Apple Photos has evolved to offer many useful features, but surprisingly, it still doesn’t have a built-in function to combine multiple pictures into one. That’s where Apple’s free Shortcuts app comes in. This powerful automation tool can help you merge photos with just a few taps—no third-party apps needed.
📸 Why Use Shortcuts to Merge Photos?
While many users turn to external photo editors, merging images is a task that Apple’s own tools can handle just fine. The Shortcuts app is designed to automate or simplify tasks, and with a simple custom shortcut, you can combine photos horizontally, vertically, or even into a grid layout.
🛠️ Step-by-Step: Create a Shortcut to Merge Photos
1. Open or Install the Shortcuts App
If you don’t already have the Shortcuts app, download it from the App Store. Then open it.
2. Create a New Shortcut
On the main screen of the app, tap the + button in the top-right corner to start a new shortcut.
3. Rename the Shortcut
Tap the default name "New Shortcut" and select Rename. You could name it Merge Photo Horizontal or anything descriptive you prefer.
4. Add Action: Select Photos
Tap Add Action, use the search bar, and type Select Photos. Choose it from the results. Then, tap the arrow next to “Select Photos” and enable Select Multiple.
5. Add Action: Combine Images
Now use the search bar again and type Combine Images. Select it. By default, this action will combine images horizontally, but you can tap the word “Horizontally” to switch to Vertically or In a Grid based on your preference.
6. Add Action: Save or Share the Result
To finish, search for and add the Save to Photo Album or Quick Look action to preview the result before saving. You can also choose Share if you want to instantly send the combined image.
7. Run Your Shortcut
Tap the play icon (▶️) at the bottom to test your new shortcut. When prompted, select multiple photos and see them merged instantly into one image. You’ll find the final photo saved in your Photos app or shown in Quick Look.
🧩 Tips for Using the Merge Shortcut
- 💾 Save your shortcut to your Home Screen for one-tap access.
- 🖼️ Horizontal is great for before-and-after shots.
- 📲 Vertical is perfect for Instagram Stories or portrait collages.
- 🧱 Grid mode is ideal for 4+ images (like a mini photo album).'
✅ Final Thoughts
Combining photos on your iPhone doesn’t require any extra apps or subscriptions. Thanks to Apple’s Shortcuts app, you can set up your own merging tool in minutes. Whether you want to create side-by-side comparisons or stitch vacation shots together, this trick gets it done—quickly and for free.
📎 Pro Tip: You can duplicate your “Merge Photo Horizontal” shortcut and tweak it for vertical or grid layout—no need to start from scratch every time!