4 Easy Ways to Add Captions to Images in Google Docs

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Easily add subtitles to your pictures in Google Docs

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: June 30, 2024

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Using a Text Box

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Using a Table

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Using Inline Text

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Using the Mobile App

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Video

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

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1
Open a new document in Google Docs . Do this by clicking the + icon on the Google Docs homepage. ^{[1]
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- You can use Google Chrome , Safari, Mozilla Firefox , or another browser.
- If you aren't already logged in, click Sign in to do so now or create an account .
This will be between View and Format .

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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 .
This is the square with two mountains inside. A new window will open.
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
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
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
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
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
Click Save and Close . This is the blue button in the top-right of the window.
- The image and caption will be linked together.
- You can move the image or rotate the image freely.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using a Table

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Open a new document in Google Docs . Do this by clicking the + icon on the Google Docs homepage.
You can always add text before or after the table.
This will be between View and Format .
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
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
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
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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Inline Text

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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
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.
Options will appear below the image, on the left side.
This should be the first icon, on the left.
This will allow you to type underneath the image.
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.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using the Mobile App

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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
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 .
This is the icon to the left of the Photos icon.
This will allow you to type underneath the image.
You may need to tap the right of the image then Return to insert a new line.
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.