Combining images in Photoshop Elements

Editing multiple images in a Photoshop file may seem complex at first, especially if you are new to the software. However, with a bit of guidance, this process becomes an effective and creative experience. Here, I'll show you how to combine multiple images in a document in Photoshop Elements. Whether you're working on a creative project or want to combine several shots for a presentation, I'll walk you through the process step by step.

Main insights

• You can use different methods to integrate images into a document.
• Moving images and using selection tools make it easier to work with multiple layers.
• Pay attention to how you handle the cutout and background of your images to achieve an appealing result.

Step-by-step guide

Let's start with the first step to combine your images in Photoshop Elements. Pay attention to the following instructions and screenshots that illustrate the process for you.

First, you may have three different images that you want to bring together in a workspace. In your case, you will choose one of these images as the main subject into which the other images will be inserted. In the video, one image is used as a platform on which the other images are to be presented.

To add the second image, select the Move tool. Click on the image you want to add and drag it up. Even if you can’t see anything right now, it still works as long as you move the image in the active tab with your mouse.

When you release the image, it will be placed in your document. You will notice that the layers palette now consists of two layers. This allows you to organize the images in different layers, giving you more control over the editing.

Another way to insert images into your document is to select a specific area from an image. You can freely determine this area – whether it's the entire image or just a part, like just the head of a person. In this case, we will use the entire image for the demonstration. Make sure to make the selection on the layer you want to edit.

Once you've made your selection, press Command + C (for Mac), or Ctrl + C (for Windows) to copy the image. Returning to the main image, where all the images should come together, press Command + V (or Ctrl + V for Windows) again. This adds the image to a new layer.

Now you have a document that contains three images, but they may be overlapping. This might not look as desired. Therefore, you may want to position the images side by side. For this, we will use the Crop tool. Select the image you want to edit and drag the selection to the right.

You also have the option to hold down the Alt and Shift keys while adjusting the selection. This will proportionally change the width. Then confirm the selection to apply the changes.

Be aware that an error may occur. If the background is locked, it will automatically receive a white background color, which is not ideal. If you do not want the background to be in that color, go back and disable the lock by clicking on the lock in the layers palette.

Then repeat the cropping process. Now the background should remain transparent, which provides for better visual presentation.

Now you can move the images around as you like. For example, you could push the first image to the left or transform it. To transform the image, press Command + T and adjust the size.

You can also move the bottom layer to the right to achieve more balance in the composition. If any of the layers still seem too small, you can also enlarge them to create a harmonious overall image.

You have now successfully placed three different images into one document. You could further process them by inserting them into another scene or making creative adjustments. Let your creativity flow!

Summary

The steps outlined above show you how to combine multiple images in a document in Photoshop Elements. It is an effective method to shape your projects and highlight different aspects of your images.