How to Combine Images Using Panorama Maker 4.0

There are a number of different methods for combining images. You can create merges with GIMP and Photoshop, but these methods can be time consuming and require masking and layers for most images. Arcsoft makes a program called Panorama Maker, which is very easy to use for making panoramic images. It can also be used to combine images to tell a story in addition to creating scenic panoramas. A demo version can be downloaded in Resources below, but it is limited in the number of images that can be stitched together. Read on and follow the simple steps to combine your images.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mac or PC Computer
• Panorama Maker 4.0

1. 
   Choose Images

   Open and select your images. Keep in mind you can only blend images that have the same pixel resolution. Click on each photo to select it. Although I have selected three images, the demo program only allows for the stitching of two images together. This is enough though, to see if you want to pay the modest price for the full version.

2. 
   Select Style

   Select the type of panorama you want: horizontal, vertical or 360-degree combination. You need to have seven images to do a 360-degree panorama and a minimum of two for the other choices. When you are done, click NEXT.

3. 
   Adjust Order

   After you click next you will be brought to a screen that lays out the photographs for the panorama you've selected. Simply drag and drop the images to the correct order. When you are ready, click STITCH.

4. 
   Crop and Straighten

   The images will be blended together and be presented with a crop box. Whenever you create a panorama you will need to crop some of the image. This is due to the alignment of the images that takes place as the images are blended. You can also straighten the image and make some other images adjustments to assure the image is blended correctly.

5. 
   Print or Save

   You can either SAVE the image as a JPEG file or print the file to photographic paper. If you decide to print the image, keep in mind the combined image is large, and you may have to print it on a large format printer or reduce the combined image in size to fit on your paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Select your images carefully. Make sure they will tell a story, or in the case of a scene, blend together correctly.
• You can only blend images that have the same pixel resolution.

Resources

• Panorama Maker from Arcsoft

[lilolladystuff]

on 7/15/2009 This sounds like a wonderful project and you even make it sound easy. Thanks.

[karileighk]

on 7/7/2009 I've heard of this program before but after reading this, I think I'll actually check into it.