OVERLAY CROP GUIDE
How to Align Before and After Photos
Updated June 19, 2026
A before-and-after comparison looks credible when the change is visible without a distracting jump in size or position. Overlay alignment helps you match the composition even when the photos were captured or edited differently.
Choose a reliable reference image
Use the original or before photo as the fixed reference. It should show the subject clearly and contain landmarks that are also visible in the after photo.
For portraits, use the eyes, nose, chin, and shoulders. For products or interiors, use corners, edges, labels, windows, or other objects that did not change.
Place both photos on separate layers
Upload the before image and the after image. Position the reference photo first, then lock it so it cannot be moved accidentally.
Select the after photo as the active layer. You can now change its position and scale without affecting the reference.
Lower the opacity of the upper photo
Set the after photo to roughly 40–60 percent opacity. Double outlines immediately show whether the subject is too large, too small, too high, or shifted to one side.
Adjust the opacity depending on the brightness and contrast of the two images.
Match scale before position
First change the zoom until the main subject is approximately the same size in both photos. For portraits, compare the distance between the eyes and the size of the face. For objects, compare the total width and height.
After the scale matches, move the after image horizontally and vertically until the reference points overlap.
Make precise final adjustments
Expressions, head angle, posture, and camera perspective may prevent every edge from matching perfectly. Prioritize the most important landmarks instead of forcing the entire outline to overlap.
Use the slider, direct numerical input, mouse wheel, keyboard controls, or mobile pinch gestures for small corrections.
Apply one shared crop frame
Choose a final ratio only after the layers are aligned. The same frame is then applied to both images, which prevents the comparison from jumping when displayed in a carousel, slider, or video.
Check that the subject and all important details remain inside the frame in both photos.
Export and review the comparison
Restore the after image to full opacity and switch between the two layers. If the subject appears to pulse, adjust the scale. If it slides, correct the position.
Export both files at identical dimensions for retouching portfolios, restoration examples, progress tracking, renovation comparisons, or dissolve videos.
FAQ
What opacity is best for alignment?
About 50 percent is a good starting point, but high-contrast images may be easier at 30–40 percent.
Do the photos need to come from the same camera?
No. Different cameras can be used, although lens and perspective differences may prevent a perfect match.
Can I align more than two photos?
Yes. Overlay Crop supports up to five layers for progress sequences and multiple editing versions.
Overlay image crop editor
Upload your original and edited photos, lower the top image opacity, then align facial features or fixed background points. Every exported image uses the same crop ratio and pixel dimensions.
Start cropping