If you want to make your Google Docs more interactive, adding a link to an image is one of the easiest and most effective tricks. Whether you’re creating a report, a school assignment, a business proposal, or a blog draft, linking a picture can help guide readers to a website, source, form, product page, or any extra information.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to add a link to a picture in Google Docs using both computer and mobile, along with helpful tips to make your document more professional.
Why Add a Link to a Picture in Google Docs?
Adding a hyperlink to an image allows you to:
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Make documents more interactive
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Connect images to external websites or resources
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Link charts, diagrams, or screenshots to their original source
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Create clickable banners or buttons
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Improve navigation inside your document
This feature is especially useful in marketing documents, resumes, project files, or presentations prepared in Google Docs.
How to Add a Link to a Picture in Google Docs (Desktop)
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open Your Google Doc
Go to docs.google.com and open the document where you want to add the linked image.
Step 2: Insert Your Image
If your image is already in the document, skip this step.
To insert:
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Click Insert in the top menu
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Select Image
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Choose where your image is coming from (Upload, Drive, Photos, URL, etc.)
Step 3: Select the Image
Click the image once. A blue border will appear around it.
Step 4: Add the Link
There are two ways to add the link:
Method 1: Using Toolbar
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Click the Insert link icon (looks like a chain ) in the toolbar
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Paste or type your URL
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Click Apply
Method 2: Using Right-Click
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Right-click the image
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Select Link
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Enter your URL
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Click Apply
Step 5: Test the Link
Hover your mouse over the image — the link preview will appear.
Click it to make sure it works correctly.
How to Add a Link to a Picture in Google Docs (Mobile App)
If you’re using the Google Docs app on Android or iPhone:
Step 1: Open the Document in Google Docs App
Tap the document you want to edit.
Step 2: Tap the Image
Select the picture so it becomes highlighted.
Step 3: Tap the Three Dots Menu
You’ll see options appear at the bottom.
Step 4: Select “Add Link”
Tap Insert Link or Add link.
Step 5: Paste Your URL
Add the website link and tap ✓ Apply.
That’s it! Your image is now clickable on mobile too.
How to Remove or Edit a Link on an Image
If you want to change or delete the link:
On Computer
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Click the image
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Click the Edit link icon
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Choose:
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Edit → change URL
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Remove → delete link
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On Mobile
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Tap the image
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Tap the link shown below
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Tap Edit or Remove
Pro Tips for Better SEO and Document Design
Here are a few ways to make linked images more effective:
✔ Use High-Quality Images
Clear visuals increase user engagement.
✔ Link to Relevant Sources
Attach URLs that add value, like references, forms, or product pages.
✔ Add Alt Text
Helps accessibility and improves SEO when documents are published online.
To add alt text:
Right-click image → Alt Text → Type a title and description
✔ Avoid Long, Messy URLs
Use a short link to keep things clean.
✔ Keep the Image Clickable Area Clear
Avoid placing overlapping text on top of the image.
Common Issues & How to Fix Them
1. Link Not Showing on Hover
✔ Make sure you clicked the image, not the text around it.
✔ Remove and re-add the link if needed.
2. Image Doesn’t Open the Website
✔ Make sure the URL is correct and starts with https://
✔ Try reapplying the link.
3. Link Doesn’t Work in Shared Document
✔ Ensure your shared link has correct permissions (Public, Anyone with link, etc.).
Final Thoughts
Adding a hyperlink to a picture in Google Docs is a simple but powerful feature that enhances your document’s clarity, professionalism, and usability. With just a few clicks, you can turn any image into a clickable tool that directs readers exactly where you want them to go.