What does "combining images side by side" mean?
Combining images side by side means placing two or more photos next to each other on a single canvas to create one new image. This is used for before-and-after comparisons, product showcases, and side-by-side screenshots.
Unlike a PDF merger, which joins files, an image combiner flattens the photos into a single JPG or PNG file. This makes it easy to post on social media, insert into a report, or send on WhatsApp without the recipient having to open multiple files.
How to put two pictures side by side with MentorMakers
The MentorMakers Combine Images tool joins photos in your browser without uploading them to a server. It is free and requires no signup.
- Open the Combine Images tool on your phone or computer.
- Upload your two photos.
- Select the Side by side layout from the options. [CHECK: confirm the exact button/UI for layout selection]
- (Optional) Adjust the gap, rounded corners, or background color. Select "transparent" if you want a PNG with a see-through background.
- Click Combine.
- Download the new image.
If the final image is too large for a form or website, run it through the Image Resizer to bring it down to the exact pixel size you need.
Worked example. A student needs a before-and-after comparison of a drawing for an art project. One photo is 1920x1080 (landscape) and the other is 1080x1920 (portrait). They upload both to the tool and select "Side by side." The tool matches both images to the smaller height, so they line up perfectly without stretching. The student downloads the final JPG and adds it to their assignment.
What are the different layout options?
The tool offers three main layouts depending on what you need to show.
LayoutBest forHow it sizes imagesSide by sideBefore/after, comparisons, two screenshotsMatches heightOne above the otherLong screenshots, chat conversations, step-by-step guidesMatches widthGridProduct catalogues, photo collectionsEach cell is same size, photos centred
Use Side by side when the photos are roughly the same height. Use One above the other when you have long, tall screenshots (like a full WhatsApp chat). Use Grid when you have more than two photos and want them in a square layout.
Will combining images make them blurry?
No, the tool prevents blur by matching both images to the size of the smallest one. It does not blow up a small image to fit a large one. This means the final combined image will be as sharp as your smallest source photo.
However, very large results are limited to 12,000 pixels on the longest side to stay within browser limits. If you upload two massive 6000-pixel images, the tool might scale them down to fit. For most uses (social media, assignments, reports), this limit is not an issue.
How do I make a before-and-after photo?
To make a before-and-after photo, select the Side by side layout. Upload the "Before" photo first, then the "After" photo. The tool places them next to each other. You can also use the arrows under each picture to swap their order if you uploaded them backwards.
If one photo is much brighter or darker than the other, you can use the Crop Image tool to crop both to the same aspect ratio first. This makes the final comparison look more professional.
Common mistakes when combining images
- Uploading photos with different aspect ratios. If one is landscape and one is portrait, the tool will match the height, which might leave empty space on the sides. Crop them to the same ratio first if you want a perfect fit.
- Using the wrong layout. If you upload long screenshots and select "Side by side," they will become very wide. Use "One above the other" for tall images.
- Forgetting about the transparent background. If you select "transparent" for the background, the output must be a PNG. JPG does not support transparency.
- Not checking the file size. Combining two images makes a larger file. If you need it under a certain KB, use the Image Resizer after combining.
Troubleshooting: why did my image turn out wrong?
"One image is stretched or squashed": The tool matches sizes, but if you use the "Grid" layout, it centres the image. Use "Side by side" for height matching.
"The background is black/white": You likely selected a solid color instead of "transparent," or saved a transparent PNG as a JPG.
"The file is too large": The combined image might be 12,000 pixels wide. Use the Image Resizer to bring it down.
Key takeaways
- Combining images side by side creates one new image for comparisons or collages.
- The tool matches images to the smallest size, so nothing gets blurred.
- Use "Side by side" for comparisons, "One above the other" for tall screenshots.
- Select "transparent" for a see-through background (PNG output).
- Photos never leave your device; everything happens in your browser.
Ready to combine your photos? Put two pictures side by side with the free MentorMakers Combine Images tool in seconds.