Hi, friends! As a blogger, I frequently create collages to feature sale items, wishlist wants, etc. I’ve created many product collages over the years and often get questions about how I make them. So I thought I would create an easy, 7 step tutorial of how I make my product collages. It’s really simple! I also want to add that I sometimes think product collages get more engagement on Instagram than outfit posts. They’re definitely a great tool to use!
Step 1: Decide on a theme! I have done collages on big sales happening at a specific store, my favorite items on sale at many stores, gift guides, shopping wishlists, and more. Know what you want to present to your audience!
Step 2: Pick out your products! I try and stick to somewhat of a color theme when picking items {neutrals, pops of color, pinks, etc.}. This isn’t completely necessary but it does help your finished product look more cohesive! When I find an item I want to use, I take a screenshot! On a Mac I do this with Command + Shift + 4 so I can select the area I want. During this time I also create a link to use later when I post it! I typically pick around 15 or 16 items to include in a collage.
I’m just going through taking screenshots & notice I have tabs open for all of the products!
Step 3: Create a Photoshop Canvas! I generally create a square canvas {30in x 30in} since that’s what works best on Instagram, though I have made rectangular ones as well. You can play around with the dimensions until you get the size you’re looking for! Make sure the background is white and RGB color is the set mode. I then go back to my desktop, select all of the items I have taken a screenshot of, and drag them onto my Photoshop canvas!
Step 4: Start placing products! This is the fun part. You can resize things {Command + T} and move them around until you get the look you’re going for. To make this process faster, go through and re-name each of the pictures {layers} you have. One of the Photoshop tools I use a lot is the magic background eraser. This removes the white space / background of the image to allow you move things closer together. As a general rule I try not to put identical colors next to each other but I do group similar items together, typically in 3’s. See example here. You can also number the products if you want! & Make sure you leave a blank spot near the top for text!
Step 5: Add a title / text details! I usually add the title near the top of the image. However, I don’t always center it! You can add the text in anywhere you feel fits best with the products. {In this blog post I have several different product collages with text in different places!} Also, I usually add another text line with details about the image- price point {everything under $100}, discount code, etc. Like THIS! For the text I use downloaded fonts! There are hundreds of websites where you can find free fonts to download to your computer. It’s super easy and you can add 10 fonts in about 3 minutes. I think a unique font definitely makes a difference in how the overall image looks!
Step 6: Complete the final touches! Occasionally I will add a shape {usually a rectangle} behind my text. This helps make that title really stand out! I prefer to do white text over a black shape but will sometimes add color like I did here. You can also increase the opacity of the shape to create a cool effect. Sometimes I add a heart or other applicable graphic, or even use a line to create a specific space within the products. See an example here.
Step 7: Finalize your image! I like to zoom out of the image & make it smaller to see what it will look like on Instagram. Is the text readable? Does the product placement make sense? These are just last minute checks I like to make before I finalize it! Once you are happy with everything, save it! Be sure to change the format to JPEG!
YAY! You’re done! I have made enough product collages that I can generally whip one of these up in about 15-20 minutes. After some practice, you will get a better idea of how to make it your own & get it done faster! Just a general disclaimer: I am certainly no blogger or Photoshop expert. These are simply things I have learned along the way through my experience! If you have any questions, please let me know. I hope this is helpful for you!! xo
Check out my other tutorial I’ve created on How To Create a Picture With Text Overlay
Love this how to guide! I know so many people aren’t sure how to create their first collages, so it was great of you to make a guide!
This is amazing! I’ve been trying to find good guides to how to create a product collage! I did want to know how you add shop links to the pictures so your readers can click on the item and it brings them right to the shopping site?
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Yay! So glad it was helpful! The feature that allows you to add links to the actual image is done through rewardStyle. At least, that’s what I use! I do believe there is a feature in Photoshop that allows you to do it as well, but I’m not familiar with it!