Get started with Photomerge

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to take and prepare photos for creating wide panoramic images in Adobe Photoshop.

Photomerge combines multiple photos into one wide or vertical image. It matches edges, blends details, and corrects perspective to create a single photo from several overlapping shots. You can use Photomerge to create panoramic images in different directions—side by side, top to bottom, or both.

Take better source photos for Photomerge

Good input photos can help improve overall quality. Follow these tips to capture images that are easier to merge with:

  • Overlap images by around 40% - too little or too much overlap can affect alignment and blending
  • Use the same zoom level - keep the focal length constant using a zoom lens.
  • Keep the camera level - use a tripod with a rotating head to maintain a steady angle.
  • Stay in the same position - move only the camera between shots to maintain a consistent viewpoint.
  • Avoid distortion-heavy lenses - if using a fisheye or wide-angle lens, choose the Auto layout in Photomerge to correct distortion.
  • Keep exposure settings consistent - avoid switching flash or letting automatic settings vary between shots. The blending features in Photomerge help smooth out different exposures, but extreme differences make alignment difficult.