How to Combine Images without Photoshop
Here is how to combine images using your Paint program. This tutorial is using Paint.net v2.5 (free download here). Newer versions of Paint.net can be downloaded for free here. Again, though, this tutorial is specific to v2.5.
I am going to combine these two images.
The goal here is to have the Pillsbury Doughboy dancing with the girls.
First, open your Paint program. Now open your background photo by holding Ctrl and pressing O. When you locate your photo, click Open.
Now we’ll import Doughboy’s image. Click Layers and choose Import from File…
Locate your image and click Open.
Good. We now have both images open. What we need to do now is clean out the background area behind him. To do this, click the Eraser tool on the toolbar
and start erasing the background area not needed. You should zoom in to get as much detail as you can. I usually zoom in 800% and use the brush size of 2.
Continue all the way around the borders of your image. Then finish erasing all unwanted background, adjusting brush size accordingly. Here you will become familiar with the Undo (Ctrl+Z) command when you accidentally erase too much of the image. Important: You cannot save your progress until you have finished erasing entirely.
Good. Now click the Move selected pixel icon at the top right of the toolbar
and click and drag your image in the position you want it in the photo.
Now you can clean up any final edges with your eraser tool or adjust the size of your image by clicking on any of the outside boxes and dragging. This will be the point where I could also change the color of the Pillsbury Doughboy in the Layers, Adjustments command. But this is fine for now.
When happy with your image, save it (Ctrl+S). Choose where you wish to save it and click Save.
Admire your work and click Ok.
Now you’ll be told that saving in this format will flatten the image and discard layers. Proceed? Click Yes.
And that’s it. Now at this point you can add text, import another image, or do anything else.
It’s certainly not a Photoshop masterpiece, but it’s not too shabby for a free Paint program. It takes some playing around with and some practice, but those are the basics. Enjoy!
Feel free to share some of your own tips, tricks, or images in the comment section.
Photo/Image credits: Bmsmusic.org, Pillsbury.com
