How to Insert and Edit Pictures in Google Docs on Mobile and PC

Google Docs is not just a platform for creating text-based documents. You can add photos, videos, and even GIFs to your Google Docs file. The images make the text attractive and also add extra detail to the documents. If you are wondering how to insert pictures into Google Docs on Android, iOS, iPadOS, and computer, you have come to the right place.

Screenshots, photographs, infographics, and graphics are some of the types of images you can add to your document in Google Docs. We will also walk you through how to perform various editing activities related to images such as cropping, adding border, resizing and moving them.

So let’s start with our guide on how to use and edit images in Google Docs on mobile and PC.

How to insert a picture in Google Docs on PC

There are four ways to add images to Google Docs on your computer.

Method 1: drag and drop

One of the easiest ways to add an image to Google Docs is by using the drag and drop method. Open the Google Docs document and place your cursor where you want to insert the image. Then drag and drop the image from other apps into Google Docs.

Method 2: copy paste

Like the method above, you can use the traditional concept of copy and paste to add images to Google Docs. Copy the image and paste it into Google Docs using the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V, respectively.

Method 3: Insert an option

If the above two methods are not suitable for you, you can also try this method. In the Google Docs document, place your cursor where you want to add an image. Click on the Insert option in the menu bar and select Image. There are different options to choose from, such as your computer, camera, Google Drive, and Google Photos. You can also search the Internet directly using the Web option. Select the desired option and choose your image.

Method 4: Add an image as a drawing with annotations

If you want to add shapes like lines, circles, arrows, or want to type your image directly into Google Docs, you need to add your image as a drawing. To do this, go to Insert> Drawing> New.

On the Drawing screen, click the Image option to add your image. Once added, use the toolbar options to add arrows, text, etc. Finally, click Save and Close to insert the image with annotations into your document. Check out our in-depth guide to adding text or images above images in Google Docs.

Pro tip: After adding an image, click once on it and tap on the Edit option in case you want to add more text or arrows.

How to edit images in Google Docs on a computer

Once you’ve added an image, Google Docs offers various features to edit your images. Let’s check them out below.

How to put text next to the image in Google Docs

To put text next to your image or the side of the image, you need to change the wrapping style. Google Docs offers three skin styles:

• Online: the image is added as text, that is, it is part of the text.
• Wrap: text can be on either side of the image.
• Pause: text is present above or below the image.

To change the style, click on the image. A menu will appear. Click the three dots icon and select All Image Options.

A new sidebar will open on the right side. Expand Style and choose your packaging style.

How to crop, align and rotate an image

To crop your image, right click on it and select the Crop option. Then adjust the image to crop it.

To choose an alignment for the image, click it once, and you will see the various alignment options. Select one.

To rotate and perform other editing tasks like changing color, transparency, brightness, etc., click on the image and tap the three-dot icon. Choose All Image Options. Then choose how you want to change your image.

How to move and resize the image

To move your image to a new location in Google Docs, drag it with your mouse. To change the size, click on the image and use the tiny square boxes to increase or decrease the size. You can even change the size of all image options.

How to add a border to the image

To add a border, click once on the image. You will see the border options will be enabled in the edit bar at the top. Choose the style, color and weight of the border according to your needs.

How to delete an image

To delete an image, click on it and press the Delete key on your keyboard. You can also right-click the image and select Delete. You can even replace the image using the context menu.

Pro tip: On the computer, the image options are scattered in three different positions: context menu, top bar, and All three dot icon image options. Use them all to edit your image.

How to insert a picture in Google Docs on Android, iPhone and iPad

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Open the Docs document and tap or double-click the floating edit icon.

2nd step: Tap the add icon (+) at the top and select Image from the menu. You will get three options: photos, camera, and web. Choose the one you like.

How to edit images in Google Docs on Android

To edit a picture on Android, tap it once and tap the three-dot icon. Choose image options. Select the skin style, border color, thickness, and style. To delete the image, tap it and choose Delete. Use the tiny boxes around the border of the image to change its size. To move the image, hold it down and drag it to a new position.

Point: Find out how to save Google Docs as PDF on mobile and PC.

How to Edit Pictures in Google Docs on iOS and iPadOS

On iPhone and iPad, tap the image. You will get the image editing features like skin style and borders in the context bar. To move an image, tap Cut and paste it where you want it.

Cannot insert images in Google Docs

If you can’t add images to Google Docs on Android and iOS / iPadOS, make sure you allow Google Docs to access photos. To check on Android, go to Phone settings> Apps> Google Docs> Permissions. Grant permission for photos. Likewise, on iPhone and iPad, go to Settings> Google Docs> Photos. Choose Selected Photos or All Photos instead of None. And I hope this helps.