5 ways to add an image to another image

Whether you want to create a collage, card, or something else, it's easy to insert one image into another. Keep reading to learn how to add an image to another image on your computer, browser, or mobile device, with instructions for each method.

How to overlap two photos

Most of the solutions the article uses here to add a photo to another image still have the background on both photos. To remove the background from one of the photos and then overlap it with the other, you can use Adobe Express.

1. Adobe Express

Here's how to overlap two images in Adobe Express:

1. If you haven't already, sign up for an account via the Adobe Creative Cloud website.

2. Go to Adobe Express and log in to your account.

3. Start a new project from the Get Started section, then add your images via the Media tab in the left panel.

4. Select the photo you want to overlap with the other photo.

5. In the Image section, click Remove background. Wait a few seconds for Adobe Express to perform this action.

6. Resize and move the image until you are satisfied with the final result.

After exporting the results, you can crop the image online to remove any other unnecessary elements.

How to add a photo to another photo without removing the background

If you don't want to remove the background, you can also easily add a photo to another photo by overlapping the background itself. Below, you'll find two tutorials from separate programs.

2. Photoshop Express (Mobile)

Photoshop Express is a lighter version of the powerful Photoshop application you'll find on your computer. Here's how you can add photos to your photos using this mobile app:

1. Scroll down to Blank Canvas and select your preferred format.

 2. Click the + button and upload the first image you want to include.

3. Repeat the previous step until you have all the images you want to use.

4. Resize your image until you are satisfied with the final result.

 If you want to rearrange stacked image layers, you can touch and hold on different layers, then adjust them accordingly.

3. GIMP

GIMP is one of the best alternatives to Photoshop if you want to do deeper edits, but it's also useful for simple adjustments like stitching two photos together.

Follow these steps to add a photo to another photo using GIMP:

1. Drag and drop your image into the GIMP application. If a pop-up message appears, select Keep.

2. Move your image wherever you want by clicking and dragging and then make any other edits you feel necessary.

 3. Go to File > Save/Save As/Save As Copy when you are ready to complete the process.

How to add a photo to another image as a shape mask

You can use a number of free programs to overlay an image as a shape mask on top of another image. Below, you'll find the steps for two favorite methods.

4. Canva

Canva is a great choice for adding photos to other photos in many ways, but it's especially useful for working with shape masks.

Here's how to use shapes in Canva to add a photo to another photo:

1. Go to Canva and create a new home page design.

2. Add the first image you want to add to your canvas. You can do this by selecting Uploads or Elements > Photos.

3. If you want to add a photo already on Canva, enter the specific content you're looking for in the search bar and add your favorite image to the canvas.

4. Right-click or tap command + trackpad, then select Set image as background.

5. To add the second image as a shape mask, next you need to go to Elements > Frames > See all.

6. Choose your preferred frame shape.

7. Drag and drop the second image into the frame.

8. When you're ready, go to Share and select Download to save your photo.

1. Download Canva for | | | (Available for free, in-app purchases)

If Canva isn't right for you, check out these Canva alternatives.

5. VistaCreate

VistaCreate is very similar to Canva and this is another great way to add photos to other photos using shape masks. Note, however, that many images already included in VistaCreate are only accessible with a premium membership. So this is a better option if you want to use your own images.

Follow these instructions to add a picture to a photo in VistaCreate using a shape mask:

1. Sign up for VistaCreate or log in to your account.

2. Choose your base template. If you're not sure where to start, select Custom Size and enter 2,000 x 1,000 as the size.

3. Add the first photo to your design. You can go to the Photos or Uploads tab.

4. Just like in Canva, you can right-click (Windows) or select command + trackpad (Mac) and press Set as Background. This way, the image will fill the frame.

5. Go to Objects > Frames or Mockups. Choose a frame or mockup with an image background.

6. Add the second photo you want to include by dragging and dropping it. When you're ready to download your work, select Export.

VistaCreate is available as a smartphone app, and you can also use the program in your web browser.

No matter what device you use or what specific result you want to achieve, adding an image to another photo is easy. Then you can easily save your new creation and share it with others, while also deleting redundant files and items you no longer need. And with these apps, you don't even have to pay to get what you want!

Marvin Fry

Update 02 February 2024