What Is It Called When You Put Two Pictures Together? Collage, Diptych & More

Have you ever placed two pictures next to each other and wondered, “What is this actually called?” Maybe you are creating a social media post, editing product photos, designing a portfolio, comparing before-and-after images, or building a visual section for your website.

The answer depends on how the pictures are combined.

In most cases, putting two pictures together is called a collage. But if the images are placed side by side, it may also be called a diptych or side-by-side image. If the images are blended into one realistic scene, it is usually called a composite image. If they are arranged to tell a story, it may be called a montage or photomontage.

So, the correct term depends on the style, purpose, and editing technique used.

In this guide, we will explain what it is called when you put two pictures together, the difference between collage, montage, diptych, composite image, overlay, and before-after comparison, and how you can use these image formats on a WordPress website.

What Is It Called When You Put Two Pictures Together?

When you put two pictures together, it is commonly called a collage. A collage is a visual layout where two or more images are arranged together in one design.

However, there are several other terms depending on the final result:

Image Style	Common Name
Two pictures placed side by side	Diptych, side-by-side photo, comparison image
Multiple photos arranged in one layout	Photo collage
Two photos blended into one image	Composite image
Photos arranged to tell a story	Montage or photomontage
One image placed on top of another	Overlay
Two images merged with transparency	Image blend
Before and after images compared together	Before-after comparison
Two images compared interactively	Before-after image slider
Multiple images stitched into a wide view	Panorama or stitched image

So, if you are asking, “What is it called when you put two pictures together?”, the simple answer is: it is usually called a collage. But if you want the most accurate term, you should choose the name based on the way the pictures are combined.

What Is a Side-by-Side Picture Called?

A side-by-side picture is often called a diptych, side-by-side photo, comparison image, or two-photo collage.

A diptych traditionally refers to two separate panels or images displayed together as one piece. In photography and design, a diptych is commonly used when two images are placed next to each other to create contrast, connection, or comparison.

For example, a side-by-side photo can be used to show:

• Before and after results
• Old vs new design
• Original vs edited photo
• Product comparison
• Day vs night view
• Two related moments
• Two versions of the same subject

If the two pictures are simply placed next to each other in a layout, you can call it a side-by-side collage. But if the goal is to compare two versions, it is better to call it a comparison image or before-and-after comparison.

Common Terms Used When Combining Two Pictures

There are many names for putting two pictures together. Let’s look at the most common terms and when each one should be used.

1. Collage

A collage is the most common term for putting two or more pictures together in a single layout. It can include photos, graphics, text, shapes, stickers, icons, and design elements.

A collage does not always need to look realistic. The images can be arranged in grids, frames, overlapping shapes, or creative layouts.

Example Uses of a Collage

You can use a collage for:

• Social media posts
• Travel memories
• Family photo layouts
• Event highlights
• Product showcases
• Blog graphics
• Mood boards
• Portfolio previews
• Marketing banners

A collage is best when you want to show multiple visuals together in a simple and attractive way.

When Should You Use the Word Collage?

Use the word collage when two or more images are arranged together but not necessarily blended into one realistic image.

For example:

• “I created a photo collage from my vacation pictures.”
• “The designer made a collage using product images.”
• “This blog graphic uses a two-photo collage layout.”

2. Diptych

A diptych is a pair of two images displayed together. In modern photography, a diptych usually means two photos placed side by side to create a connection or contrast.

Unlike a general collage, a diptych specifically includes two parts. The images may be related by theme, color, subject, story, or comparison.

Example Uses of a Diptych

A diptych is useful for:

• Photography storytelling
• Before and after visuals
• Two-part artwork
• Fashion photography
• Product comparison
• Wedding photography
• Real estate transformation
• Interior design showcase

For example, a photographer might place a close-up photo next to a wide-angle photo. A designer might place an old website design next to a redesigned version. A beauty brand might place a before-treatment photo next to an after-treatment result.

Collage vs Diptych

A collage can include two, three, four, or many images. A diptych usually includes exactly two images. So, every diptych can be considered a type of collage, but not every collage is a diptych.

