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Combine multiple images into a group portrait
Last updated on
Sep 29, 2026
Use Auto-Align Layers and layer masking to blend two similar photos into a flawless composite.
This workflow combines the best parts of two nearly identical images into a single flawless portrait. It's ideal when you have multiple shots of the same scene taken moments apart, where subjects and backgrounds remain in nearly identical positions, but each photo contains minor flaws - someone blinks, looks away, or closes their eyes. Auto-Align Layers automatically matches common areas between images, while layer masking lets you selectively reveal the best content from each photo. For blending scenarios involving different exposures or focus points, see the Auto-Blend Layers command overview.
Before starting, ensure both source images have identical dimensions and resolution. If they differ, crop or resize them to match.
Set up your composite document
Select File > New and create a new document with the same dimensions and resolution as your source images.
In the Layers panel of each source image, select the image layer and drag it into your new document window.
In the new document's Layers panel, position the layer with the flaw you want to correct (such as closed eyes) above the layer with the correct content.
Align layers and add a mask
Tip
The Reposition Only option prevents unwanted distortion while ensuring that identical areas perfectly overlap.
Paint the mask to blend images
Ensure the layer mask thumbnail is selected in the Layers panel—it displays a white border when active.
Press D to reset foreground and background colors to black and white.
Select the Brush tool (B) and choose an appropriate brush size for the area you want to correct.
Zoom in on the flawed area by pressing Ctrl++ (Windows) or Command++ (macOS).
Paint the flawed area black to reveal the correct content from the layer below.
If you mask too much, press X to swap foreground and background colors, then paint with white to restore the top layer.
Continue refining the mask until you achieve a seamless blend between both images.
Note
Painting with black on a layer mask completely hides the top layer, while gray values create partial transparency. White restores full visibility.
After completing your composite, save a layered version (File > Save As > Photoshop format) to preserve editability. Then create a flattened copy (Layer > Flatten Image) and save it in your preferred format for sharing or printing.
For more detailed information about layer masking techniques, see Edit layer masks. To explore automated blending across different exposures or focus points, see Create a composite with extended depth of field.
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