How to Overlay Photos

Overlaying images might be useful if you want to create artistic collages, greeting cards, or even make impressive promotional material. Usually, you need to take a background picture and then overlay one or several images on it. Sounds difficult? Really, it’s not that hard. In this article, we’ll show you 3 ways to do it in different programs. But if you need more ways, then read the article on how to overlay pictures.

Let’s begin!

1. Photoshop

Photoshop is probably the first software that comes to mind when you need to overlay photos. It has a vast choice of photo editing tools, most of which ‌require a huge amount of time to master. To make an overlay you need to open both of your pictures in the program. Add a new layer to the image that will serve as a background. Then, switch to the picture that will be the top layer, select it and copy. Go back to the background photo and paste the selected image on it. Resize and rotate the top layer to your liking. If you need to blend in both pictures – adjust the opacity by dragging the slider. If you are not a newbie to Photoshop, you can experiment with different tools – use Blending modes to blend pixels of the images in different ways, apply layer masks and transparency settings to a specific part of your image overlay or add texture and patterns to create artistic effects. Once you’re done editing your image, go to the File menu and hit Save or Export.

2. PhotoWorks

The second software that we are going to use is PhotoWorks. It’s a user-friendly photo editing program that has various tools suitable for beginners and advanced users. To overlay pictures you need to run the software and open your background picture first. Then switch to the Tools Tab and choose Image Overlay. You’ll have an option to add an image from a file or use clipart from the software’s collection. Pick the first option and add your image. Resize, rotate and move the picture around until you are satisfied with the result. If you need that semi-transparent effect on your overlay – drag the Opacity slider to the left. You can also add a shadow to the image and adjust its settings – depth, softness, angle, shift. There is no limit on the quantity of added images – add as many as you want. If you need to delete one of the elements, just click the trash bin button or press the Delete key on your keyboard. Press the Save button when you are done.

3. PicMonkey

Now let’s see how to overlay images using PicMonkey. It’s an online photo and graphics editor that you can access from your browser. Once you’ve opened the program, hit Edit New Image and upload your basic photo. Then go to the left toolbar and switch to the Graphics tab. Hit the Add Your Own Graphics button and select the picture that will be on top of the basic image. Resize and rotate it if needed, and drag it to the right spot. Now edit your overlay. There is a Graphic Tools menu on the left, where you can find all the necessary tools. You can add a shadow or an outline, apply effects and textures, and fix exposure and color. There is also a Fade & Blend tool, which lets you choose different blending modes and adjust the effect strength. The Blend mode affects the transparency and the way your top layer blends in with the background. Just scroll through all the modes and choose the one that suits your overlay best. The Fade slider adjusts the opacity of the blend mode. Hit the Download button in the top right corner to save your image.

Well, now you know how to overlay photos in 3 different programs. We suggest not only sticking to the basic photo editing but going further and creating a captivating photo overlay, which will add complexity and interest to your picture.