Auto-align image layers

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to align multiple image layers automatically in Adobe Photoshop to create composites, panoramas, or layered designs without manual adjustments.

Use Auto-Align Layers to automatically align multiple layers based on similar content in different layers, such as corners and edges. You can assign a reference layer manually or let Photoshop choose one for you. The other layers will align to this reference, so the matching content overlays correctly.

Once aligned, you can combine images in a few ways:

  • Blend or mask layers to replace or delete parts of images that have the same background, creating a seamless composition.
  • Stitch images with overlapping content to create a wide-angle or panoramic view.

Copy or place the images you want to align into the same document. Ensure that each image is in a separate layer.

Select a locked layer as a reference in the Layers panel.

Select the remaining layers you want to align, right-click and select Rasterize Layers.

Note
  • Do not select adjustment layers, vector layers, or Smart Objects that don't contain information needed for alignment.
  • For videos with a static background, you can convert frames into layers to add or delete content across multiple frames.

Select Edit > Auto-Align Layers and select an alignment option in the Auto-Align Layers dialog.

From the Projection section, you can select one of the following:

  • Auto: Analyzes and automatically selects the Perspective or Cylindrical layout based on which gives the best result.
  • Perspective: Uses the central image as a reference and transforms the others (reposition, stretch, or skew) to align overlapping content.
  • Collage: Aligns layers and matches overlapping content without distorting shapes.
  • Cylindrical: Displays images on a curved surface to reduce the "bow tie" distortion common with Perspective layout.
  • Spherical: Aligns images with both vertical and horizontal overlap by transforming them into a spherical layout using a central reference.
  • Reposition: Aligns layers and matches overlapping content without transforming (Stretch or Skew) the source layers.

From the Lens Correction section, you can select the following to correct lens defects:

  • Vignette Removal: Compensates for darkened corners caused by lens limitations.
  • Geometric Distortion: Compensates for barrel, pincushion, or fisheye distortion.

Select OK.