AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

I've seen selections on several photo editing websites for making a collage of pictures. Most have forms that allow 10 or less photos. Then I tried Photoshop with layers and that didn't work at my first attempt so I was about to go look at You Tube videos for layers instructions.

Then today I see this discussion about PSE vs. LR and I find out I'm not alone in plowing through instructions to learn PSE. I've done pretty well over the years but never needed layers before. Now I've decided to ask for advice on any software that can help me make a large collage (16x20 ??) that includes 20 or 30 photos.

Any suggestions other than learning PSE layers and stacking 30 photos?

Thank you in advance for what always seems to be excellent advice.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

You can add as many images as you like in PS, but might take a performance hit. It's not a very complicated process. Start by going to File - > New then click on photo. Select from one of the presets or enter custom settings on the right. Then pick an image in file manager and drag and drop it on the background where it will create a new layer. Initially, you will be able to resize and reposition, then you will need to deselect it by clicking on the move tool. Now you can go get another image and drag and drop and resize and reposition then select the move tool, ... Each image will create a new layer, which you will see in the layers menu to the right. You can go back to play with a previous image by clicking on it's layer then going to edit -> free transform to resize and move it. If you want to "adjust" an image, select it's layer then click on adjustment layer at the bottom right. A menu will come up asking what type of adjustment you want to do.

You are going to want to do this with jpg files unless you are willing to deal with Adobe Camera Raw, which is a lot like the LR develop module.

Good luck!

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I do these on an Android-based tablet in a free app Claaed "COLLAGE MAKER". There are many presets and also a complete random tool which I mostly use.

I have a more sophisticated setup on my main studio computer but I use this one for quick and easy montages. I use it for my portable pocket portfolio.

I like them for my grandkids and family!

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I only do a few collages a year and I use "Pic Collage". First I got the free version but it puts a large watermark on the result then they offered me the upgraded version without the their watermarks, less than $10. But that was a few years ago. You pick your pre-edited images, then after brought into Pic Collage you can resize, rotate, move, bring to foreground or move to background etc. You also can add text and make the overall background different colors. And it does as many images as you want, see samples. Number two I will have to get more flower shots and redo real soon.(May 30) My wife told me to not cut the flowers for her birthday, let them keep growing and give her a picture to put on the wall over her computer. May is a busy month clebration wise for me: daughter's birthday, one son's birthday, wedding anniversary, wife's birthday and of course Mother's Day. I and our oldest son have our BD's in Oct and Dec.

https://piccollage.com/

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mvetrano2 Loc: Commack, NY

Thank you, I've been looking for a collage-making program, I will try these.

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

Picassa will do it.

n4jee Loc: New Bern, NC

I use Power Point

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

You can do them on Shutterfly...when finished you can order prints of your collage...

Chuck

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Picasa is the easiest and most friendly to use and will allow for Many (I have never exceeded the max limit of pix. https://picasa.en.uptodown.com/windows/download
However, I use Photoscape X Free and it will also process Canon CR2/3 files: PhotoScapeX can be used accurately with 3 or 4 clicks or you can REALLY get into serious editing. Here are a couple of sites for you, Enjoy. Be sure to select Mac/or Windows. Get the free version of PhotoScapeX first (it never expires), and you can always upgrade. Also, please do yourself a favor and watch the following YouTube videos to see if you would be interested and for training. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWC-SAuYOzw Also, if you download PhotoScapeX (Free) and open it there is a logo in the top left corner of the page just to the left of the "Viewer" button. Click on that and it will open a full page window of EVERYTHING that PhotoScapeX will do. Click on what you are interested in and the program shows you just what every function will do. Then click on that function again and a short video, usually from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, which you may halt at any time will steer you through that function, step-by-step.

Added tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=photoscape+collage+tutorial

FYI: Andrea Mosaic is another free "Fun Program" to try: http://www.andreaplanet.com/andreamosaic/

Best Wishes,
JimmyT Sends

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

How about PhotoSpills?

http://www.photospills.com/

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Do a Montage in Photoshop by hand.

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bobbyjohn Loc: Dallas, TX

I use Fotojet Collage Maker from https://www.fotojet.com/windows/collage-maker.html ... $30.00 lifetime license.

I think it's the best one out there, but that's just my opinion. With this program, you can make a grid collage or a custom collage, given the numerous templates that comes with the program. For the grid collages, you can adjust the border color & width, and add rounded corners if desired.

avemal Loc: BALTIMORE

I use this. Good luck!

https://www.pearlmountainsoft.com/collageit/

1grumpybear

I have used other software but keep coming back to PS.

First open your open all the photos you want to make a collage out in Photohop.
Open a new file with finial print size you want and a least 300dpi.
Goto one of your open photos.
Click on your Marquee Tool. (box shape or round)
Surround the part of the photo you would like in your collage.
You can go with a sharp edge or a feathered edge.
To get to the Feather Tool right click inside your out lined area and click on Feather and then choose the amount of feather you would like. This may take a little practice to get what you like with each photo.
Then type Control C to copy your outlined part.
Go to your collage and type Control V this will place the photo in the center of the collage.
To move it around use your Move Tool.
To increase or decrease picture size click on Edit go down to Transform and then over to Scale.
Then to you next photo.
The attached is my favorite collage it is of my daughter. Did that back in 2009 for her graduation.
Have done many of these thru the years.
If you have any questions please contact me.

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Horseart Loc: Alabama

I do mine with Microsoft Digital Image Suite 10. My grandson's Senior pictures.

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