Imagine if your data could tell a story or if numbers and information could jump off the screen and capture your audience’s attention. Well, the good news is you don’t have to be a spreadsheet guru to make that happen.
With Google Sheets, you can go beyond mere text and numbers by learning how to insert images.
Transforming your data from bland numbers to a vibrant visual narrative is easier than you might think. By mastering the art of inserting images in Google Sheets, you can elevate your spreadsheet game and make your data come alive.
With our step-by-step guide, inserting images in Google Sheets will become second nature, empowering you to effortlessly create engaging and insightful spreadsheets.
This beginner-friendly article will effortlessly unravel four user-friendly techniques to insert images into Google Sheets.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be a pro at inserting images in Google Sheets and adding that “wow” factor to your data presentations.
Let’s get started, shall we?
Exploring Different Methods to Insert Images in Google Sheets
When it comes to enhancing your Google Sheets with visuals, you’ll be delighted to know that there are several user-friendly methods at your disposal. Let’s take a closer look at each of these approaches, designed to make inserting images in Google Sheets a breeze for beginners:
- Google Sheets Image-in-Cell Option: The simplest way to insert images in Google Sheets is by utilizing the built-in “Insert Image” feature. All you need to do is click on the desired cell, navigate to the “Insert” menu, and select “Image.” From here, you can either upload an image from your device or provide an image URL. This method is perfect for neatly embedding images within cells, allowing you to integrate visuals and data seamlessly.
- Inserting Images using Drawing: For a more flexible placement of images, consider the “Drawing” tool. Access it via the “Insert” menu, then select “Drawing.” Here, you can either upload an existing image or create one from scratch. Once added, the image becomes an independent object you can freely position, resize, and add text to. This method is great for creating attention-grabbing visual elements that complement your data.
- Adding Images with the IMAGE Formula: Google Sheets also allows you to insert images dynamically using the IMAGE formula. This powerful function lets you pull images from URLs based on specific conditions. Incorporating this formula into your cells allows you to display images that change based on your data, making your sheet more dynamic and interactive.
- Inserting Images with Dynamic Image Lookup Functionality: Imagine having a range of data corresponding to different images. The “Dynamic Image Lookup” method lets you automatically fetch and display images based on data in your sheet. Using the IMAGE function and Vlookup, you can retrieve images from URLs and present them dynamically alongside your data.
With these diverse methods for inserting images in Google Sheets, you can choose the approach that best fits your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, these techniques empower you to elevate your spreadsheets with engaging visuals, making your data come to life in exciting new ways.
Practical step-by-step guide for inserting images in Google Sheets
Insert image in cell
Now that we’ve explored the various ways to add pictures to Google Sheets, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the hands-on part of this guide. We’re kicking things off with the first method – putting images into Google Sheets using the “insert image in cell” option.
We will use the following sample data for this example.
Here is how to leverage the insert image in cell option to insert images in Google Sheets.
Step 1: Select the cell where you want the image inserted
To begin, click on the exact cell where you want your image to appear. This is where your image will snugly fit, becoming a part of your spreadsheet story. For this example, we will use cell B2.
Step 2: Insert > Image > Insert image in cell
Now that we’ve picked the perfect cell for our image, let’s move on to the next step. Look at the top of your screen and find the “Insert” menu. Scroll all the way down until you see “Image” – that’s the one you want. Clicking on it will give you a couple more choices. Go ahead and pick “Insert image in cell.”
Step 3: Choose the way you’d like to upload the image
When you select the option for “Insert image in cell,” Google Sheets automatically launches a new window, providing you with different methods to upload images. While you have the liberty to use any options of your choice, for the purpose of this tutorial, we will select the option for Google Images.
Step 4: Search for the appropriate image and insert
With our image insertion method chosen, let’s now find the perfect picture to add. All you need to do is type in what you’re looking for.
So for our example, we will use the search term “Kids Shoes.” Then, just like magic, Google will show you pictures of what you typed. Once you spot the image you want, give it a little click – that’s the one you will use and click on the option for Insert.
The video below provides better insight.
After inserting the image into the cell you initially selected, it might take a few seconds for Google to process the action.
Just to give you a glimpse, here is what our spreadsheet looks like after inserting the image into the cell we selected.
Look at the screenshot above – see how we put an image into just one cell. We did that to teach you the trick.
Now, if you have more images to add, don’t worry. It’s like making copies of your favorite cookie recipe – you just repeat the same steps. Keep following the simple process we showed you earlier, and you’ll have all your images neatly in their spots.
Note: As mentioned before, Google Sheets gives you many ways to insert images in a cell. It’s like having many doors to choose from to enter a room.
