How to Insert Images in Google Docs (Desktop & Mobile)
Last Updated :
10 Dec, 2024
Images add clarity and visual appeal to documents, making them essential for reports, presentations, and creative content. Google Docs provides various methods to insert images, whether it's through the toolbar, drag-and-drop, or linking via URL, ensuring flexibility in how visuals can be included.
This Google Docs picture guide explains four effective ways to add images to your Google Docs and also covers how to insert pictures on mobile devices, ensuring you can create visually appealing documents regardless of your platform.
4 Methods to Insert Images on Google Docs (Desktop)
Inserting pictures in Google Docs using desktop or laptop devices is different from inserting pictures in Google Docs on mobile phones using the app. For desktop or laptop users, they can visit Google Docs using a web browser. There are two different ways to insert images using web browsers on desktop devices.
To insert an image into a Google Doc, you can do the following:
Method 1: Drag and Drop Images Into Google Docs (Quick Method)
This is the simplest and quickest way to insert an image from your computer.
Step 1: Open Your Google Doc
Open the Google Doc where you want to insert the image.
Open Your Google DocStep 2: Drag the Image
Open Finder (on Mac) or File Explorer (on Windows), locate the image file, and drag it into your Google Doc.
Drag the ImageStep 3: Drop the Image
A blue vertical bar will appear, indicating the location where the image will be inserted. Release your cursor, and the image will appear in the document.
Drop the ImageResize or reposition the image as needed to fit your layout.
Adjust and FormatMethod 2: Add Images Using the Insert Menu or Toolbar in Google Docs
If you have an image saved on your device, adding it to Google Docs is a quick and straightforward process. Follow the below steps to add Picture in Google Docs on Desktop/Laptop/Mac:
Step 1: Open Google Docs
Visit Google Docs in a web browser on your desktop or laptop device. Go to the Google Docs website and either create a new document or open an existing one.
Step 2: Position the Cursor
Click where you want the image to appear in your document. A blinking cursor will show you where the image will be inserted..
Place the cursor in the documentStep 3: Click on the Insert Menu and Select ‘Image’
On the top menu, click on Insert, and a dropdown menu will appear and From the dropdown menu, click on Image, and then choose Upload from computer.
Click 'Insert' -> 'Image' -> 'Upload from computer'Click the Insert image icon in the toolbar. Then select "Upload from computer" to add an image from your device.
Click on the 'Insert image' icon in the toolbar of Google DocsStep 4: Click on 'Upload from computer' in the dropdown
A dropdown opens. Click on 'Upload from computer' in the dropdown to upload a picture from your computer to Google Docs.
Click on 'Upload from computer' in the dropdownNote: Select one of the following options:
- Google Photos: Insert an image from your Google Photos.
- Google Drive: Add an image stored in your Drive.
- Camera: Use your device’s camera to take and insert a photo.
Step 4: Choose Your Image
A file browser will pop up. Select the image you want to insert from your computer’s storage.
Click on the picture in your computer's folder to insertClick on the 'Open' button which is at the bottom corner of the window.
Click on the 'Open' buttonStep 6: Resize and Position the Image
Once the image is inserted, you can click and drag to resize or move it around the page to fit your document’s layout.
The selected image is added to the documentPro Tip: You can right-click the image to adjust its alignment (left, center, or right) and set text wrapping options for better integration with your content.
Method 3: Search and Insert Images Directly in Google Docs
If you don’t have an image on your device but want to find one online, Google Docs allows you to search for images directly through its built-in search feature:
Step 1: Open Your Document
Visit Google Docs in a web browser on your desktop or laptop device. Open the document in which pictures are to be inserted.
Step 2: Position the Cursor
Click where you want the image to be inserted
Place the cursor in the document to add an imageIn the toolbar of Google Docs, click on the 'Insert image' icon.
Click on the 'Insert image' icon in the toolbarStep 4: Click on 'Search the web' in the dropdown
A dropdown opens. Click on 'Search the web' in the dropdown to add an image from the web.
Click on 'Search the web' in the dropdown openedStep 5: Search for Your Image
A sidebar will appear on the right side of your screen. Type the keywords for the image you're looking for (e.g., “dog”, “nature landscape”), and press Enter.
Type the name of the picture to search in webHere we are searching for "daisy flower" in the Google images search.
Step 6: Select the Image
Browse through the search results and select the image you want to add.
Click on any one search recommendationsStep 7: Click on the pictures
The search results are now displayed and click you want to add to the search results.
Search results displaying for 'daisy flower'You can select 1 or more pictures from here. Select any picture you want by clicking on it once.
Selected 1 picture by clicking on itClick on the 'Insert' button which is at the bottom of the panel.
Click on 'Insert' button in the panelStep 9: The picture is added to the document in Google Docs successfully
The picture gets added to the document now.
The selected picture from the web is added to the document in Google Docs- Pro Tip: This is a fast way to get high-quality images directly from the web, without needing to download them first.
Method 4: Insert Images in Google Docs by URL
Another option is to add an image directly from a web link. If you have the URL of an image, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Your Document
Visit Google Docs in a web browser on your desktop or laptop device. Open the document in which pictures are to be inserted.
Step 2: Position the Cursor
Click on the area where you want to insert the image.
Place the cursor in the document to add a pictureIn the toolbar of Google Docs, click on the 'Insert image' icon.
Click on the 'Insert image' icon in the toolbar of Google DocsStep 4: Click on 'By URL' in the dropdown
A dropdown opens. Click on 'By URL' in the dropdown to add an image from the web by simply entering its specific URL.
Click on 'By URL' in the dropdownStep 5: Paste the Image URL
A pop-up will appear. Paste the image URL (the web address of the image) into the field.
Popup to enter the URL of the image from the webPaste the URL of the image in the popup window.
