Combining several photos into one image — for a recap post, a "this vs that" comparison, or a simple grid of moments — usually means fighting with a design app for something that should take 30 seconds.
This guide covers how to make a photo collage for free, including the AI Auto-Layout shortcut and the styling options that make a grid look polished instead of generic.
Key Takeaway: AI Auto-Layout picks a grid based on how many photos you've already added — so adding photos first, then clicking Auto-Layout, gets you a layout sized exactly for your photo count instead of guessing.
Choosing the Right Layout
| Layout | Photo count | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Side / 3 Row | 2-3 | Quick side-by-side comparisons |
| 2×2 / 3×2 / 2×3 | 4-6 | Even grids, recap posts |
| 1+2 / 2+1 | 3 | Featuring one hero photo with supporting shots |
| 1+3 / 3+1 | 4 | One large photo anchoring three smaller ones |
Styling: Gap, Corner Radius and Shadow
A small gap (around 8px) with a subtle soft shadow reads as a deliberate design choice, while zero gap and zero radius gives a tighter, more graphic look. Rounded corners (20px+) feel more casual and social-media-friendly.
Tip: The Glow Effect shadow option works particularly well on collages with a white or light background color, giving photos a soft halo instead of a hard drop shadow.
Step by Step: How to Make a Photo Collage
TinyPNG Now includes a free collage maker that runs entirely in your browser.
- Open the Collage Maker tool and pick a layout, or add photos first and click AI Auto-Layout.
- Click each empty slot to upload a photo into it.
- Adjust gap, corner radius, background color, and shadow style.
- Click Download Collage to save the finished grid as a JPG.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many layouts are available?
10+ layouts including side-by-side, grids up to 3×2, and asymmetric layouts like 1+2 and 3+1 for featuring one larger photo alongside smaller ones.
What does AI Auto-Layout do?
It automatically selects the best-fitting layout based on how many photos you've already added to the collage.
How many photos can I use?
Up to 6 photos depending on the layout you choose — each layout has a fixed number of photo slots.
Is the collage maker free?
Yes, completely free with no signup and no watermark.
Are my photos uploaded to a server?
No. The collage is built entirely in your browser using the Canvas API. Your photos are never uploaded anywhere.
Summary: Open the free TinyPNG Now collage maker, fill the slots, style it, download — free, private, and instant.