June 7, 2026
7 min read

Collage Design Tips: Spacing, Padding, and Corner Radius

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Published: June 7, 2026·Updated: June 7, 2026
Editorial review
This article is based on hands-on testing in the Collaigo editor and updated over time.

Small layout controls make a big difference in collage quality. Three settings in particular — spacing, padding, and corner radius — decide whether your collage looks “template-like” or professionally designed. This guide gives practical ranges and visual rules you can apply in Collaigo.

What These Controls Mean

  • Spacing (gap): the space between photos.
  • Padding: the space between the outer edge and the collage content.
  • Corner radius: how rounded the photo corners are.

Spacing: Clean vs. Dense

Spacing controls how “premium” your collage feels. More spacing usually looks cleaner, but too much spacing can make photos feel disconnected.

  • 0px: bold, magazine-style grids (great for before/after).
  • 8–16px: minimal and modern.
  • 16–32px: airy and premium; works well for weddings and lifestyle.

Padding: The Frame Effect

Padding acts like an outer frame. It gives the design room to breathe and prevents content from touching the edge.

  • 0–12px: full-bleed look for social.
  • 24–64px: framed look for print or elegant posts.
  • Match background: padding is where your background shows, so choose a clean color.

Corner Radius: Soft vs. Sharp

  • 0px: classic, editorial, sharper look.
  • 8–24px: friendly and modern.
  • High radius: sticker-like style; best with strong spacing and simple backgrounds.

Quick Style Recipes

Clean grid (social)
Spacing 8–16px, Padding 12–24px, Corner radius 8–16px, Background white/off-white.
Premium framed (wedding)
Spacing 16–32px, Padding 48–80px, Corner radius 12–20px, Background warm gray/beige.
Bold comparison (before/after)
Spacing 0–8px, Padding 0–12px, Corner radius 0–8px, Background black/white.

Try These Settings

Open Collaigo and tweak spacing, padding, and corner radius until the collage looks intentional.