3. Composite Image

A composite image is created when two or more images are combined and blended together to look like one final image.

Unlike a collage, where separate photos are usually visible, a composite image often tries to look seamless. It may involve background replacement, object blending, lighting adjustments, masking, shadows, and color matching.

Example Uses of a Composite Image

Composite images are commonly used in:

• Advertising
• Product photography
• Creative posters
• Fantasy art
• Social media campaigns
• Movie posters
• Digital art
• Website hero images
• Brand visuals

For example, if you take a photo of a person and place them into a different background, that is a composite image. If you combine a product photo with a creative environment, that is also a composite image.

When Should You Use the Word Composite?

Use composite image when the pictures are merged together to create one complete scene.

For example:

• “The designer created a composite image using three separate photos.”
• “The product ad uses a composite image with a custom background.”
• “This image looks realistic because it was carefully composited.”

4. Montage

A montage is a visual arrangement of multiple images, clips, or scenes that are combined to communicate a story, theme, or idea.

In photography and design, a montage can look similar to a collage. However, the main difference is that a montage usually has a stronger storytelling purpose.

Example Uses of a Montage

A montage can be used for:

• Storytelling visuals
• Event recaps
• Movie-style graphics
• Brand campaigns
• Editorial design
• History timelines
• Transformation stories
• Promotional videos
• Website banners

For example, a fitness coach may create a montage showing different stages of a client’s progress. A business may create a montage of team photos, customer moments, and product visuals to tell a brand story.

Collage vs Montage

A collage focuses on the arrangement of pictures. A montage focuses more on the story or message created by combining those pictures.

5. Photomontage

A photomontage is a type of montage made mainly from photographs. It combines multiple photos into one visual composition.

Photomontage is often used in creative, artistic, editorial, or conceptual design. It may look realistic or intentionally abstract.

Example Uses of Photomontage

Photomontage is useful for:

• Artistic photo editing
• Magazine covers
• Conceptual visuals
• Political or social artwork
• Creative advertising
• Poster design
• Album covers
• Digital campaigns

If you combine several photographs to make a creative design or visual message, you can call it a photomontage.

6. Overlay

An overlay happens when one image is placed on top of another image. The top image may be transparent, semi-transparent, or used as a texture, effect, logo, watermark, or visual layer.

Example Uses of Image Overlay

Image overlays are commonly used for:

• Adding a logo over a photo
• Placing texture over an image
• Creating double exposure effects
• Adding a color filter
• Showing text on a background image
• Adding a watermark
• Creating social media graphics
• Designing website banners

For example, if you place a transparent pattern over a portrait, that is an overlay. If you add a logo on top of a product image, that is also an overlay.

7. Image Blend

An image blend is when two photos are merged together with soft transitions, transparency, gradients, or blending effects.

Blending is often used when you want two images to flow into each other instead of appearing as separate blocks.

Example Uses of Image Blending

Image blending can be used for:

• Double exposure photography
• Creative portraits
• Background effects
• Artistic posters
• Social media edits
• Website hero sections
• Album artwork
• Digital illustrations

For example, if a city skyline gradually fades into a portrait, that is an image blend.

8. Panorama or Stitched Image

A panorama or stitched image is created when multiple photos are joined together to make one wide or continuous image.

This is common in landscape photography, real estate, architecture, and travel content.

Example Uses of Panoramic Images

Panoramas are useful for:

• Landscape photography
• Real estate property views
• City skyline photos
• Interior room views
• Travel photography
• 360-degree visuals
• Architecture portfolios

If you take several photos of a wide scene and merge them into one long image, it is called a panorama or stitched photo.

9. Before-and-After Image Comparison

A before-and-after image comparison is used when two pictures show a change, transformation, edit, improvement, or result.

This is one of the most useful ways to put two pictures together, especially for websites and portfolios.

Example Uses of Before-and-After Comparisons

Before-and-after images are commonly used for:

• Photo editing results
• Website redesigns
• Home renovation projects
• Interior design transformations
• Fitness progress
• Beauty treatments
• Dental results
• Product cleaning results
• Real estate improvements
• Restoration work
• Graphic design changes
• AI image enhancement examples

A before-and-after comparison can be shown as a static side-by-side image, but a more interactive option is a before-and-after image slider.

