Most of us have probably struggled with trying to merge multiple pictures into one for a project or social media post.
However, the thought of having to pay for an image editing software or app can be quite discouraging.
Good thing there are free tools you can use to merge pictures effortlessly.
In this blog, we'll share with you a comprehensive guide on how to merge pictures for free.
What Is Image Combiner and Why Is It Great for Creating Amazing Images
An image combiner is a powerful tool that allows you to merge or blend multiple images together, creating stunning compositions.
It provides a seamless and intuitive way to combine different elements, photos, or graphics into a single cohesive image. Whether you want to overlay images, create double exposures, or blend textures and colors, an image combiner offers endless possibilities for creativity and artistic expression.
How to Use the Image Combiner to Quickly Combine Multiple Photos Into One: Step-By-Step Guide
There are different ways to combine images, here we share 3 creative ways to do so:
- Merge Photos with a Grid and Poster Template
- Merge Photos with a Double Exposure Tool
- Merge Photos Manually
Merge Photos with a Grid Template
YouCam Perfect offers a variety of merging photo templates from 1-9 images for you to choose. Based on my experience the easiest and fastest way to find the tool is:
Step 1. Download the YouCam Perfect app
Step 2. On the main screen you will see ‘Collage’ > Click here and choose the photos you want to merge
Step 3. Below you see 2 options: Grid or Poster I clicked on ‘Grid’ and it looked like this:
I noticed that I was able to customize it by myself with the following options:
- Ratio
- Border
- Background
- Color
Step 4. Then, I clicked on ‘Poster’ to check which one of the 2 gave me better results and this one actually gave me the combination that I wanted so I selected this one, the only downside is that I was not able to change the frame color, however, I could add text such as the date and stickers.
Tip: Find Instagram-like grids under the 'Classic' category.
Merge Photos with a Double Exposure Tool
To use the 'Blending' tool on the YouCam Perfect app, I found a fun way to merge photos. Also this way, the images combined look quite nice!
Step1. Download the YouCam Perfect app for free on iOS and Android.
Step 2. On the main page select 'Photo Edit' > choose a photo with a face (preferably)
Step 3. Find the 'Blending Tool' and select 2 of your photos. One as the background and the other as the one merged on the portrait photo. It will look something like this:
Feel free to arrange which one goes first and which one is the background!
Merge Photos Manually
If you want to choose the size of the photos you are merging and have a more personalized style, you can merge the photos manually, using the 'Add Photo' tool. Here I wanted to first put them into a plain background to merge my photos. This is how I did it:
Step 1. Download the YouCam Perfect app for free on iOS and Android.
Step 2. On the main page scroll down and you will see 'Store' > click and choose a background
Step 3. After selecting the background, find the 'Add Photo' tab and add the photos you want to merge
Step 4. Done. I also explored the blend tool to edit the color and contrast of my images to make their colors more vivid.
Tips and Tricks on Merging Photos Like a Pro
Here are some other tips for you to merge the photos perfectly:
- Overlap and Blend: When merging photos, overlap similar elements between images to create smooth transitions. Take care to blend the edges seamlessly using tools like layer masks or opacity adjustments.
- Refine and Edit: After merging the photos, refine the composite image by adjusting colors, tones, and contrast. Use photo editing software to fine-tune the overall look and ensure a polished result.
- Practice and Experiment: Merging photos takes practice. Experiment with different techniques, tools, and compositions to find your own unique style. Embrace creativity and explore different possibilities to push the boundaries of your composite images.
Importance of Cropping, Color Adjustments, and Text
Once you have merged your pictures, there is room for customization. Here are some tools for consideration:
Cropping
Have you thought about where you want to post this image? Did you merge them for an Instagram story, Instagram post, Facebook post, story, or any other social media? In the ‘InstaFit’ tool, find the size for your image.
One trick I discovered is that to avoid losing some parts of the image before you commence with selecting the template to merge the photos, make sure you also select the ratio.
Color adjustments
When merging photos, color adjustments play a crucial role in creating a cohesive and visually stunning composition. Here are some creative ideas for color adjustments to enhance your merged photos:
- Harmonize Color Tones: Adjust the color tones of each photo to ensure they blend well together. Experiment with white balance, color temperature, or tint adjustments to create a unified color palette across all images.
- Create a Vintage Look: Apply a vintage color grading effect to the merged photo. This can include desaturating the colors, adding a subtle sepia tone, or enhancing specific hues like teal or orange for a nostalgic vibe.
- Selective Color Pop: Add visual interest by keeping certain colors intact while desaturating others. Highlight a specific element or subject by maintaining its vibrant color while making the surrounding areas more subdued.
Experiment with these ideas, adapt them to your specific images, and let your imagination guide you to create captivating and visually stunning merged photos.
Text
Adding text when merging photos can be a powerful way to convey messages, tell stories, or provide context to your composition. Here are some ideas on how to effectively incorporate text into your merged photos:
- Captions and Titles: Use text to provide captions or titles that describe or enhance the merged photo. This can include adding the location, date, or names of subjects, offering insights, or creating a narrative element.
- Quotes and Lyrics: Incorporate meaningful quotes, lyrics, or snippets of text that relate to the theme or mood of the merged photo. Choose fonts and text styles that complement the overall aesthetic and convey the desired message effectively.
- Watermarks and Branding: If you are merging photos for professional or branding purposes, consider adding a watermark or logo to protect your work or establish your brand identity. Ensure that the text doesn't overpower the image but is still clearly visible.
Remember to choose fonts, text colors, and styles that complement the overall aesthetic and mood of the merged photo. The text should enhance the composition and provide valuable information or storytelling elements without overpowering the visual elements. By thoughtfully incorporating text, you can create merged photos that effectively communicate your message and engage viewers.
Merge Photos Online with These Webs and Apps
If you are looking to combine images online, then these websites are the best on the market:
Canva
Canva is a popular free graphic design tool that lets you easily merge multiple pictures. It has a user-friendly interface that allows both amateurs and professionals to create beautiful graphics. Simply:
- sign up for a free account
- choose the “Create a Design” button
- select a layout, upload your pictures, and drag them into place.
Canva also has ready-to-use templates that you can customize to fit your needs.
Pic Stitch
Pic Stitch is a free, easy-to-use picture collage maker that's available on both Android and iOS devices. It offers more than 200 layouts and allows you to add borders, text, and filters to your images. To get started:
- download the app
- choose a layout and upload your pictures.
- adjust the borders and add some captions and filters to make your image more appealing.
Online Image Editor
Online Image Editor is a web-based picture editing tool that offers a wide range of editing features, including picture merge. It's free, intuitive, and doesn't require any registration. Simply:
- go to their website
- upload your pictures (up to 10 images)
- click the “Collage” button, and choose one of the available templates.
- customize the layout and background color and adjust the size and spacing of your images.
Fotor Collage Maker
Fotor Collage Maker is a free online picture collage maker that offers many templates and layouts to choose from. It also provides editing features such as text, borders, and filters. To start, simply:
- go to their website
- upload your pictures
- choose a template
- arrange your images.
- customize your collage with filters, stickers, and text.
Image Combiner FAQ
Here are some answers to your questions:
How Can You Merge Images?
By following these simple steps and the best news, do it for free:
- Download the YouCam Perfect app
- On the main screen find 'Collage'
- Choose the design and photos you want to merge
- Explore other editing tools to customize your creation!