Adding hyperlinks in Google Docs isn’t limited to text. You can also make your images clickable by linking them to websites, other documents, or even email addresses. This is especially useful for interactive reports, presentations, or digital newsletters. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to add a link to a picture in Google Docs with simple, beginner-friendly steps.
Why Add a Link to a Picture?
Linking an image in Google Docs can make your documents more interactive and professional. Benefits include:
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Directing readers to a website or resource
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Linking to related Google Docs or Drive files
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Creating clickable infographics or charts
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Making presentations and reports more dynamic
Things to Know Before Linking an Image
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Only images inserted into Google Docs can be linked. Screenshots pasted as plain images may not allow linking.
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Hyperlinks work in both the editor view and view-only mode.
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Links can direct to URLs, emails, or other Google Docs/Sheets/Slides files.
Step-by-Step Guide: Adding a Link to a Picture
Step 1: Insert Your Image
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Open your Google Docs document.
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Click Insert → Image.
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Choose from Upload from computer, Drive, or Web.
Your image will appear in the document.
Step 2: Select the Image
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Click on the image once so that it’s highlighted with a blue border.
Step 3: Click the Insert Link Option
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Go to the toolbar and click the Link icon (🔗).
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Alternatively, press Ctrl + K (Windows) or Cmd + K (Mac).
Step 4: Add the Link
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In the dialog box, paste or type the URL you want the image to link to.
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Click Apply.
Your image is now clickable!
Step 5: Test Your Link
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Hover over the image.
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Click on the link preview to ensure it directs to the correct destination.
Alternative Method: Using Right-Click Menu
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Right-click on the image.
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Select Insert link from the menu.
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Paste your URL and click Apply.
This method is faster for some users and works identically to the toolbar method.
Linking to Other Google Docs or Drive Files
You can also link an image to another document or file:
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Copy the sharing link from the target Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide.
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Select your image.
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Use Insert → Link or Ctrl/Cmd + K.
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Paste the link and click Apply.
Tip: Make sure the linked file has sharing permissions that allow your audience to access it.
Tips for Managing Linked Images
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Label your links: Add captions to explain where the link goes.
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Keep URLs short: Use URL shorteners for long or complex links.
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Update links carefully: If the target URL changes, update it promptly to avoid broken links.
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Test in view mode: Ensure links work for viewers who don’t have edit access.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Image isn’t clickable | Make sure the image is inserted via Insert → Image, not copy-pasted. |
| Link doesn’t work for viewers | Check sharing settings of linked file or URL. |
| Accidental link removal | Select the image, click the Link icon, and reapply the URL. |
| Image moves when clicking | Use Wrap text → In line or Fix position on page for stability. |
FAQs
1. Can I link multiple images at once?
No, each image must be linked individually in Google Docs.
2. Can linked images be opened on mobile?
Yes, links work in the Google Docs mobile app as well.
3. Can I link images to email addresses?
Yes, type mailto:example@email.com as the URL.
4. Does linking an image affect printing?
No, the image will print normally; links are only clickable in digital format.
5. Can I remove a link from an image later?
Yes, click the image, then click the Remove link option in the toolbar.
Summary: Key Takeaways
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Images in Google Docs can be made clickable using Insert → Link or Ctrl/Cmd + K.
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Links can point to websites, email addresses, or other Google Docs/Drive files.
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Always test links in view mode to ensure accessibility.
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Use captions and clear URLs to improve user experience.
By adding links to images in Google Docs, you make your documents more interactive, professional, and user-friendly—perfect for reports, presentations, and digital content.