What is the short answer?
Choose two photos taken from a similar angle, place the earlier image first, use an equal side-by-side layout and align the main subject in both frames before exporting.
Which photos make a fair comparison?
Use the same viewpoint, distance and lighting when possible. This matters for room renovations, fitness progress, restored objects and photo edits. A dramatic angle change can make the result look larger or smaller than it really is.
Where should before and after appear?
For a horizontal image, place before on the left and after on the right because most English-language readers scan that direction. For a stacked mobile image, put before above after. Keep the order consistent if you publish a series.
How do you align the subject?
Select each frame and reposition the source until stable reference points match. For a room, use doors or corners. For a portrait, align the eyes and shoulders. Keep zoom changes small so one result does not receive an unfair scale advantage.
Should the images touch?
A narrow neutral gap clearly separates the two moments. Use zero spacing only when the edges naturally connect. Keep the Before and After labels visible so the result remains clear after sharing.
Which format should you export?
JPG is practical for photos and social posts. PNG is useful when the pair includes sharp interface text. Open the downloaded file at its intended viewing size and confirm that both halves remain readable.
Which sources support this guide?
These primary references support the format, browser-processing and output guidance above. CollagePlus also tests each workflow against the current tool.