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How to Combine Photos on iPhone Camera Roll

Combining multiple photos into one image, also known as photo stitching or merging, is a useful skill for iPhone users. Whether you want to showcase before-and-after photos, create a panorama, or make an artistic collage, learning how to combine photos on your iPhone camera roll gives you more creative freedom.

In this article, you’ll learn 3 easy methods to merge iPhone photos:

  • Using the Shortcuts app
  • Using third-party apps
  • Taking screenshots

Prerequisites

Before getting started, make sure you have:

  • An iPhone running iOS 12 or later
  • The apps Shortcuts and Photos installed
  • Two or more photos saved to your camera roll that you want to combine

Method 1: Use the Shortcuts App

The Shortcuts app lets you automate common iPhone tasks. Here’s how to use it to easily combine photos:

Step 1: Create a Shortcut

  1. Open the Shortcuts app
  2. Tap the + button to create a new shortcut
  3. Search for and select the Combine Images action
  4. Choose the image layout: Horizontally, Vertically, or In a Grid

Step 2: Select Photos

  1. Tap the + button again
  2. Search for and add the Select Photos action
  3. Turn on Select Multiple to choose more than one photo

Step 3: Save the Result

  1. Add the Save to Photo Album action
  2. Name your new album
  3. Tap Done to finish creating the shortcut

To merge photos:

  1. Run the shortcut you created
  2. Select the photos to combine
  3. Your merged photo will save to the album you named

The Shortcuts method makes combining iPhone photos fast and straightforward.

Method 2: Use Third-Party Apps

If you want more advanced photo merging capabilities, third-party iOS apps can help. Here are some top options:

Pic Stitch

Pic Stitch is a user-friendly app dedicated to combining photos. With an extensive range of layouts, backgrounds, and adjustable spacing, it gives you lots of control over the final merged image.

Key features:

  • 100+ collage templates
  • Grid and freeform layouts
  • Photo filters and effects
  • Draw on images
  • Save to camera roll

Layout from Instagram

From the makers of Instagram, Layout offers simple but powerful photo stitching tools. It includes common layouts like grids and frames, plus creative options like asymmetrical or mirrored designs.

Key features:

  • Minimalist interface
  • 16 layout templates
  • Adjustable image spacing
  • Photo filters
  • Share directly to Instagram or save photos

Pic Collage

True to its name, Pic Collage makes it easy to generate polished photo collages. It has plenty of stickers, fonts, and templates to help you customize images before merging them.

Key features:

  • Hundreds of templates
  • Grids, frames, and cutouts
  • Stickers, text, and drawings
  • Photo effects and filters
  • Share via social media

The best third-party app for you depends on your priorities, whether that’s simplicity, creative freedom, or social sharing. Most paid apps offer free trials so you can test options before committing.

Method 3: Take Screenshots

If you don’t want to download any new apps, use your iPhone’s built-in screenshot feature:

  1. Open the Photos app
  2. Select the images you want to combine
  3. Tap the thumbnail(s) to view them at full size on your screen
  4. Arrange the photos side-by-side
  5. Take a screenshot by pressing the Side button + Volume Up button
  6. The screenshot will save to your camera roll
  7. Crop the screenshot if needed

Screenshots offer the quickest merging solution when you’re in a pinch. Just be aware that overall image quality may decrease compared to the other methods.

Photo Merging Tips

Keep these tips in mind for great combined images:

  • Choose photos with similar orientations, dimensions, and quality
  • Use portrait mode for side-by-side images, landscape for vertical stacking
  • Adjust brightness, contrast, etc. before merging when possible
  • Mind the spacing between images in your layout
  • Get creative! Merge different photos for artistic collages

Conclusion

Whether you want to showcase progress photos, tell stories, or get creative, combining images is a handy iPhone photography skill. Use the Shortcuts app for efficiency, third-party apps like Pic Stitch for advanced features, or screenshots for quick-and-simple merging.

With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to easily stitch iPhone photos together to make visually compelling images perfect for sharing.

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