A URL of an image is pasted in itStep 6: Click ‘Insert’
Once the image appears in the preview, click Insert. The image will now be added to your document.
Click on the 'Insert image' button in the popupStep 7: The picture is added to the document
The picture gets added to the document in Google Docs successfully.
The picture of the URL entered is now added to the document in Google DocsHow to Add Images to Google Docs on Mobile (Android & iOS)
Follow these steps to add pictures in Google Docs on both iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices:
Step 1: Open the Document:
- Launch the Google Docs app on your device (Android or iOS).
- Open the document where you want to insert the picture.
Step 2: Enable Editing Mode
Tap on the Edit (pencil) icon which is at the bottom rightmost corner of the app. It is the 'Edit' icon.
Tap on the pencil iconStep 3: Place the Cursor
The document has been changed to editing mode now. Tap on any place in the document where you want to add the picture. The cursor gets placed there.
Tap on any line in the document to place the cursorStep 4: Tap on the plus icon '+' at the top side of the app
Tap on the plus icon '+' which is at the top side of the app to open the options.
Tap on the plus icon at the top side of the appA drop-up menu opens from the bottom of the app. Tap on 'Image' in the menu.
Tap on 'Image' in the drop-up menuAnother sub-menu opens up. Tap on 'From photos' in it.
Tap on 'From Photos' in the sub-drop-up menuStep 7: Select the Picture
- Browse your gallery and tap the picture you want to insert.
- A blue checkmark (iOS) or highlight (Android) will appear on the selected photo.
Select any picture you want to add in the document by tapping on it- iOS: Tap the Add button at the top right.
- Android: Tap the picture, and it will be inserted immediately.
Confirm Insertion
Step 9: Exit Editing Mode
Tap the tick symbol at the top left to exit editing mode.
Tap on the tick symbol buttonStep 10: Preview the Picture
The selected picture will now appear in your document. Adjust or resize if needed.
The selected picture is added to the document in Google Docs appTips for Adding High-Quality Images to Your Google Docs
- Use High-Resolution Images: Always use images with good resolution (e.g., 300 DPI) to ensure clarity when printed or viewed on large screens.
- Compress Large Images: Compress images using free online tools before uploading to avoid slowing down the document.
- Choose Relevant Images: Select visuals that enhance the message of your content and are contextually appropriate.
- Optimize for Web Sharing: If the document is shared online, use web-friendly formats like PNG or JPEG for faster loading times.
Also Read:
How to Resize an Image in Google Docs
How to Wrap Text in Google Docs?
How to Change Margins in Google Docs (2 Easy Methods)
Conclusion
Adding images to Google Docs is simple and effective, whether you're working on a desktop or mobile device. By following the methods outlined—such as using the toolbar, drag-and-drop, or URLs—you can easily perform a Google Docs image insertion to include visuals that complement your content. These techniques help you create professional and engaging documents that leave a lasting impression.
Similar Reads
How to Insert Images in Google Docs
Images add clarity and visual appeal to documents, making them essential for reports, presentations, and creative content. Google Docs provides various methods to insert images, whether it's through the toolbar, drag-and-drop, or linking via URL, ensuring flexibility in how visuals can be included.
10 min read
How To Convert Image To Text In Google Docs
Google Docs is a free online document editor provided by Google. Google Docs makes it easier to create a document for personal and professional uses with a variety of features. People often take photos of notes on the blackboard a billboard, or from a newspaper for using it later. These text content
9 min read
How to Rotate Images in Google Docs
Here, we will cover How to spin or rotate in Google Docs easily. You can spin it left or right until it seems the way you need. Whether for college, work, or a school project, this skill becomes accessible. If you've got a photo, it's no longer pretty right—no issues. You can flip it around with a
6 min read
How to Add Captions to Images in Google Docs
Add Captions to Images in Google Docs - Quick StepsOpen Google Docs >> Select a DocumentSelect the Image >> Click on the Inline OptionType your Caption >> Format the Caption Adding captions to images in Google Docs is a great way to provide context and improve the clarity of your c
10 min read
How to Insert LaTeX in Google Docs
Are you looking to incorporate complex mathematical equations and symbols into your Google Docs? Learning how to insert LaTeX in Google Docs allows you to enhance the presentation of scientific, technical, and academic documents. LaTeX is a powerful typesetting system widely used for writing mathema
6 min read
How to Copy and Paste Text and Images in Google Docs
Google Docs is a versatile online document editor that allows you to easily copy and paste text and images for both personal and professional purposes. With features like customizable font styles, text alignment, and media insertion, Google Docs makes document creation straightforward and efficient.
9 min read
How to Make Google Docs Dark Mode on Desktop & Mobile
Dark Mode in Google Docs - Quick Steps Open Google Doc >> Go to your computer’s system settingsNavigate to the Display or Theme section >> Switch your system theme to Dark ModeHave you ever wished to reduce eye strain while working on Google Docs for long hours? Dark mode might be the so
9 min read
How To Put Text Over An Image In Google Docs
Placing text over images in Google Docs can make your documents visually appealing and more engaging. This is a useful technique for creating presentations, flyers, or marketing materials. While Google Docs is mainly for text editing, there are ways to overlay text on images with some simple tricks.
6 min read
How to Insert Shapes in Google Docs
Looking to enhance your Google Docs with visual elements? Learning how to insert shapes in Google Docs can transform your documents from plain text to engaging presentations. Whether you're creating flowcharts, highlighting important information, or simply adding a creative touch, mastering the inse
6 min read
How to Insert Word Art in Google Docs
Google Docs is a cloud-based product where you can create projects, implement reports, create personal documents, and so on. Google Docs is a free tool that gives you many advantages such as accessing your documents from anywhere, auto-saving features, and real-time collaboration. One such useful an
5 min read