You can make a collage by assembling images using a photo editor like Photoshop or GIMP, but it requires a lot of resizing and careful measurement and isn't really much fun. It is much better to use a free and free photo collage maker. Plus, some great tools make the job as easy as drag and drop, and make the process of creating an original drawing a real pleasure.
Modern phone cameras can take great quality photos, and you probably already have real gems on your phone, so why leave them there?
These are the tools (web apps and desktop software) that will help you make beautiful collages in minutes, ready to print on canvas.
Packed with features and fun; the best tool to make collages ready to print
The Fotojet online photo collage maker looks a lot like Fotor and Canva (below), but it's more flexible and fun to use than both, making it our number one choice.
To get started, click on "Collage" and choose a grid or illustrated drawing (in our opinion, a simple grid-based presentation will enhance your photos). Those marked with a crown are only available to premium account holders, but you can resize the frames on any grid. This is not a disadvantage. You can also adjust the space and roundness of the frames, and choose an aspect ratio for your canvas.
Click "Add Photos" and drag them onto the template. Once you've inserted an image, a list of customizable Instagram-style filters will be presented to give your collage a custom look, as well as advanced options for adjusting exposure, brightness, contrast, and saturation. and tint There is also a good selection of backgrounds (solid colors or tasteful geometric patterns), as well as illustrations and text.
Once you're done, you can save your creation as a JPG or PNG file (no PDF option) in a compression format and size that suits you. You can also share it via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Tumblr, or even print it directly from your browser. It is a lot of fun to use and easy to master.
Try it online: Fotojet
For canvas printing, this online photo collage maker is a great choice.
Like all other browser-based collage makers, most of Canva's photo collage templates are free to use, but some premium models are available for a fee. These are clearly identified, so there is no need to worry about creating a drawing, but about the impossibility of exporting it without a handful of money.
To get started, set a new username and password, or log in with your Facebook or Google account. Select "Personal Use" to display a menu of project types, including social media graphics, banners, book covers, and presentations. Select "Collage Photos," then "View All Collage Templates" to see the full set of free options available. Otherwise, click on "Elements" and choose a grid, then start adding the images, borders, icons, and other elements that will make up your collage.
To add your own images, click "Uploads" and drag them from your desktop. You can then drag them directly onto your collage canvas. You can also add images from Facebook or Canva's own library of free images. If you choose a grid, it will be resized and cropped to fit automatically.
Once you're done, you can save your collage as a printable PDF, PNG, or JPG file, or make it public for everyone to use. You can even add crop marks and bleeds, a very useful option for professional printing and absent from most free collage makers.
The only downside to Canva is that you can't set the output file resolution (even if you have the option to choose between standard PDF or print quality). Beyond that, it is a great free collage maker.
Try it online: Canva
Fotor also offers a module dedicated to creating stylized collages from your best images.
There are currently two versions of Fotor's collage maker: one with Flash and the other with HTML5. The former will soon be phased out in favor of the latter, but they work the same way.
Fotor's layout isn't as intuitive as Canva's, but it's still much faster and easier than creating a collage from first principles. All essential Fotor features are free, with extras available for a subscription. Premium subscription also removes ads from the collage maker.
To get started, click "Sign in" and create a new account with your email address or log in to Facebook (you will need an account to register your work when you move between the tools). Once done, click on "Collage", choose a template (those marked with a diamond icon are only available for premium account holders) and upload your photos using the "Import" button on the right. Click "Fill" on the left, and the gaps in the template you choose will be filled with the downloaded images, cropped and resized to fit automatically. It's incredibly simple and the fastest way to create a collage if you don't mind letting the web app make creative decisions for you. Labels and text allow you to customize your project before exporting it. Unlike Canva, Fotor allows you to choose the format and resolution of your finished collage before saving it in JPG, PNG, or PDF format.
Fotor is an excellent free collage maker, although its design is a bit less intuitive than Canva, which ranks it in a respectable third place.
Try it online: Fotor
Image Credit: NCH Software
A fast desktop free collage maker, even though it's a bit utilitarian
PhotoPad is desktop collage software, which makes it faster and more flexible than its browser-based counterparts. You don't have to give up your email address or Facebook username to use it. Unfortunately, it looks a bit dated and lacks some features that make online collage makers so fun, like stickers and filters.
Click on "Collage" to get started and set up your canvas by choosing a size for your finished print. Then choose the background that appears behind your images. Most of the models provided here are pretty catchy, but you can also use your own image or a solid color.
Once this is done, it is time to choose a design. There's a huge selection of grids (none are locked behind a paywall), and you can customize the spacing between photos and the roundness of the angles with a couple of sliders.
Click on a space on your grid to add a photo from your PC. They will be resized to fit, and you can adjust the area for cropping by clicking and dragging. Unfortunately, there is no way to add text or shapes to the Paste Editor, nor are there filters to give your images a new look before finalizing your design. If you really want to add additional elements, you will need to reopen the saved collage with PhotoPad's main photo editor and make the changes manually.
Download here: PhotoPad
Image Credit: Digital Palette LLC
A fun way to create collages for Facebook, but not the best for wall art.
Unlike other free browser-based photo collage makers, piZap doesn't ask you to separate your email address before starting to create your first drawing; get caught straight. It's a convenient time saver, but the downside is that you can't save your progress and change your creativity at a later date.
First, choose a free design; There are options based on rectangles (our preferred option), hearts, circles, and other shapes like stars. The latter options are better suited to greeting cards than murals and can affect the impact of your photos. We also avoid themed options, all of which are pretty dated.
Once you've selected a template, simply click on each frame to insert a photo. You can not only download images from your PC, but also images on Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox, and Flickr. Google Picasa, now defunct, also appears on the list.
Once your photos are in place, you can set a background color, adjust the spacing, and add a drop shadow. There is a good range of filters available, although they can only be applied to the entire canvas, not individual photos, and the clipart options lack subtlety. The remaining tools (brushes and text itself) are fun for creating something silly to share online, but not fancy wall art.
Once you're done, the free collage offers only one export option - a standard resolution JPG file that is suitable for a small print, but not a large canvas. Overall, piZap is great for creating fun compositions to share on social media. If you want something to hang on your wall, the other tools here are much better options.
Try it online: piZap