Skip to main content

How to Use Before/After Image Element

Add interactive before/after images to your Storydoc presentations that viewers can control with a drag slider

Written by Jack

The before/after image element lets you create compelling visual comparisons that viewers can interact with by dragging a slider to reveal differences between two images. This is perfect for showcasing transformations, product improvements, or any side-by-side comparison.

How to Add a Before/After Image Element

To add a before/after image element to your story, hover over the right side of the editor screen and click Add an animated element.

Screenshot 2026-06-15 111910.png

From the available options, click on Before/After to add the interactive image comparison element to your slide.

Setting Up Your Images

Once you've added the element, you'll see it appear on your slide with placeholder content. The element displays both images side-by-side with a draggable separator in the middle.

Screenshot 2026-06-15 111919.png

To customize your images, you have two edit buttons available:

  • Edit image 1 - Configure your "before" image

  • Edit image 2 - Configure your "after" image

Editing Image 1 (Before Image)

Click on Edit image 1 to configure your first image. This will open the image editing panel where you can customize various aspects of your before image.

Screenshot 2026-06-15 111926.png

In the image editing panel, you can:

  • Upload your own image by clicking Change image

  • Add a custom Label for the image (defaults to "Before")

  • Apply a Color overlay to tint the image

  • Apply a Black and white filter for stylistic effect

  • Reset any changes using Reset changes

Uploading Custom Images

When you click Change image, you'll see the image selection dialog with multiple options for adding your content.

You can choose from:

  • Stock images - Browse curated professional images

  • AI Generate - Create custom images with AI

  • My Files - Upload from your computer

  • Logo Finder - Search for brand logos

  • GIFs - Add animated content

Screenshot 2026-06-15 111934.png

After selecting an image, you can crop and adjust it using the built-in editing tools.

Screenshot 2026-06-15 111446.png

Editing Image 2 (After Image)

The process for editing your second image is identical to the first. Click Edit image 2 to configure your "after" image.

Screenshot 2026-06-15 111950.png

You can use the same image with different filters applied, or choose a completely different image to show the transformation or comparison you want to highlight.

How Viewers Interact with the Element

When viewers see your story, they can interact with the before/after element by dragging the central slider left and right to reveal more of either image.

Screenshot 2026-06-15 111336.png

The element displays clear labels for each side (customizable in the editing panel) and provides an intuitive way for viewers to explore the comparison at their own pace.

Best Practices and Use Cases

The before/after element works well for various scenarios:

  • Product improvements - Show enhanced features or redesigns

  • Process transformations - Demonstrate workflow improvements

  • Visual comparisons - Compare different approaches or solutions

  • Timeline changes - Show progress over time

  • Filter effects - Demonstrate the impact of different processing or filters

While black and white comparisons are popular, you can use this element for any type of image comparison that helps tell your story more effectively.

Did this answer your question?