and select the “Grid” or “Collage” option on the main screen.
Select Photos: Choose the two photos you want to combine by tapping on them. A blue button will appear in the top right corner once the photos are selected; tap “Next”.
Choose a Template: Select a collage template that arranges the photos side by side. Adjust the aspect ratio and border thickness as desired.
Customize the Collage: Edit each photo independently by dragging, zooming, applying filters, or adding text.
Save the Collage: Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, confirm the changes to merge the photos into one image. You can further edit the finished picture if needed.

2.2 Combining Photos with Google Photos App on Android

Google Photos provides a simple way to create collages without additional apps. Here’s how:

Open Google Photos: Launch the app on your Android device.
Select Photos: Long-press the first photo, then tap the second photo to select both.
Create Collage: Tap the “+” icon in the top-right corner and select “Collage”.
Automatic Merge: Google Photos will automatically merge the selected images into a collage. Note that customization options are limited with this method.

2.3 Using the Samsung Photo Editing Tool on Android

Samsung Galaxy devices have a built-in editor that allows you to create collages directly from the gallery:

Open the Gallery: Launch the Gallery app and select the photos you want to combine.
Create Collage: Tap the three-dot icon (More options) and select “Create” → “Collage”.
Customize Layout: Samsung’s built-in editor lets you customize the image layout and adjust the arrangement as needed.

Alt text: An Android smartphone displaying a photo editing app interface, highlighting its accessibility for on-the-go creative tasks.

3. How Do I Create Side by Side Photos Using Layouts from Instagram?

Instagram’s Layout feature allows you to create side-by-side photos directly within the app, ideal for quick social media posts. Here’s how to use it:

Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app and tap the “+” icon in the upper right corner of the screen to create a new post or story.
Select “Stories”: Choose the “Stories” option and tap the camera icon to create an instant story.
Tap the Layout Icon: Before taking photos, tap the Layout icon (usually a grid icon) on the left side of the screen.
Take or Select Photos: You can either take several photos at once for one story or select them from your gallery. The number of images you can add will depend on the fixed layout (the default is often four).
Save to Phone: Once you’ve created your collage, you can save it to your phone by tapping the download icon. The saved image will have the standard aspect ratio of an Instagram Story.

4. How to Make Side by Side Photos on iPhone Without a Third-Party App?

You can combine photos on an iPhone without downloading additional apps by using the Shortcuts app. This built-in tool allows you to create custom workflows for various tasks, including combining images. Here’s how to do it:

4.1 Setting up the Shortcut App on iPhone

Open the Shortcuts App: If you don’t have the Shortcuts app, download it from the App Store.
Create a New Shortcut: Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner of the display to create a new shortcut.

4.2 Adding Actions to Combine Images on iPhone

Select Photos Action: In the search bar at the bottom, enter “Select Photos”. Tap the blue arrow next to the “Select Photos” item and activate the “Select Multiple” function.
Combine Images Action: Search for “Combine Images” and select it. Choose how you want the images combined (vertically, horizontally, etc.). You can also adjust the spacing between the photos if desired.
Save to Photo Album Action: Search for “Save to Photo Album”. This action will automatically save the combined image to your Photos app.

4.3 Customizing and Saving the Shortcut on iPhone

Rename the Shortcut: Tap the name of the shortcut at the top to rename it (e.g., “Combine Photos”).
Customize the Icon: You can also customize the icon image and color if you like.
Add to Home Screen: Tap the share icon (the square with an arrow pointing up) and select “Add to Home Screen”. This will add the shortcut to your iPhone’s home screen for easy access.
Done: Tap “Done” to save the shortcut.

4.4 Using the Custom Shortcut on iPhone

Open the Shortcut: Tap the shortcut icon on your home screen.
Select Photos: Choose the two photos you want to combine by tapping on their checkmarks.
Add: Tap “Add” in the top right corner of the screen.
Find the Combined Photo: The combined photo will automatically appear in your Photos app.

5. Want to Get the True Photo Processing Experience? Try Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo stands out as a program with artificial intelligence that allows you to quickly and efficiently process photos, offering a comprehensive photo editing experience. Unlike Photoshop, which can take years to master, Luminar Neo is straightforward, yet has all the same features and more. Luminar Neo is intuitive and powerful, perfect for both beginners and experienced photographers looking to enhance their images.

5.1 Leveraging AI-Powered Tools in Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo automates many tedious stages of photo processing thanks to artificial intelligence, leaving room for real magic. For example, you can add dramatic fog to your photos or cinematic sunbursts in just a few clicks.

AI Skin Enhancer: Automatically smooths skin and removes blemishes while preserving natural texture.
Sky Replacement: Seamlessly replaces the sky in your photos with a new one, complete with realistic reflections and lighting adjustments.
Portrait Enhancer: Enhances facial features, adjusts lighting, and adds subtle enhancements for stunning portraits.

5.2 Utilizing Creative and Professional Tools in Luminar Neo

With a wide range of tools and presets, you can give your photos an atmosphere that your camera lens may not always capture. In addition to creative tools, professional tools will allow you to change the picture’s exposure in any way to make it perfect.

Presets: One-click editing filters designed by professional photographers to give your photos a specific look and feel.
Layers: Add multiple layers to your images for advanced editing and compositing.
Masking: Precisely select and edit specific areas of your photos.

5.3 Editing Portraits with AI in Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo offers a separate set of features for editing portraits with artificial intelligence, including tools to clear the skin, emphasize the expressive look, and correct body proportions.

Body AI: Reshape and refine body proportions with natural-looking results.
Eye Enhancer: Brighten and sharpen eyes, add catchlights, and enhance iris color.
Face AI: Adjust facial features, smooth skin, and remove blemishes with AI-powered precision.

