Combining two photos side-by-side in Photoshop Elements is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide using a method described in the provided Adobe community forum:
Method 1: Using the Crop and Move Tools
This method leverages the Crop and Move tools for a quick and efficient combination.
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Open the First Photo: Start by opening the first image in Photoshop Elements.
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Expand the Canvas: Select the Crop tool (keyboard shortcut "C"). Drag the right-middle handle of the cropping box to the right, extending the canvas to create enough space for the second photo. Make it roughly twice the original width, or slightly more to allow for spacing.
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Open the Second Photo: Open the second photo in Photoshop Elements.
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Tile the Windows: Go to Window > Arrange > Tile. This will arrange both photos side-by-side on your screen for easy access.
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Drag and Drop: Select the Move tool (keyboard shortcut "V"). Click and drag the second image from its window and drop it into the first image's canvas, positioning it to the right of the first photo.
Method 2: Using Photomerge (Alternative Method)
Photoshop Elements also offers the Photomerge feature, providing a more automated approach, especially helpful for combining multiple images. While the provided resources mention Photomerge, the specific steps for side-by-side placement aren't detailed. However, the basic process is as follows:
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Select Photos: In the Photo Bin, select both images you want to combine.
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Access Photomerge: Go to Enhance > Photomerge > Photomerge Compose.
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Arrange Images: The Photomerge function will attempt an automatic arrangement. You may need to manually adjust the placement and spacing of the images to achieve a side-by-side arrangement.
Note: This method might require further adjustments to achieve precise alignment and spacing compared to the first method using the crop and move tools.
Choosing the Best Method
The first method, utilizing the Crop and Move tools, offers more direct control over placement and sizing. The Photomerge method is useful for more complex image combinations but might require manual fine-tuning for simple side-by-side arrangements. Choose the method that best suits your needs and comfort level.
