Do I need to mark the roof area before compositing the shingle?
No. Describe the placement in words: 'composite the shingle texture from the reference onto the roof.' The AI understands what 'roof' means on a house photo. Use markers only when the AI changes the wrong area, like applying the texture to the siding instead of the roof, or when you want to target a specific roof section on a complex multi-plane roofline.
How do I preview a real shingle sample on my house photo?
Upload your house photo as the main image, then click '+ Add reference image' and upload a photo of the shingle sample. Describe the composite: 'apply the shingle texture from the reference onto the roof, matching the slope and lighting.' The AI extracts the actual shingle texture and maps it onto your roof in 30 seconds. Works with phone photos of samples, manufacturer product images, or supply house catalog shots.
Is there a free tool to composite roof shingles onto house photos?
Yes. EditThisPic lets you composite any shingle sample photo onto any house photo completely free, with no signup and no watermark. Upload both photos, describe the placement, and download the result. One free edit per week, or purchase credits starting at $1.99 for more.
How is this different from a roof color changer?
Roof color changers apply a flat color tint to your existing roof. This tool composites an actual shingle product photo onto your house, preserving the real texture, granule pattern, and dimensional depth of that specific shingle. You see how the exact product looks, not just a color approximation. This is especially important for architectural and designer shingles where texture and color variation are key selling points.
What kind of shingle photo works best as a reference?
Close-up product photos showing the shingle's texture and color work best. Manufacturer product images are ideal. Phone photos of samples work too, as long as you shoot in natural daylight from about 12-18 inches away so the granule detail and tab edges are sharp. Avoid photos with heavy shadows, flash glare, or angled shots that distort the texture pattern.
Can roofing contractors use this for client proposals?
Yes. Photograph the shingle sample at the supply house, snap the customer's house, and generate a realistic preview in minutes. Create multiple shingle options on the same house for comparison. The composite shows the actual product texture and color on the customer's specific home, which is more persuasive than brochure swatches or generic color charts.
Will the composite work on complex roofs with multiple sections?
Yes, though complex roofs may need 2-3 passes. Start with the largest visible roof plane, then target additional sections by name: 'now apply the same shingle to the side gable.' For roofs with dormers, valleys, and hip sections at different angles, the AI adjusts the texture perspective for each plane. Use markers if the AI misses a section.
What is the best way to visualize roof shingles on a house before buying?
Take a photo of your house from across the street showing the full roofline. Photograph 2-3 shingle samples at the store in natural daylight. Upload to EditThisPic and composite each sample onto your house photo. Compare the results side by side. This shows you the actual texture and color on your specific house, which is far more accurate than holding a 4-inch swatch up to your roof from the ground. Free to try with no account required.
