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How to Make Before and After Photos
A useful before and after comparison answers one question: what changed? Matching the framing matters more than adding effects. Here is a practical workflow for preparing two photos, comparing them in BeforeAfterly, and presenting the result.
By BeforeAfterly · Practical comparison guide · Published
The practical takeaway
Use two images with the same crop, select them in order, and start with Split at 50%. Move the divider to inspect the change.
1. Prepare two images that line up
Choose the original image and the changed version. For an edit, export both from the same source at identical pixel dimensions. For photos taken at different times, keep the camera position, focal length, and subject placement as similar as possible.
Crop and align the images in your photo editor before comparing them. BeforeAfterly fits both images to one frame; it does not automatically align subjects or correct perspective. If the crops differ, part of an image can be cut off to fill the comparison frame. That can make a framing change look like a change to the subject.
- Use PNG, JPG, or WEBP files.
- Match the aspect ratio and crop.
- Keep originals separately; the tool previews your files without editing them.
- Use smaller preview copies if large images slow down your device.
2. Load your photos and choose the pair
Open the free comparison tool and drop both files into the upload area, or click to browse. The files are read into your browser; the image data is not sent to a comparison server. You can load more than two images and try different pairs from the gallery.
The first two images you load are selected automatically. If the order is wrong, use Swap Images. To choose a different pair, clear the selection, click the before thumbnail, then click the after thumbnail. Remove all clears the loaded files and their temporary previews.
3. Choose a view that explains the change
Split shows part of the before image and part of the after image, separated by a movable divider. It works well when you want to inspect an edit at the same location. Reveal places the after image over the before image and uncovers it as you move the control. Crossfade blends the two images instead of using a hard edge.
Start in horizontal orientation at the Middle preset. Drag across the comparison, or use the arrow keys for small steps. Shift plus an arrow moves in larger steps. Use vertical orientation when a top-to-bottom divider better fits the subject, such as a tall building or portrait.
4. Present the comparison or capture it
For a live review, move the slider slowly and pause on the details you want to discuss. Autoplay can move it for you: Loop repeats the movement, Bounce reverses at each end, and Once stops at the end. Adjust the speed so the viewer has time to understand the difference.
Pause at the position you want to share and choose Download PNG. Set the output width, edit the Before and After labels, and choose whether to include labels or BeforeAfterly credit. The download preserves the current mode, orientation, and first image’s proportions. Smaller originals are not enlarged. For an animated version, use the GIF maker, which downloads a looping GIF or a video.
A link to the tool does not contain your selected local photos, and reloading clears your current session. To publish an interactive comparison, host the two images yourself and enter their public HTTPS URLs in Embed. The viewer loads those images from their hosts. Keep private photos out of a public embed and retain your originals for revisions.
Common questions
Can I make a before and after comparison for free?
Yes. BeforeAfterly is free to use and does not require an account. Load two PNG, JPG, or WEBP images and choose a comparison mode.
Is a split comparison the same as a collage?
No. Split shows cropped portions of two overlapping images in one frame. A collage shows the complete images in separate panels. To make a side-by-side or top-and-bottom image, use the before and after photo maker.
Will my photos still be there when I return?
No. Loaded photos are temporary browser previews. Save your original files locally and load them again when you need another comparison.
Put it into practice.
Load your before and after images and try all three comparison modes. Free, with no sign-up.
Compare your images