How to make a photo collage in PowerPoint

Visuals like photos, illustrations, and other types of images are essential elements for a PowerPoint presentation. Whether a professional, educational, or personal slideshow, you may want to include several photos on a slide but aren’t sure of the best way to do so.

We’ll walk you through different methods you can use to make a photo collage in PowerPoint. From a collection of pictures on a single slide to an entire presentation filled with photos, you’re sure to find the method that suits your needs best.

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Method 1: Select a Picture Layout

One way to create a photo collage in PowerPoint is with the built-in Picture Layout feature. This is ideal if you want to caption the pictures because the layouts come with their own text boxes. Note that this option isn’t currently available in PowerPoint on Mac.

1. Add the photos you want to use to the slide and select them. If you want them in a particular order when you pick a layout, be sure to select them in that order.
2. Go to the Picture Format tab and open the Picture Layout menu in the Picture Styles section.

3. You’ll see a variety of layouts and if you hover your cursor over each one, you’ll see a preview on your slide.

4. Select the layout you want to use. For this example, we chose the Picture Grid layout.

5. Add the captions you'd like to use for the photos by typing in the text boxes. Alternatively, you can select the arrow on the left of the slide object and enter the text in the box that appears.

Tip: Need to include your image sources? Learn how to cite photos in PowerPoint.

Method 2: Use the Design Ideas

Another option, if you’re a Microsoft 365 subscriber, is the Designer tool in PowerPoint. You may have seen the Designer sidebar pop open when you do things like create a new slideshow or add an image. But if you’ve never used Designer, you can create some beautiful photo slides and collages with it.

1. Add the photos you want to use to the slide. You don’t have to select them.
2. If Designer doesn’t open automatically, go to the Home or Design tab and select Designer in the ribbon.

3. When the side panel displays, you’ll see a variety of layouts for your photos. Select one to see your slide update with the new design.

If you don’t see a design that sparks your interest, you can scroll to the bottom of the sidebar and pick See more Design Ideas.

Method 3: Pick a PowerPoint photo template

For a super simple way to go, you can use a PowerPoint photo template. There are several eye-catching and memorable photo album and picture book templates with slides that work perfect for photo collages.

1. Go to the File tab and select New.
2. Enter a term for the template in the Search box like “picture album,” “photo collage,” or simply “photos.”

3. Depending on your version of PowerPoint and whether you’re a Microsoft 365 subscriber, you’ll see a variety of options. Choose one and click Create to use it.

4. As an example, we choose this Party Photo Album template. You can see it offers several slides with spots to add your photos along with a vibrant background.

Alternatively, you can browse the templates online at Microsoft Create. You can use the same search terms as those in the desktop application and pick from many attractive options.

You can then pick one and either download it for PowerPoint on your desktop or use it in PowerPoint on the web.

Method 4: Create a Photo Album

You may not be aware of it, but PowerPoint provides a Photo Album feature that you can take advantage of for making a collage. Like the Picture Layout method above, this feature isn’t currently available in PowerPoint on Mac.

1. Go to the Insert tab, open the Photo Album menu in the Images group, and choose New Photo Album.

2. In the pop-up window, you’ll set up the album. Start by using the File/Disk button to select your photos. You’ll see them display in order inside the Pictures in album box.

3. Use the additional options as described below:some text
   • Add a text box: Select New Text Box.
   • Picture options: Check the boxes for captions below all pictures and if you want all photos in black and white.
   • Change the item order: Check the box for a photo or text box and use the up or down arrow.
   • Remove an item: Check the box for a photo or text box and select Remove.
   • Rotate or correct a photo: Select the picture and use the buttons to the right below the preview.
   • Choose a layout: Open the Picture layout menu and select a layout.
   • Pick a frame: Open the Frame shape menu and select a style.
   • Theme: Select Browse to locate and use a saved theme.

4. When you finish setting up the album, click Create.

You’ll see your photo album open as a new slideshow. From there, you can enter the text and fine-tune the appearance.

Tip: Interested in turning a photo around? Look at how to flip an image in PowerPoint.

Method 5: Use your imagination and PowerPoint’s tools

If you prefer to get creative and make your own collage design, this is another great option whether vacation photos, baby pictures, or snapshots of your garden. There are a few tools you can check out that can help you arrange the photos and even style them.

Use the guides and gridlines: Go to the View tab and you’ll see checkboxes for Ruler, Guides, and Gridlines in the Show section of the ribbon. By marking one or more of these tools, you can line up your photos and have them snap into place as you move them around.

Crop to a shape: Select a photo and go to the Picture Format tab. Open the Crop menu and move to Crop to Shape. You can then choose a shape in the pop-out menu and have your photo appear inside of it giving you a nice and simple design element.

Picture styles: Select a photo, go to the Picture Format tab, and check out the features in the Picture Styles section. You can do things like soften the edges, add a frame, apply a shadow, or create a reflection.

You can also browse the additional tools on the Picture Format tab for rotating the photos, sending certain images back, and adjusting the transparency.

All of the above give you the creative control you want but help you add some structure as well as pizzazz to your collage.

Get design help from Plus AI

When you create a new presentation in PowerPoint with Plus AI, the tool sets up the slides for you with the elements you request or provide. You’ll receive nicely structured slides that include text, images, and other items like timelines and charts.

Along with new slideshows, you can edit existing ones to add a slide or remix the current layout. Plus AI then assembles the elements with a layout of your choice.

To see everything that Plus AI can do for you, visit the Plus AI website. Browse through the features, template gallery, example presentations, and more!

FAQs

How do I add pictures to PowerPoint?

To insert a picture on your slide, go to the Insert tab and open the Pictures menu. You can then choose an image from your device, stock images, or online pictures. Pick a location, select the image, and click Insert.

How do I group photos in PowerPoint?

When you have a collection of pictures on a slide, you can group them to treat them as one object. This lets you move or format the entire group at once. Select the photos, go to the Picture Format tab, and pick Group in the Arrange section of the ribbon.

How do I distribute pictures evenly in PowerPoint?

You can align your photos so that they are spaced evenly in just a few steps. Select the pictures, go to the Picture Format tab, and open the Alignment menu in the Arrange section. Pick Distribute Horizontally or Distribute Vertically.