You can upload pictures from your computer like you add photos to an email. If your computer has a webcam, you can snap a picture immediately. You can also use pictures stored in Google Drive. And remember, you can also use links to pictures.
Insert Images In Google Sheets Using Drawing
Now that you’ve mastered the art of putting images right into your cells, let’s explore another exciting way to enhance your Google Sheets: Inserting Images Using Drawing.
Just like an artist might use different brushes and colors to create a masterpiece, Google Sheets offers a creative toolkit to bring your data to life.
Imagine having the freedom to place images anywhere on your sheet, resize them as you please, and even add a touch of text.
In this section, we’ll guide you through this hands-on technique, building upon the foundation we laid with the first method.
We will use the same sample data we used in our previous example. Let’s jump right in, shall we?
Step 1: Choose the cell where you want to insert the image
Let’s start by picking a special cell where we want to insert our image. In this example, we’ll go with cell B2. So go ahead and select that cell in your spreadsheet if you’re following along.
Step 2: Insert > Drawing
Done selecting the cell where you want your image inserted? Great, now, let’s continue. Go to the top where it says “Insert.” Scroll down until you see “Drawing.” Click on it, and you’re on your way to adding drawings and images to your sheet.
Step 3: Select The Image Icon
Once you’ve clicked “Drawing,” Google Sheets will open a special drawing window, like a secret clubhouse with cool tools. Look for the “Image” Icon – it’s like finding a button with a picture on it. Give it a little click, and you’re ready to add your image to the mix.
Step 4: Choose The Appropriate Image Upload Option
Once you tap on the image icon inside the Drawing window, a bunch of choices will pop up. For now, let’s pick the “Search” option. Think of it like looking through a catalog to find the perfect picture for your special spot in Google Sheets. This way, you can add images to your cell like a pro.
Step 5: Search for the appropriate image and hit select
Having selected the image insert option, we need to head over to the search bar and type in the search term for the image we want. For this example, we will use the search terms Kids Shoes.
After entering the search term, Google Sheets will provide you with many images. Simply choose the image that works best for you and click on Select.
The video below should provide more clarity if you’re confused.
Once you pick the picture you want to add to your page, it will be placed nicely in the drawing area. There, you can make changes and fix things as you like. When you finish making all the changes, click “Save and Close.”
Here is what our spreadsheet looks like after inserting our image:
The picture will appear at the top of the boxes, and you can make it bigger or change its position on the page. If you attach a text box to the picture, they’ll stick together, and you can’t move or change the text box separately.
Advantages of Using Drawing to Insert Images in Google Sheets
This method is great because it lets you change your image in many ways:
- You can put a frame around it and make it different shapes and sizes.
- You can add shapes to the picture, like arrows, circles, or lines.
- You can include several images and turn them into one.
Anything you put on the picture while editing in the drawing section will become part of the picture when you save and close it. So, if you make the picture bigger or move it, everything else will change too.
To edit it again, double-click the picture, and you’ll return to the drawing section.
Insert Images in Google Sheets using the IMAGE formula
Did you know that you can easily insert images in Google Sheets using a special formula called the IMAGE function? Oh yes. Whether you’re new to this or have done it before, we will help you understand how to add pictures to your Google Sheets using the IMAGE formula. It’s a simple process.
But before we go over the steps together, let’s quickly look at the syntax of the IMAGE function.
Syntax of IMAGE function
The IMAGE function in Google Sheets lets you insert images into cells. Here’s how you can use it:
Syntax: IMAGE(URL, [mode], [height], [width])
- URL: The link to the image must start with HTTPS or HTTP and be enclosed in double quotes if entered as text. You can also use a cell that already has the image URL.
- [mode]: It’s set to 1 by default, but you can change it. You have four options for image size:
- Size 1: Fits the image inside the cell.
- Size 2: Compresses or stretches the image to fit in the cell.
- Size 3: Crops the image to fit without changing its size.
- Size 4: Let you choose the image’s size (height/width).
- [height]: Use this to set the image’s height to fit and be fully visible inside the cell. Use mode 4 with height.
- [width]: To set the image’s width, the mode should be 4. This parameter helps you adjust how wide the image appears in the cell.
Let’s look at examples of using the IMAGE function to insert an image in a Google Sheets cell.
Throughout this tutorial, I’ll use the following Apple logo image URL to demonstrate how to use the IMAGE function in to insert images in Google Sheets:
Let’s get started, shall we?
Here is what our sample data looks like for this example:
Step 1: Choose the cell where you want the logo generated
The first thing we need to do is select the cell where we want to insert our logo. For this example, we will use cell B2.
