Mastering Layering Photos In Paint: A Step-By-Step Guide

Microsoft Paint is a simple and underrated image editing software that comes pre-installed on Windows. One of its many features is the ability to layer images, allowing users to place one image on top of another. This can be achieved by opening two instances of Paint, selecting the Transparent Selection option, copying the desired image, and pasting it onto the other. While Microsoft Paint cannot produce the same level of ultra-realistic composites as Photoshop, it offers a quick and easy way to create basic image overlays for those who do not require high levels of realism.

Open both images in MS Paint

To put one picture on top of another in MS Paint, you will need to open two instances of the program. This is because MS Paint does not support multiple layers, so you will need to open each image in a separate window.

To do this, open Microsoft Paint and click 'File' in the menu bar, then choose ''Open'. Navigate to the image file you want to use as your background and click 'Open'. Now, open a second instance of MS Paint and repeat the process to open your second image.

Now that you have both images open, you will need to ensure that both have the 'Transparent Selection' feature active. In both Paint instances, go to the top toolbar and select the arrow under the 'Selection' box. This might be titled 'Image' or 'Select'. In the dropdown menu, make sure both Paint instances have a checkmark next to 'Transparent Selection'.

Now you can select the image you want to place on top of the other.

Resize images if necessary

When overlaying images in Paint 3D, you may need to resize the images to ensure they align correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to resize images using Microsoft Paint:

• Make a copy of the image you want to resize: Go to the image, right-click, and select "Copy". Then, right-click on an empty space in the folder or on your desktop and select "Paste". It is important to make a copy as you do not want to modify the original image.
• Open the copied image in Microsoft Paint: Right-click on the image copy, select "Open with", and then click "Paint".
• Click "Resize": This option is found in the "Image" section of the Paint toolbar.
• Select "Percentage" and "Maintain Aspect Ratio": By selecting "Percentage", your image changes will be measured in percents. You can input a number between 1 and 500 in the "Horizontal" text box to shrink or enlarge the image. For example, changing the value to 75 will reduce the image to three-quarters of its original size. The "Maintain Aspect Ratio" option ensures that your image does not get distorted when resizing.
• Resize your image: After setting the percentage and maintaining the aspect ratio, type in the desired percentage in the "Horizontal" text box. Any number below 100 will shrink the image, while any number above 100 will enlarge it.
• Click "OK" to apply the changes and then save your image by pressing "Ctrl+S" or by going to "File > Save As".

You can also resize images in Paint 3D by following similar steps. Open the image in Paint 3D, click on the "Menu" button, and then select "Open" to choose the image you want to resize. After that, you can edit, resize, or rotate the image as needed. Once you are satisfied, click "Save" to apply the changes.

Make sure the transparent selection feature is active

When using Microsoft Paint, you can use the transparent selection tool to copy an image without copying its background. This feature is useful for creating a logo that can be quickly added to branded marketing materials, or for removing distracting elements from an image.

To make sure the transparent selection feature is active in Paint, follow these steps:

• Open Microsoft Paint by clicking the 'Start' button and searching for 'paint' in the search box.
• Open the desired image by clicking 'File', then 'Open', and selecting the image you want to edit.
• Click on the 'Select' menu in the top-left corner of the toolbar.
• Choose the 'Transparent Selection' option from the drop-down menu. Make sure there is a checkmark next to this option.
• Now, you can choose from 'Rectangular Selection' or 'Free-form Selection' to select the image you want to separate from its background.
• Use the left mouse button to trace around the image you want to preserve.
• Once you have finished tracing, a dashed rectangle will appear around your selected area. Right-click on this shape and choose 'Cut' or 'Copy' to separate the image from its background.
• Open a new Paint file and paste your selected image by pressing 'Ctrl' and 'V' or by right-clicking and choosing 'Paste'.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the transparent selection feature is active in Paint and use it to create the desired effects in your images.

Copy the image you want on top

To copy the image you want on top, open two different instances of Microsoft Paint. In the top toolbar, select the arrow under the selection box. This might be titled 'Image' or 'Select'. In the dropdown menu, ensure that both Paint instances have a tick next to 'Transparent Selection'.

Now, use the selection tool to select the image you want to place on top of the other image. You can either draw a rectangle around the image, hit 'Ctrl + A' to select the whole image, or choose the freeform selection tool to select a specific part of the image. Once selected, copy the image.

If you want to select a specific part of the image, you can use the freeform selection tool.

Paste the copied image onto the other image

To paste a copied image onto another image, you will need to use image-editing software. One option is to use Microsoft Paint 3D, which is available on Windows 10. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open the Image You Want to Use as the Background

Click on the "Menu" button and select "Open" to choose the image you want to use as the background. This image will be the base for your composition.

Step 2: Insert the Copied Image

Once you have your background image open, click on the "Menu" button again and choose the "Insert" option. From there, you can select the image that you want to paste on top of the background.

Step 3: Position and Resize the Copied Image

Choose a suitable place for the pasted image. You can edit its size and rotation to fit your desired composition. Play around with the resizing and rotating tools until you are happy with the placement of the pasted image relative to the background.

Step 4: Save Your Work

Once you are satisfied with the final composition, it's time to save your work. Click on the "Menu" button again and then click on the "Save" button. Your new image, with the pasted image on top of the background, will be saved.

You can repeat this process to add more images on top of your composition. Simply follow the same steps to insert, position, and resize additional images as needed. This technique is a great way to create visually appealing collages or to combine multiple images into a single file.

Frequently asked questions