Combining Pictures

The following summarizes how to combine several pictures on a single page.

How to combine pictures on one page in Photoshop using layers.

The trick to combining photos on a page is to make sure to set the correct size of the photos.

If you are printing on a page that is 8-1/2 inches by 11 inches then the pictures must be smaller so they can fit on the page.

For an example, we will combine two 4” x 6” pictures on a page of 8-1/2” x 11” white paper.

First, resize the two pictures so they are 4” x 6”.

Next, make sure they are the same resolution. For example, we will use 300 as the desired resolution. In Photoshop, go to Image, then Image Size, and make sure the resolution is at 300.

Now bring up a new blank page.

In photoshop, go to File New

A screen will open up that you can use to set up the new white page.

In this screen set the width and height of the white page

Width 8-1/2”

Height 11”

Set the resolution so it is the same as the pictures (300 for this example).

Set the Color space as RGB.

Then set the Background contents as White.

Click OK and a blank white page should appear.

Now you want to place your two photos on the white page.

1) Click on one of the photos so it is the active image in the layers window.

2) Next, place your cursor over the image in the Layers window, left click and drag the image onto the white page and release the image.

3) When you release the image, it will be on the page, but not in the desired position.

Next, use the Move tool to move the image on the white page.

If you need precise points to position the image, hit control and ‘ (Ctrl + ‘ )
This will bring up grid lines that help for positioning. You can use the arrow keys to move left, right , up and down.

If you want to add another image, repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 with a new image.

Note, hold the shift key down when you drag an image (as in step 2), and it will be in the exact center when you release. This can be helpful sometimes.

This example shows how to combine pictures on a page with a white background. However, the same techniques can be applied to combine smaller pictures on a larger picture.