How to Put Two Pictures Side-by-Side on iPhone (iOS 17)

What to Know

  • Use the Apple Shortcuts app to quickly create a shortcut so you can combine two photos side-by-side on your iPhone. 
  • Then, you can use this shortcut anytime you want to combine two photos for memes or before-and-after comparisons!

Have you ever wondered how to combine photos on iPhone without a third-party app? The easiest way to combine two pictures and create a side-by-side photo on your iPhone is by creating a shortcut in the Shortcuts app. Then, you can just select the images you want to combine. Let's go over how to put two pictures side-by-side on your iPhone.

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Make a Shortcut for Side-by-Side Photos on iPhone

While there are apps that can put two photos side-by-side such as Canvas, using the Shortcuts app on your iPhone can do the job without requiring you to purchase a third-party app. Here's how to create a side-by-side photos shortcut:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app, then tap the Plus sign to create a shortcut.

    Tap the Plus sign to create a shortcut.
  2. Tap the Search Bar at the bottom of the screen. Search for and tap Select Photos.

    Tap the Search Bar at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Tap the blue arrow next to Select Photos.

    Tap the blue arrow next to Select Photos.
  4. Turn on the Select Multiple toggle.

    Turn on the Select Multiple toggle.
  5. Don't exit. Instead, search again and select Combine Images.

    Don't exit. Instead, search again and select Combine Images.
  6. In the Combined Images section, make sure the mode field is set to Horizontally. If not, tap on Horizontally to change it.

    In the Combined Images section, make sure the mode field is set to Horizontally. If not, tap on Horizontally to change it.
  7. Tap on the arrow next to Horizontally to adjust how much space you want between the photos. If you don't want any spacing, you can skip this step.

    Tap on the arrow next to Horizontally to adjust how much space you want between the photos. If you don't want any spacing, you can skip this step.
  8. Then one last time, search for and tap on Save to Photo Album.

    Then one last time, search for and tap on Save to Photo Album.
  9. Tap the field at the top of the screen to rename your shortcut.

    Tap the field at the top of the screen to rename your shortcut.
  10. Tap Add to Home Screen to make the shortcut available as an icon on the home screen.

    Tap Add to Home Screen to make the shortcut available as an icon on the home screen.
  11. You can customize the icon picture and then tap Add

    You can customize the icon picture and then tap Add, and it will appear on the Home screen. 
  12. The shortcut will appear on your Home Screen.

    It will automatically appear on your Home Screen.
  13. Open the Shortcuts app again, and tap Done to save your shortcut.

    Tap Done.

Now you're ready to combine pictures to show a before-and-after photo of yourself, or even a side-by-side photo of a home renovation!

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How to Put 2 Pictures Side-by-Side on iPhone

You've learned how to set up a shortcut for combining photos. Here's how to use it to put two photos side-by-side. 

  1. Open the shortcut that you've created and added to your Home screen.

  2. Select the two photos you want to combine.

  3. Tap Add, and then wait a few seconds.

  4. Now open the Photos app, and tap on your combined photo to view it.

FAQ

  • How do I put two pictures together on my iPhone wallpaper? Once you've created a side-by-side image, open the Settings app, tap Wallpaper, and select Add New Wallpaper. Then, select the side-by-side photo to use it as your phone background.
  • How do I put pictures side by side on iPad? The steps for creating a side-by-side photo are the same for your iPad and iPhone! Follow the steps above to create a shortcut, then select the photos you want to combine.
  • How can I make a photo collage on my iPhone? We recommend using the Canva app if you want to create complex photo collage layouts on your iPhone. This third-party app offers a lot of layout flexibility and is easy to use. 

There are many reasons you might want to combine photos on your iPhone. Now, you'll never have to choose between the best two photos because you've learned how to put two pictures side by side! If you enjoyed this photos tip, check out our article covering how to use a timer on your iPhone camera to boost your photography skills!

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Author Details

Kenya Smith's picture

Author Details

Kenya Smith

Kenya Smith is a Feature Web Writer for iPhone Life. She has a bachelor's degree in Strategic Communication and has written articles for two newspapers in her home state of Virginia. She also won first place in non-daily column writing for the 2019 and 2020 Virginia Press Association Awards.