Creating side by side photos on your iPhone can be a challenge if you don't know the right tools or steps. Many developers and casual users want to combine images quickly for social media, presentations, or personal projects but struggle with the built-in iPhone features.
This guide explains how to create a side by side photo on iPhone using native apps and third-party tools. You will learn practical methods to merge photos horizontally, customize layouts, and export your final image efficiently.
What is a side by side photo on iPhone?
A side by side photo on iPhone is an image that combines two or more photos placed horizontally next to each other. This format is popular for comparisons, storytelling, or creative displays. Developers use this technique to create visual content without needing complex software.
On iPhone, you can create side by side photos using built-in apps like Photos or Shortcuts, or third-party collage apps. The goal is to merge images seamlessly into one horizontal layout.
What prerequisites are required for creating side by side photos on iPhone?
- iPhone with iOS 14 or later: Some features like the Shortcuts app require recent iOS versions for smooth operation.
- Basic photo editing knowledge: Understanding how to crop, resize, and arrange photos helps when customizing your collage.
- Installed apps: Either the native Photos and Shortcuts apps or a trusted third-party collage app like Layout from Instagram.
- Photos ready for merging: Have the images you want to combine saved in your Photos library.
How do you create a side by side photo using the iPhone Photos app?
The native Photos app does not directly support side by side photo creation but allows basic editing and sharing. To create side by side images, you can use the Shortcuts app or third-party apps. However, you can prepare photos by cropping or resizing them in Photos before merging.
Open the Photos app and select the images you want to edit. Use the crop tool to adjust each photo’s dimensions so they align well side by side. This step ensures the final merged image looks balanced.
After cropping, save the photos. You will then use another tool to combine them horizontally. Photos app alone cannot merge images side by side but is useful for initial adjustments.
How do you create a side by side photo using the Shortcuts app on iPhone?
The Shortcuts app on iPhone lets you automate tasks, including combining photos side by side. You can create or download a shortcut that merges selected images horizontally into one photo.
To do this, open the Shortcuts app and search for a “Combine Images” shortcut or create one yourself. The shortcut asks you to select photos, then merges them side by side automatically.
This method is efficient because it uses built-in iPhone features without needing extra apps. You can customize the shortcut to set spacing, background color, and image order.
After running the shortcut, the combined image saves to your Photos library, ready for sharing or editing.
Step-by-step guide to creating a side by side photo on iPhone
Step 1: Open the Shortcuts app
The Shortcuts app is pre-installed on iPhones with iOS 14 or later. It lets you automate photo merging without extra downloads.
open ShortcutsThis command represents opening the Shortcuts app manually. You will use it to run or create a photo combining shortcut.
Step 2: Create a new shortcut for combining images
Tap the '+' icon to create a new shortcut. Add the action 'Select Photos' and enable 'Select Multiple' to choose more than one image.
Action: Select Photos (Select Multiple enabled)This action prompts you to pick the photos you want to merge side by side.
Step 3: Add the 'Combine Images' action
Search for and add the 'Combine Images' action. Set the mode to 'Side by Side' to merge photos horizontally.
Action: Combine Images (Mode: Side by Side)This merges the selected photos horizontally into one image.
Step 4: Save the combined image
Add the 'Save to Photo Album' action to store the new image in your Photos library.
Action: Save to Photo AlbumThis saves the final side by side photo so you can access or share it later.
Step 5: Run the shortcut and select photos
Tap the play button to run the shortcut. Select the photos you want side by side, then wait for the shortcut to process and save the image.
Run shortcut and select photosThe shortcut merges and saves the side by side photo automatically.
Step 6: View and share your side by side photo
Open the Photos app to find your new combined image. You can edit, share, or use it as needed.
open Photos and view combined imageThis confirms the process is complete and your photo is ready.
What are common errors when creating side by side photos on iPhone and how do you fix them?
- Shortcut not running: Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version and the Shortcuts app has necessary permissions to access Photos.
- Photos not combining properly: Check that you enabled 'Select Multiple' in the 'Select Photos' action and set the 'Combine Images' mode to 'Side by Side'.
- Image quality loss: Large photos may be resized or compressed. Use photos with similar resolutions to maintain quality.
- Shortcut crashes or freezes: Restart your iPhone and try again. If the problem persists, recreate the shortcut or reinstall the Shortcuts app.
What are best practices when creating side by side photos on iPhone?
- Use consistent photo dimensions: Crop or resize photos before combining to ensure a balanced and professional look.
- Keep backups of original photos: Always save originals separately to avoid losing quality during edits.
- Test shortcuts with sample images: Verify your shortcut works correctly before using important photos.
- Use trusted third-party apps when needed: Apps like Layout or Canva offer more customization and templates for side by side photos.
- Optimize image resolution: Choose appropriate resolution for your final use case to balance quality and file size.
How do third-party apps help create side by side photos on iPhone?
Third-party apps like Layout from Instagram, Canva, or Pic Collage provide user-friendly interfaces to create side by side photos quickly. They offer templates, drag-and-drop features, and editing tools that simplify the process.
These apps often support multiple layout options, background colors, and text overlays. They are ideal if you want more design flexibility than the Shortcuts app offers.
Most apps allow you to import photos from your library, arrange them side by side, and export the final image in high quality. Some offer free versions with optional paid features.
How can you customize side by side photos on iPhone?
Customization includes adjusting spacing, adding borders, changing background colors, and resizing images. The Shortcuts app has limited options but third-party apps provide rich customization.
For example, in Layout, you can select different frame styles, swap photo positions, and add filters. Canva allows adding text, stickers, and custom backgrounds.
Customizing your side by side photo enhances visual appeal and helps convey your message more effectively.
Conclusion
Creating a side by side photo on iPhone is achievable using built-in tools like the Shortcuts app or third-party collage applications. This technique helps developers and users combine images horizontally for creative or practical purposes.
By following the step-by-step guide and best practices, you can produce high-quality side by side photos efficiently. Troubleshooting tips ensure smooth operation, while customization options let you tailor the final image to your needs.
FAQs
Can I create side by side photos without installing any apps?
Yes, you can use the Shortcuts app pre-installed on iPhones with iOS 14 or later to combine photos side by side without additional downloads.
What is the best app for creating side by side photos on iPhone?
Layout by Instagram and Canva are popular third-party apps offering easy-to-use interfaces and extensive customization for side by side photos.
How do I maintain image quality when merging photos?
Use photos with similar resolutions and avoid excessive resizing. Export the final image in the highest quality settings available.
Can I add text or stickers to side by side photos on iPhone?
Yes, third-party apps like Canva allow adding text, stickers, and other design elements to enhance your side by side photos.
Is it possible to automate side by side photo creation for multiple images?
Using the Shortcuts app, you can create automation to combine multiple photos side by side, but complex layouts may require manual adjustments or advanced apps.