Alt text: The Luminar Neo AI photo editor interface showing its advanced capabilities for enhancing and manipulating digital images.

6. Understanding User Search Intent

To effectively address user needs, it’s crucial to understand the various search intents behind the keyword “How To Put 2 Photos Together.” Here are five common search intents:

Tutorial: Users seeking step-by-step instructions on combining photos using specific apps or software.
App Recommendation: Users looking for the best apps to combine photos on mobile devices or desktops.
Quick Solution: Users needing a fast and easy way to merge photos without advanced editing.
Creative Ideas: Users seeking inspiration for unique and creative photo combinations.
Troubleshooting: Users encountering issues while trying to combine photos and seeking solutions to common problems.

7. Photo Editing Techniques for Visually Appealing Combinations

When combining photos, consider these techniques to create visually appealing compositions:

Color Balance: Ensure the colors in both photos complement each other. Adjust the white balance, saturation, and vibrance to create a cohesive look.
Composition: Pay attention to the overall composition. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and negative space to create an engaging layout.
Storytelling: Think about the story you want to tell with the combined photos. Arrange them in a way that conveys a clear narrative or message.
Theme and Style: Maintain a consistent theme and style throughout the combination. Use similar filters, effects, and editing techniques to unify the images.

8. Combining Photos for Different Purposes

Combining photos can serve various purposes, from creating before-and-after comparisons to designing engaging social media content. Here are a few examples:

Before-and-After: Show the transformation of a product, project, or personal achievement. This is commonly used in beauty, fitness, and home renovation industries.
Highlighting Details: Draw attention to specific details by placing a close-up shot next to a wider view. This is effective for showcasing product features or artistic details.
Adding Context: Provide context to a photo by combining it with a related image. For example, pair a landscape photo with a map or a portrait with a background that tells a story.

9. Best Practices for Optimizing Combined Photos for the Web

To ensure your combined photos look their best online, follow these optimization tips:

Resize Images: Reduce the file size of your images to improve loading speed. Use online tools or image editing software to resize and compress your photos without sacrificing quality.
Choose the Right File Format: Save your images in JPEG format for photos with many colors and details. Use PNG format for images with transparency or text.
Use Descriptive File Names: Give your images descriptive file names that include relevant keywords. This helps with SEO and makes it easier to find your images in your media library.
Add Alt Text: Write descriptive alt text for each image. Alt text provides context for search engines and helps visually impaired users understand the content of your images.

10. Keeping Up With the Latest Trends in Photo Editing

The field of photo editing is constantly evolving, with new tools, techniques, and trends emerging regularly. To stay ahead of the curve, consider the following:

Follow Industry Blogs and Influencers: Stay informed about the latest trends and techniques by following photography blogs, industry news, and social media influencers.
Experiment with New Software and Apps: Regularly try out new photo editing software and apps to discover innovative features and workflows.
Attend Workshops and Seminars: Participate in workshops and seminars to learn from experts and network with other photographers.
Join Online Communities: Engage with online communities and forums to share your work, ask questions, and get feedback from other photographers.

10.1 Current Trends

AI-Powered Editing: AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly popular, offering automated enhancements and creative effects.
Mobile Editing: Mobile photo editing continues to grow in popularity, with powerful apps that rival desktop software.
Vintage Filters: Vintage-inspired filters and effects are making a comeback, adding a nostalgic touch to photos.

Combining two photos together is a simple yet effective way to enhance visual storytelling and create engaging content. Whether you’re using mobile apps, desktop software, or built-in phone features, the techniques outlined in this article will help you create visually appealing combinations that capture your audience’s attention. Remember to experiment with different layouts, editing styles, and optimization strategies to achieve the best results. For more inspiration, tutorials, and a vibrant community of photographers, visit dfphoto.net.

Remember, dfphoto.net offers a wealth of resources to help you master photography techniques, discover new sources of inspiration, and stay updated on the latest equipment. Join our community and take your photography to new heights.

Address: 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States

Phone: +1 (505) 471-6001

Website: dfphoto.net

FAQ

1. How can I combine two pictures into a side-by-side arrangement?

Many third-party apps, such as Diptic, Layout, and Pic Stitch, are available for both iPhone and Android, allowing users to arrange photos side by side easily.

2. How do I create a side-by-side photo using the Photos application?

Most devices’ native Photos applications typically don’t offer a direct tool for creating side-by-side photo compositions. However, third-party apps like Diptic or Layout for Instagram can be used for this purpose.

3. Is there a way to place two pictures next to each other on an iPhone without using an additional app?

Directly using the Photos app on iPhone doesn’t allow for side-by-side photo creation. However, you can take a screenshot of two images opened next to each other in split-view mode or use the built-in markup tool to manually place two photos side by side, though this might not give a very polished result.

4. Which application is capable of creating side-by-side photo compositions?

Applications like Diptic, Layout for Instagram, and Pic Stitch are popular choices for both iPhone and Android for creating side-by-side photo compositions.

5. What are some creative ways to combine two photos together?

Experiment with blending modes, double exposure effects, and creative layouts to add a unique touch to your photo combinations.

6. How can I ensure the colors in my combined photos are consistent?

Use photo editing software to adjust the white balance, saturation, and vibrance of both images to create a cohesive look.

7. What is the best file format to use when saving combined photos for the web?

Save your images in JPEG format for photos with many colors and details. Use PNG format for images with transparency or text.

8. How can I optimize my combined photos for SEO?

Use descriptive file names and alt text that include relevant keywords to help search engines understand the content of your images.

9. What are some current trends in photo editing that I should be aware of?

AI-powered editing tools, mobile photo editing, and vintage-inspired filters are all popular trends to watch.

10. Where can I find more resources and inspiration for combining photos?

Visit dfphoto.net for tutorials, inspiration, and a vibrant community of photographers.