With a before-after slider, users can drag a handle across the image to compare the two versions. This makes the comparison more engaging and easier to understand.

Collage vs Montage vs Composite vs Diptych: What’s the Difference?

These terms are often confused because they all involve combining images. However, each one has a slightly different meaning.

Term	Meaning	Best Use Case
Collage	Multiple images arranged in one layout	Social media, galleries, mood boards
Diptych	Two images displayed together	Side-by-side comparison, photography
Composite Image	Multiple images blended into one realistic image	Ads, creative edits, posters
Montage	Multiple images arranged to tell a story	Editorial, brand storytelling
Photomontage	A montage made mainly from photographs	Artistic or conceptual design
Overlay	One image placed over another	Watermarks, effects, textures
Image Blend	Two images merged with soft transitions	Creative portraits, double exposure
Before-After Comparison	Two images showing change or result	Portfolios, case studies, transformations
Image Comparison Slider	Interactive before-after comparison	WordPress websites and visual portfolios

The easiest way to choose the right term is to think about the purpose.

• If you are simply arranging pictures, call it a collage.
• If you are showing two pictures side by side, call it a diptych or side-by-side image .
• If you are blending pictures into one realistic scene, call it a composite image.
• If you are telling a story through several pictures, call it a montage.
• If you are showing visual change, call it a before-and-after comparison.

What Is a Picture With Two Pictures Called?

A picture with two pictures can be called a two-photo collage, diptych, side-by-side image, or comparison image.

The correct term depends on the layout and purpose.

For example, if the two images are placed inside a frame or grid, it is usually a two-photo collage. If they are displayed as two connected panels, it can be called a diptych. If they are used to compare results, it is a comparison image or before-and-after image.

Here are some examples:

Situation	Best Term
Two selfies in one design	Two-photo collage
Two artwork panels together	Diptych
Old room vs renovated room	Before-and-after comparison
Original photo vs edited photo	Image comparison
Two product versions side by side	Product comparison image
Two photos blended into one	Composite image

What Is It Called When You Combine Two Pictures Into One?

When you combine two pictures into one, the result can be called a collage, composite image, merged image, or photo blend.

• If both images remain clearly separate, it is usually a collage.
• If the two images are blended together into one final image, it is usually a composite image.
• If one image is placed on top of another, it is called an overlay.
• If the two pictures are joined to show a transformation, it is called a before-after comparison.

For example:

• Combining two images in a grid = collage
• Blending a person into a new background = composite image
• Adding a logo on top of an image = overlay
• Showing old vs new design = before-after comparison
• Placing two related photos side by side = diptych

Static Collage vs Interactive Before-After Slider

A static collage is useful when you want to show two or more images in one layout. But sometimes, a static image is not enough, especially when the viewer needs to compare details.

That is where an interactive before-after image slider becomes more useful.

Static Collage

A static collage shows both images at once. It is simple, easy to create, and works well for general visual layouts.

Use a static collage when:

• You want to show multiple images together
• The images do not need detailed comparison
• You are creating a social media post
• You are designing a gallery preview
• You want a simple visual layout

Before-After Image Slider

A before-after image slider lets users compare two images interactively by dragging a slider handle. This is more effective when the purpose is to show a clear difference between two versions.

Use a before-after slider when:

• You want to compare before and after results
• You need to show transformation clearly
• You want users to interact with the image
• You are building a portfolio or case study
• You want to highlight small visual differences
• You are showing editing, renovation, restoration, or redesign work

For WordPress websites, an image comparison slider can make your content more engaging than a normal side-by-side image.

When Should You Use a Before-and-After Image Slider?

You should use a before-and-after image slider when your goal is to show a clear visual change between two images.

This is especially helpful when the viewer needs to compare the same object, design, person, place, or project before and after a transformation.

