4 Easy Ways to Add Captions to Images in Google Docs

Easily add subtitles to your pictures in Google Docs

Do you want to place a caption under an image with Google Docs? With the Drawing feature, you can easily link an image with a text caption that can be moved as one object. You can also use a table or write directly under the image itself using Inline text. When using the mobile app, you'll only be able to use Inline text to put a caption underneath a photo. This wikiHow will show you how to add captions to images in Google Docs using your Windows or Mac computer and your iPhone or Android device.

Things You Should Know

  • Insert an image with "Insert" → "Drawing" → "New". Use the Text Box tool to create a box, then enter your text. Click "Save and Close".
  • When using a table, create a 1x2 table. Insert an image in the top half and your text in the lower half.
  • For Inline text, click your image and select "Inline text". Click the area below to enter your caption.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using a Text Box

  1. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 1
    1
    Open a new document in Google Docs. Do this by clicking the + icon on the Google Docs homepage.[1]
  2. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 2
    2
    Click Insert in the top toolbar. This will be between View and Format.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 3
    3
    Click Drawing, then New. You must insert the image using Google's Drawing tool to add a Text Box caption.
    • You can also click Drive if you want to upload an image from Google Drive.
  4. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 4
    4
    Click the image icon. This is the square with two mountains inside. A new window will open.
  5. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 5
    5
    Upload your image. You can drag-and-drop an image from your computer into the field or click Choose an image to upload to browse your files.
    • You can also insert an image by URL, from your albums, or search.
    • Once uploaded, your image should appear in the Drawing tool window.
  6. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 6
    6
    Click the Text Box icon. This is the T inside of a box with four squares at the corners.
    • Your cursor will change into a +.
  7. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 7
    7
    Create your Text Box. Click the area underneath the image and drag towards the right to create a text box. You can adjust the size after.
    • Use the eight squares along the sides of the Text Box to adjust its size and length.
  8. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 8
    8
    Align your Text Box. Google Docs will indicate the left, middle, and right side of the image by a red line.
    • Drag your Text Box until you see the red line in the middle of the image and text field.
  9. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 9
    9
    Enter your text. This is the text that will be your image's caption. If you have a long caption, it will stay within the Text Box.
    • If you need to edit your text style, select all your text by dragging and highlighting. You can also use CTRL + A (Windows) or CMD + A (Mac).
    • Change the font by clicking the down arrow and selecting a new one. Change the size by clicking the - or + icon.
    • If you want the text to appear in the middle, click ••• in the top-right corner of the Drawing window. Click the Align icon, then Center.
  10. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 10
    10
    Click Save and Close. This is the blue button in the top-right of the window.
    11. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using a Table

  1. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 11
    1
    Open a new document in Google Docs. Do this by clicking the + icon on the Google Docs homepage.
  2. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 12
    2
    Click where you want your image to be. You can always add text before or after the table.
  3. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 13
    3
    Click Insert in the top toolbar. This will be between View and Format.
  4. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 14
    4
    Click Table, then make 1x2 table. Do this by highlighting two cubes—one on top of the other.
    • You'll see 1x2 below the squares.
  5. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 15
    5
    Insert your image into the first field. You can drag-and-drop your image into Google Docs from your desktop.
    • You can also click Insert → Image and select your preferred upload method.
  6. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 16
    6
    Enter your text. This is the text that will be your image's caption. If you have a long caption, it will stay within the table field.
    • If you need to edit your text style, select all your text by dragging and highlighting.
    • Change the font by clicking the down arrow and selecting a new one. Change the size by clicking the - or + icon.
    • If you want the text to appear in the middle, click the Center Align icon. This looks like centered lines of text.
  7. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 17
    7
    Remove the borders. Right-click the table and select Table properties.
    • Tap the Color section to expand the drop-down menu.
    • Set Table border to 0 pt.
    8. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using Inline Text

  1. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 18
    1
    Open a new document in Google Docs. Do this by clicking the + icon on the Google Docs homepage.
    • This method will not link text to your image, so you'll need to move both separately.
  2. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 19
    2
    Insert your image. You can drag-and-drop your image into Google Docs from your desktop.
    • You can also click Insert → Image and select your preferred upload method.
  3. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 20
    3
    Click the image. Options will appear below the image, on the left side.
  4. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 21
    4
    Select the "In-line text" icon. This should be the first icon, on the left.
  5. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 22
    5
    Click the space below the image. This will allow you to type underneath the image.
  6. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 23
    6
    Enter your text. This is the text that will be your image's caption. If you have a long caption, it will follow the rules of your document's margins. Click the blue arrows on the top ruler to adjust the margins.
    • Use the toolbar to change your font style and size.
    • If you want the text to appear in the middle, click the Center Align icon. This looks like centered lines of text.
    7. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using the Mobile App

  1. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 24
    1
    Open a new document in the Google Docs app. Do this by tapping the + icon on the Google Docs homepage, then tapping New document.
    • Google Docs is available for iOS in the App Store and for Android in the Google Play Store.
    • If you aren't already signed in, tap Sign in to do so now, or create an account.
    • This method will not link text to your image, so you'll need to move both separately.
  2. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 25
    2
    Insert an image. Tap the + at the top, then tap Image. You can choose to upload From photos or From camera.
    • Select your photo, then tap Add.
  3. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 26
    3
    Tap the image, then tap the "Text wrap" icon. This is the icon to the left of the Photos icon.
  4. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 27
    4
    Select Inline. This will allow you to type underneath the image.
  5. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 28
    5
    Tap the space underneath the image. You may need to tap the right of the image then Return to insert a new line.
  6. Image titled Add Caption to Image in Google Docs Step 29
    6
    Enter your text. This is the text that will be your image's caption. If you have a long caption, it will follow the rules of your document's margins.
    • Use the A icon to change your font style and size.
    • If you want the text to appear in the middle, tap the Center Align icon. This should be on the right side of the toolbar located above your keyboard.
    7. Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Alphabetize in Google DocsHow to Alphabetize in Google Docs: 4 Simple Methods
Save a Google Doc
How to
Save a Google Doc
Flip an Image in Google Docs9 Easy Steps to Flip an Image in Google Docs
Make a Brochure Using Google DocsHow to Make a Brochure Using Google Docs: Quick Guide
Make a Signup Sheet on Google Docs3 Simple Ways to Make a Signup Form on Google Docs
Share Google Docs
How to
Share Google Docs
Use Google SpreadsheetsHow to Use Google Sheets: The Ultimate Guide for Getting Started
Make a Google Doc Public
How to
Make a Google Doc Public
Download Google Docs4 Easy Ways to Download and Save Google Docs
View Google Form Responses on iPhone or iPadHow to View Google Form Responses on iPhone or iPad
Convert a Google Doc to a PDF on iPhone or iPad
How to
Convert a Google Doc to a PDF on iPhone or iPad
Check Google Doc HistoryHow to Check a Google Doc's History (and Restore Previous Versions)
Open Google DocsEasily Open Google Docs in a Browser, the App, or MS Word
Create a Copy of a Google Form
How to
Create a Copy of a Google Form
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://support.google.com/docs/thread/14188087?hl=en

About This Article

Rain Kengly
Written by:
Rain Kengly
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain Kengly is a wikiHow Technology Writer. As a storytelling enthusiast with a penchant for technology, they hope to create long-lasting connections with readers from all around the globe. Rain graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Cinema. This article has been viewed 2,771 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 3
Updated: February 11, 2023
Views: 2,771
Categories: Google Docs
Advertisement