This tutorial is available as a PDF. Click here to view or download
Pictures Side-By-Side / "Before and After" Images
This question comes up in the GD&Q fairly often.
1-
Open your "Before" picture with paint.net.
In the Status Bar, set the Units to Pixels
The pixel dimensions of the image are shown in the Status Bar (800x600 in the image above). Take note of the image size.
Click on the Image menu
===================================
2-
Click on Canvas Size
===================================
Be sure that there is no checkmark beside Maintain Aspect Ratio (tip: click the checkmark to toggle it on/off)
Double the Width (example: 800 X 2 = 1600). Type this number in to the Width value box. Note: if you want a border to appear between the two images, add the width of the border to the calculated Width value (example: 800 X 2 + border 40 = 1640)
Select Anchor - Left
Click OK to accept these parameters.
===================================
3-
Import the "After" image, using Layers > Import From File
This will bring the "After" image in as a separate layer above the first (Before) image.
The "After" image will be selected and the Move Selected Pixels tool activated following the import.
===================================
4-
Use the mouse to move the "After" image to the right (click and drag it).
To make fine adjustments, or if you don't have a steady hand, use the keyboard Arrow keys to move the After image.
===================================
5-
Once the second image is positioned where you want it, use File > Save As...
Save as whatever file type you want.
This tutorial shows how to place two images equal in size next to each other.
If the images are of different pixel dimensions,
you may want to resize and/or crop the larger image before starting.