Best Use Cases for Before-and-After Sliders

Before-and-after sliders work well for:

• Web design agencies showing old vs new website designs
• Photo editors showing original vs retouched images
• Real estate companies showing property improvements
• Interior designers showing room transformations
• Beauty clinics showing treatment results
• Fitness coaches showing progress results
• Cleaning companies showing service results
• Car detailing businesses showing restoration work
• Dental clinics showing smile transformations
• Designers showing color correction or editing work
• AI tools showing image enhancement results

Instead of forcing users to compare two separate images manually, a slider makes the difference easier to notice.

How to Put Two Pictures Together in WordPress

If you are using WordPress, there are several ways to put two pictures together. You can use the default block editor, a gallery block, a page builder, or a dedicated image comparison plugin.

The best method depends on what you want to create.

Option 1: Use the WordPress Gallery Block

The WordPress Gallery block allows you to place multiple images together in a simple layout. This works well for basic photo collages, portfolios, event images, and blog visuals.

Use the Gallery block when you want to:

• Display multiple images together
• Create a simple image grid
• Add photo collections to a blog post
• Show project images in a gallery format

However, this option is not ideal for before-after comparisons because users cannot interactively compare two images.

Option 2: Use a Page Builder

Page builders like Elementor, Divi, Gutenberg addons, or other visual builders can help you create custom image layouts. You can place two images in columns, add spacing, adjust alignment, and create a side-by-side image section.

Use a page builder when you want to:

• Place two pictures side by side
• Create a custom layout
• Add text and buttons around the images
• Design a landing page or portfolio section

But again, this is usually static. It does not give users a draggable comparison experience unless you use a dedicated widget or plugin.

Option 3: Use a Before-After Image Slider Plugin

If you want to compare two images interactively, the best option is to use a before-after image slider plugin.

For example, WP Before After Image Slider allows you to create an interactive comparison slider in WordPress. Instead of placing two images side by side, you can upload a before image and an after image, then let users drag the slider handle to compare the difference.

This is useful for portfolios, transformation results, redesign showcases, product comparisons, and visual case studies.

Basic Steps to Create a Before-After Image Slider in WordPress

Here is a simple workflow:

1. Install and activate a before-after image slider plugin.
2. Upload your before image.
3. Upload your after image.
4. Choose the comparison style, such as horizontal or vertical.
5. Add labels like “Before” and “After.”
6. Customize the slider handle, layout, and appearance.
7. Copy the shortcode or use the block.
8. Add the slider to your page, post, or portfolio.
9. Preview the page and publish it.

This gives your visitors a more interactive way to compare two pictures instead of viewing a normal static collage.

Best Practices for Putting Two Pictures Together

Combining two pictures may sound simple, but the final result depends on layout, image quality, size, alignment, and purpose. Here are some best practices to follow.

1. Choose the Right Format

Before combining images, decide what you want to achieve.

Use a collage if you want a creative layout.
Use a diptych if you want two images side by side.
Use a composite if you want a realistic merged image.
Use a before-after slider if you want interactive comparison.

Choosing the right format makes your visual easier to understand.

2. Use Similar Image Sizes

When two images have very different sizes, the final design can look unbalanced. Try to use images with similar dimensions, aspect ratios, and quality.

For before-and-after comparisons, using the same size is especially important. If the images do not align properly, users may find it difficult to compare the changes.

3. Keep the Layout Clean

Do not overcrowd the design. If you are putting two pictures together, leave enough spacing and make sure both images are easy to see.

A clean layout is better for readability, user experience, and visual impact.

4. Match Lighting and Color

If you are creating a composite image or photo blend, lighting and color are very important. The images should look like they belong together.

For example, if one photo has warm lighting and the other has cool lighting, the final result may look unnatural unless you adjust the color balance.

5. Add Labels When Needed

If you are showing a comparison, labels can help users understand what they are viewing.

Common labels include:

• Before
• After
• Original
• Edited
• Old Design
• New Design
• Version 1
• Version 2

Labels are especially useful for before-after sliders and comparison images.

6. Optimize Images for Web Performance

Large image files can slow down your website. Before uploading combined images to WordPress, compress them and use modern formats like WebP when possible.

