Select File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack, or manually copy each image as a new layer.
Last updated on
Sep 28, 2026
Use Smart Objects to combine multiple images and reduce noise or remove unwanted objects in Adobe Photoshop on desktop.
Image stacks give precise control over how multiple exposures combine into a single enhanced result.
An image stack combines multiple images with similar framing but different qualities into a Smart Object. You can then apply stack modes processing options that analyze corresponding pixels across all layers to create a composite that eliminates noise, distortion, or unwanted objects. Image stacks work best with images of identical dimensions taken from a fixed viewpoint, such as still photos from a tripod or frames from a stationary video camera.
You can create image stacks manually for full control over layer alignment and mode selection, or use the Statistics script to automate the entire workflow.
Combine images into one multi-layered document
If your Background layer is included, convert it to a regular layer by right-clicking it and selecting Layer From Background.
Select Select > All Layers to select every layer in the document.
Select Edit > Auto-Align Layers, then Auto as the alignment option, and select OK.
With all layers still selected, select Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object.
Select Layer > Smart Objects > Stack Mode and choose a rendering mode such as Mean for noise reduction or Median for object removal.
Stack mode rendering is non-destructive. You can change modes at any time to produce different effects while preserving the original image data. Common uses include reducing noise in forensic, medical, or astrophotographic images, and removing transient elements like pedestrians or vehicles from architectural photography. The rendered composite appears immediately.
Create and render a stack using the Statistics script
Select File > Scripts > Statistics.
Choose a stack mode from the Choose Stack Mode menu, then specify your source images by selecting Browse to choose files or a folder.
Select Attempt To Automatically Align Source Images if your images need registration.
Select OK. Photoshop combines the images into a Smart Object and applies the selected stack mode automatically.
The Statistics script completes the entire stack creation and rendering workflow in a single operation.
Edit the contents of an image stack
Select the Smart Object layer containing the stack, then Layer > Smart Objects > Edit Contents.
Make your changes to individual layers within the stack document, then save and close the file to update the rendered composite.
Remove stack rendering
Select the Smart Object layer, then select Layer > Smart Objects > Stack Mode > None.
Removing the stack mode leaves the Smart Object intact but disables composite rendering, revealing only the top layer.
Convert a stack to a regular layer
Select Layer > Smart Objects > Rasterize to permanently apply the current stack rendering and convert the Smart Object to a standard layer.
Duplicate the Smart Object layer before rasterizing to preserve the ability to re-render the stack with different modes later.
Create stunning images with Photoshop
Edit, retouch, and transform photos with the industry-leading creative tools you know and love.
