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To place two photos side by side in Canva, add a two-cell grid, drag one photo into each cell, adjust the crop, and download the finished design. On desktop, the path is Elements > search “grids” > choose a two-cell layout.
Use a two-cell grid in Canva
The quickest way to put two photos side by side in Canva is to add a horizontal two-cell grid, then drag one photo into each cell. The grid keeps the images aligned and lets you crop each photo independently without stretching it.
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How to place two photos side by side in Canva on a computer
- Open Canva and start a design. Choose a blank design with the dimensions you need. If you want a ready-made layout, search Canva for Photo Collage and choose a template or blank collage project.
- Add a two-photo layout. In the editor, open Elements, search for grids, and choose a layout divided into two adjacent vertical cells.
- Add your photos. Open Uploads to add images from your device, or choose photos from Canva’s media library. Drag the first photo into the left cell and the second photo into the right cell.
- Adjust the crop. Double-click a photo inside its cell, or select Canva’s Crop control. Move or scale the image until the important part of the photo is visible, then click outside the frame to finish.
- Resize and style the layout. Drag the grid’s corner handles to change its overall size. You can also add a background color, text, borders, or other decorative elements around it.
- Export the finished image. Select Share, choose Download, and select PNG or JPG for a single digital image.
Why a grid is usually better than placing two images manually
A two-cell grid gives each photo a defined frame, so the images stay next to one another while you work. It is the simplest option for a comparison, before-and-after image, diptych, or basic photo collage.
Manually placing the photos is useful when you need more creative control. Upload both images onto a blank page, resize them to similar dimensions, and position them next to each other with Canva’s alignment and positioning controls. This allows overlapping images, custom spacing, labels, and decorative shapes, but you must align and size the photos yourself.
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Fix common layout problems
The subject is cut off
Double-click the affected photo, or select Crop, and drag the image within its frame. You can also scale the image so the subject fits better. Do not stretch the photo to fill the cell; reposition or crop it instead.
The photos have different shapes
Keep both photos in the same two-cell grid and crop each one independently. A portrait photo and a landscape photo may require different crop positions, but the grid can still keep their visible areas the same height.
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Try another two-cell grid or collage layout, or resize the grid. If the selected layout does not give you the spacing you want, place a narrow strip of background-colored space between the cells. Canva’s exact spacing controls can vary by layout and editor version, so changing the layout is often the most dependable solution.
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The two images are not the same height
Use a plain two-column grid and keep the overall grid at a consistent height. Crop each photo until the important content is positioned at a similar visual level. This works especially well for comparison graphics.
Make a before-and-after comparison
For a clear comparison image:
- Choose a plain two-column grid rather than a heavily decorated template.
- Use the same visible height for both photos.
- Crop the images so the subjects are positioned consistently.
- Add short labels such as Before and After above or below the photos.
- Use a simple background and enough contrast for the labels to remain readable.
This layout is particularly useful for showing a painting before and after restoration, a work-in-progress beside the finished piece, or two reference photos for a painting project.
Use a collage template for a more decorative result
If you want borders, a styled background, text, or additional decorative elements, search Canva for Photo Collage rather than starting with a plain grid. Collage templates can be customized with colors, layouts, fonts, frames, borders, and image effects.
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A template is not required for a simple side-by-side image. Start with the two-cell grid when alignment matters more than decoration, and use a template when the design itself is part of the finished presentation.
Canva mobile app instructions
The same basic method works in Canva’s mobile app:
- Start or open a design.
- Add a grid or collage layout with two cells.
- Insert one photo into each cell.
- Adjust each photo’s crop and position.
- Use the sharing and download controls to export the result.
The location and wording of buttons can differ between the mobile app and the desktop editor, so look for the same functions rather than expecting the controls to appear in exactly the same place. Canva’s collage tools are available through its browser and app experiences.
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Which file format should you download?
| Format | Best for |
|---|---|
| PNG | A crisp digital graphic, especially when the design includes text, labels, or sharp edges. |
| JPG | A smaller, general-purpose image for sharing or uploading online. |
| A document or print-oriented workflow rather than a normal single image. |
For a normal digital side-by-side collage, PNG or JPG is appropriate. If you plan to print it, check the design dimensions first and leave enough margin around the photos so important content is not too close to the edge.
If you want to display a printed result, an optional photo collage frame can hold the two-photo design. For home printing, suitable photo paper may also be useful, but neither is necessary to create the collage in Canva.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need Canva Pro?
No. Basic side-by-side placement only requires a design, a two-cell grid or collage layout, and two images. Some advanced image-editing tools, such as background removal, may be limited to Canva Pro or another paid plan. Those tools are optional and are not needed to place two photos next to each other.
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Best method at a glance
- Simple side-by-side image: Use a two-cell grid.
- Before-and-after comparison: Use a plain two-column grid with labels.
- Decorative collage: Search for a Photo Collage template.
- Overlapping or irregular arrangement: Place and align the photos manually.
- Digital sharing: Download as PNG or JPG.
- Physical display: Check dimensions and margins before downloading for print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Canva Pro to put two photos side by side?
No. A basic two-photo layout can be made with Canva’s standard grid and image-placement tools. Some advanced features, such as background removal, may require Canva Pro, but they are not needed for placing photos side by side.
How do I stop Canva from cropping my photo incorrectly?
Open Elements, search for grids, choose a two-cell layout, and drag one photo into each cell. Double-click either photo or use Crop to reposition it inside its frame.
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Can I place two photos side by side without using a grid?
Yes. Upload both images onto a blank page, resize them, and use Canva’s alignment and positioning controls to place them manually. This offers more control but requires more precise alignment.
Should I download my Canva collage as a PNG, JPG, or PDF?
PNG or JPG is best for a single digital image. Use PDF when the design is intended mainly for a document or print workflow.
The Bottom Line
For the cleanest result, open Elements, search for grids, choose a two-cell horizontal layout, and drag one photo into each cell. Crop each image separately, then use Share > Download to save the finished collage as a PNG or JPG.
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