Putting an image behind text in Google Docs can help make your documents more visually appealing. The image serves as a background that does not interfere with the readability of the text.
Fortunately, Google Docs has a built-in feature that allows you to easily place images behind text without needing any third party tools or extensions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Insert The Image
First, insert the image you want to use as a background:
- Place your cursor where you want the image to go
- Go to Insert > Image
- Select the image from your computer and insert it
Pro Tip: Make sure the image is high quality and appropriate for the document.
Wrap Text Behind The Image
Next, you need to wrap the text behind the image:
- Click on the image to select it
- Click on Image options (the 3 dots icon) > Text wrapping > Behind text
The image will now sit behind the text rather than interrupting the text.
Adjust The Image
You can further adjust the image to better suit your needs:
- Resize – Enlarge or shrink the image as needed
- Opacity – Fade the image so it stands out less behind the text
- Reorder – Send the image forward or backward if needed
Tip: Fading the image opacity to around 80% often works well so it doesn’t compete too much with the readability of the text.
Add More Images
You’re not limited to just one image background. Feel free to add multiple image backgrounds throughout your document:
- Split your document into sections and use different background images for each section
- Or insert smaller repeating background images, almost like a tiled texture
This can help spice up long documents.
Alternate Option: Use Page Background
An alternative option is to set a background image for the entire page:
- Go to File > Page setup
- Click on the Page Background tab
- Click Add image and select a background image
- Click Apply to whole document
The downside to this method is that it will print the background image if you print the document. Using the Behind text wrapping method avoids this issue.
Examples
Here are a few examples of placing images behind text in Google Docs:
Faded Image Background
Faded image background
Having a faded image as a background can make text stand out clearly while adding some visual interest.
Photo Section Backgrounds
Photo section backgrounds
You can use different photos in different sections to help reinforce the topic being discussed.
Repeating Texture
Repeating texture
A tiled repeating texture can simulate patterned paper or create other interesting effects.
Tips For Best Results
Follow these tips when placing images behind text for best results:
- Choose high resolution images so they don’t become pixelated when enlarged
- Adjust opacity so text remains readable
- Resize images to fill the page and sit neatly behind the text
- Make sure image backgrounds are appropriate and do not distract
- Use Behind text wrapping, not page background whenever possible
Why It’s Useful
Placing images behind text in Google Docs is useful because:
- Makes documents more visually engaging
- Allows using photos to reinforce topics
- Can simulate letterhead or other stationery
- Adds style without interfering with readability
So if you want to spice up your next Google Doc, try leveraging images behind text!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about placing images behind text in Google Docs:
Does this work in the mobile apps?
Yes, images placed behind text using the steps above will display correctly in the Google Docs mobile apps. The effect carries over seamlessly.
What file types of images are supported?
Google Docs supports JPG, PNG, SVG, BMP and some other common image file types. However, JPEG and PNG tend to work most reliably.
What happens if I convert the document to Microsoft Word?
When you convert a Google Doc to Word, the images behind text do carry over. However, any opacity adjustments to those images will be lost in the conversion.
Is there a file size limit for images?
Google Docs supports images up to 50MB in size. However, very large images can slow down performance, so try to optimize images to an appropriate smaller size when possible.
Can I edit images after inserting them?
Yes, you can resize, reorder, adjust opacity, or delete images even after inserting them, so feel free to tweak them if needed.
Conclusion
Adding images behind text can be a great way to increase visual appeal of Google Docs without hindering readability. Now that you know how to easily place any image behind text, feel free to get creative with visually enhanced documents!
Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions about manipulating images in Google Docs. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who may want to use this technique.
