How to Add Captions to Images in Google Docs
Google Docs is a powerful document editing tool, but unlike Microsoft Word, it does not have a built-in feature to add captions to images. However, there are several easy workarounds to achieve this. In this guide, we’ll explore three effective methods to add captions to images in Google Docs.
1. Using a Table (Best Method for Formatting)
Using a table is one of the most effective ways to add captions because it keeps the image and text neatly aligned.
Steps to Add Captions Using a Table:
1️⃣ Open your Google Docs document.
2️⃣ Click on Insert > Table > Select a 1×2 table (one column, two rows).
3️⃣ Click inside the top cell and insert an image (Insert > Image).
4️⃣ Click inside the bottom cell and type your caption.
5️⃣ To remove the table border:
Right-click the table and select Table properties.
Under Table border, set the width to 0 pt.
✅ Pros: Well-organized format, easy to move images and captions together.
❌ Cons: Slightly more effort than direct text entry.
2. Using the Drawing Tool (For Customization)
Google Docs’ Drawing tool allows you to insert images and text boxes together.
Steps to Add Captions Using the Drawing Tool:
1️⃣ Go to Insert > Drawing > New.
2️⃣ Click on the Image icon and upload your image.
3️⃣ Click on the Text box (T) icon and type your caption below the image.
4️⃣ Adjust the text size, position, and alignment as needed.
5️⃣ Click Save and Close to insert the image and caption into your document.
✅ Pros: More control over placement, allows styling (borders, colors, etc.).
❌ Cons: Harder to edit captions after inserting into the document.
3. Typing Directly Below the Image (Quickest Method)
If you don’t need advanced formatting, you can simply type below the image.
Steps:
1️⃣ Insert an image into the document (Insert > Image).
2️⃣ Press Enter to create a new line below the image.
3️⃣ Type the caption and format it using Italic (Ctrl + I) or a smaller font size.
✅ Pros: Fast and easy.
❌ Cons: The caption may not stay linked to the image when repositioning.
Which Method Should You Use?
If you need a professional and structured look, the table method is the best option. If you want to customize captions, use the drawing tool. For quick and simple captions, just type directly below the image.
Which method do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!