Step 2: Type in the IMAGE formula
Having chosen the cell where you want to insert the image, it’s time to type in the IMAGE formula in the selected cell. To do that, head over to the formula bar and type in the following formula:
Step 3: Hit Enter
Having entered our IMAGE formula correctly, we only need to hit the Enter button on our keyboard. Google Sheets will automatically generate the image result in the selected cell.
If you followed the steps exactly as we outlined, you should have something like this:
Note: If you look at the IMAGE function formula we used to insert our image, you’ll notice we didn’t provide any optional arguments. Because of that, Google Sheets will automatically insert and fit the image into the cell.
Let’s quickly look at all the modes you can use with the Image function and how it impacts the image result.
When you set the mode to 1- the image resizes to fit the chosen cell
As we reiterated, when you set the mode to 1 when using the image function, Google Sheets automatically resizes the image to fit the cell.
Here is the syntax for this mode:
= IMAGE (URL,1, [HEIGHT], [WIDTH])
Let’s apply this mode to our sample sheet and see if this changes. To start, head over to the formula bar and type in the following formula:
With the formula now correctly typed in, simply hit the Enter button on your keyboard and watch the magic happen.
Here is what ours looks like:
Note: The result you get when the mode is set to 1 is pretty much the same as the one you get when you don’t specify any mode. Basically, this mode resizes the image to fit the cell.
When you set the mode to 2 – the image stretches to fit the chosen cell
When you add this mode to your IMAGE function formula, Google Sheets automatically stretches the image and fits it into the cell.
Let’s apply the following syntax to our example:
= IMAGE (URL, 2)
Here is how to go about it:
Head over to the formula bar and type in the following formula:
Now, hit the Enter button on your keyboard and wait a few seconds for the changes to reflect. If you followed the steps exactly as we showed you, your result should look something like this:
From the screenshot above, you can clearly see that the image has been stretched to fit the cell. And all we needed to do to achieve that was add the mode to the IMAGE formula.
Now, repeat the same process for the other two remaining modes to see how things play out.
We hope this section has taught you how to insert images in Google Sheets using the IMAGE function.
Now, let’s quickly review another brilliant method of inserting images in Google Sheets.
Insert images in Google Sheets using Dynamic Image Lookup Functionality
Having shown you how to insert images in Google Sheets using the IMAGE function, we now want to use this opportunity to show you how to add images to Google Sheets using the dynamic image lookup functionality.
The sample spreadsheet for this example will have two sheets, the first sheet will feature the names of brands along with the URL for their respective images, while the second sheet will feature a dropdown list and the actual logo for each company.
Here is what it looks like:
Here is how to go about it:
Step 1: Have the company name and image links in a sheet
The first thing we need to do is have the company name and image links in a sheet. It should look something like this:
Step 2: Create a drop-down list in the second sheet
Head over to the second sheet and create a drop-down list. To do that, click on the cell you want the drop-down list to appear, navigate to the Data tab and select the option for Data validation.
A new Data validation window should pop up at the extreme right of your spreadsheet. Here you want to select the option for Add rule.
Head over to the option for Criteria, click on the drop-down button and change the option from Dropdown to Dropdown (from a range)
After making these changes, you’ll notice another box where you’ll need to select the range. Click on the box and enter the appropriate range. The video below gives you some insight into how to approach that:
If you did everything exactly as we detailed above, your second sheet should look something like this:
Step 3: Type in the dynamic image lookup formula
Now that we’ve made our dropdown list, the next step is simple. Pick a brand from the list, go to the formula bar at the top, and type in the dynamic image lookup formula to show dynamic images.
To do this, click on cell B2 (where we want the image), go up to the formula bar, and type in this formula:
=IMAGE(VLOOKUP(A1,’Logo Link’!$A$1:$B$6,2,0))
Step 4: Hit Enter
Once you’ve typed the formula correctly, press the Enter key on your keyboard. Then, you’ll see something amazing.
Here’s how ours looks:
Step 5: Test The Result
Having completed all the steps, let’s quickly test our result, going from one brand name to another.
The video below provides better insight:
Now, that’s how to insert images in Google Sheets using dynamic image lookup functionality.
Final Thoughts
When you want to put pictures in Google Sheets, there are a few ways to do it. In this guide, we’ve given you a simple step-by-step explanation of how to insert images in Google Sheets.
Whether you’ve tried this before or you’re doing it for the first time, we’re confident that today’s tutorial has made things clearer for you.
If you found this guide helpful, you can explore more fantastic Google Sheets tutorials on our blog.