Image optimization can improve page speed, user experience, and SEO performance.

7. Use Descriptive File Names and Alt Text

Instead of uploading an image with a name like IMG_1234.jpg, use descriptive file names.

For example:

• two-pictures-side-by-side-example.webp
• collage-vs-diptych-example.webp
• before-after-image-comparison-slider.webp
• photo-collage-layout-example.webp

Also, add helpful alt text so search engines and users can understand the image.

Example alt text:

“Two pictures placed side by side as a before and after image comparison.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Combining Two Pictures

When putting two pictures together, avoid these common mistakes.

1. Using Low-Quality Images

Low-resolution images can make the final design look blurry or unprofessional. Always use clear, high-quality images, especially for portfolios and business websites.

2. Ignoring Image Alignment

If you are comparing two images, they should align properly. This is important for before-and-after results, product comparisons, renovation photos, and design changes.

Poor alignment can make the comparison confusing.

3. Choosing the Wrong Term

If you call every combined image a collage, you may miss more specific search intent. For example, people searching for a “side-by-side photo,” “diptych,” “composite image,” or “before-after slider” may be looking for different solutions.

Using the right term helps your content become clearer and more searchable.

4. Overloading the Design

Too many elements can make the image hard to understand. Keep the layout clean, especially when the purpose is comparison.

5. Not Making Comparisons Interactive

If your goal is to show a transformation, a simple collage may not be enough. An interactive before-after slider can help visitors compare the details more clearly.

Which Term Should You Use?

Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right term.

What You Want to Create	Use This Term
A simple layout with two or more photos	Collage
Two photos placed side by side	Diptych or side-by-side image
Two photos showing a change	Before-and-after comparison
An interactive before-after visual	Image comparison slider
Two photos blended into one realistic scene	Composite image
One photo placed over another	Overlay
Several photos telling a story	Montage
Artistic combination of photos	Photomontage
Wide image made from multiple shots	Panorama or stitched image

If you are writing content, creating a design brief, or searching for a tool, using the correct term will help you find better results.

Why Image Comparisons Are Important for Websites

Images help users understand visual changes faster than text alone. This is why comparison images are widely used on business websites, portfolio pages, service pages, and landing pages.

A strong image comparison can help you:

• Show proof of work
• Build trust with visitors
• Highlight transformation results
• Make case studies more convincing
• Improve user engagement
• Explain visual differences quickly
• Make service results easier to understand

For example, a renovation company can write paragraphs about how a room changed, but a before-and-after image can show the result instantly. A photo editor can explain retouching work, but a comparison slider helps visitors see the exact difference.

That is why putting two pictures together is not just a design choice. It can also improve communication, trust, and conversion.

Want to Compare Two Images in WordPress?

If you are using WordPress and want to show two pictures together in a more interactive way, a before-after image slider is one of the best options.

Instead of showing two static images, WP Before After Image Slider lets you create a draggable image comparison slider. Visitors can move the slider handle to compare the before and after versions directly on your page.

This is helpful for:

• Portfolio showcases
• Web design case studies
• Photo editing examples
• Product comparisons
• Home renovation results
• Beauty and fitness transformations
• Restoration projects
• Visual service pages

If your goal is to show transformation, improvement, or comparison, an interactive slider is usually more effective than a regular collage.

Conclusion

So, what is it called when you put two pictures together?

The most common answer is collage. But depending on how the images are combined, it can also be called a diptych, composite image, montage, photomontage, overlay, image blend, or before-and-after comparison.

If the pictures are placed side by side, the best terms are diptych, side-by-side photo, or comparison image. If the pictures are blended into one realistic image, it is a composite image. If the goal is to show a transformation, it is a before-and-after image comparison.

For WordPress websites, a before-after image slider is a powerful way to compare two pictures interactively. It helps visitors clearly see changes, results, and improvements without confusion.

Whether you are creating a photo collage, visual portfolio, product comparison, or transformation showcase, choosing the right image format can make your content more professional, useful, and engaging.

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This page was last edited on 30 June 2026, at 3:12 pm