Simple Guide: How to Add a Caption to an Image in Google Docs

Learn easy ways to add captions to images in Google Docs. Step-by-step guide with simple methods for beginners and students.

by Loudia MahartikaPublish Date 03 August 2025, 09:00 AM
How to add a caption to an image in Google Docs

 

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Adding captions to pictures in Google Docs helps make your documents look better and more professional. Many people find it hard to add text under their images, but there are several easy ways to do this. This guide will show you simple methods that anyone can follow, even if you are new to using Google Docs.


Getting Started with Image Captions

Google Docs, Google Slide, Google Sheet
  1. Open your Google Docs document in a web browser
  2. Make sure you have an internet connection to use all features
  3. Sign in to your Google account if you haven't already
  4. Create a new document or open an existing one
  5. Place your cursor where you want to add an image
  6. Remember that captions help readers understand your pictures better
  7. Good captions make your document look more professional
  8. You can add captions to any type of image in Google Docs
  9. There are four main ways to add captions to images
  10. Choose the method that works best for your needs
  11. Practice with different methods to find your favorite
  12. Save your document regularly while working
  13. Make sure your images are clear and easy to see
  14. Keep your captions short and simple
  15. Use clear language that everyone can understand

Using Inline Text Method

 

Click on your image to select itLook for the toolbar that appears below the imageFind the inline text option on the left sideClick on the inline text button to change the image settingPlace your cursor directly below the imageStart typing your caption textUse the top toolbar to change text size if neededChange the text color using the formatting optionsMake text bold or italic if you wantCenter your caption text for better appearanceThis method is the fastest way to add captionsYour caption will move with the imageYou can edit the caption anytime by clicking on itThis works well for simple documentsThe caption stays close to your image


Creating Captions with Tables

 

Go to the Insert menu at the top of your screenClick on Table from the dropdown menuChoose a table with one column and two rowsYou will see a 1x2 table appear in your documentPut your image in the top cell of the tableDrag your image into the first cell if it's already in your documentClick in the bottom cell to add your captionType your caption text in the second cellFormat your caption text using the toolbarRight-click on the table to open table propertiesSet the border width to 0 pt to hide table linesClick OK to apply the changesYour image and caption now look like one unitYou can move the whole table around your documentThis method keeps captions attached to images


Using Google Drawing Tool

Google docs ©created by AI
  1. Place your cursor where you want the image and caption
  2. Go to Insert menu and select Drawing
  3. Click on New to open the drawing tool
  4. Click the image button in the drawing toolbar
  5. Upload your image from your computer or search online
  6. Wait for your image to appear in the drawing area
  7. Click on the Text Box tool in the toolbar
  8. Draw a text box below your image
  9. Type your caption inside the text box
  10. Move the text box to align it with your image
  11. Use the red lines to help center your caption
  12. Change font size and style if needed
  13. Click Save and Close when you're finished
  14. Your image and caption will be linked together
  15. You can move or rotate them as one object

Adding Images to Your Document

 

Click where you want to place your imageGo to the Insert menu at the topSelect Image from the dropdown optionsChoose Upload from computer for local filesSelect Search the web to find images onlinePick from your Google Drive if images are stored thereUse Google Photos to access your photo libraryTake a photo with your camera if using mobileWait for the image to upload completelyClick on the image to select itResize your image by dragging the corner handlesMake sure your image is not too big or too smallPosition your image where it looks bestCheck that your image is clear and easy to seeChoose high-quality images for better results


Formatting Your Captions

 

Select your caption text by clicking and draggingUse the font dropdown to change text styleClick the size buttons to make text bigger or smallerUse bold formatting to make captions stand outTry italic text for a different lookChange text color using the color pickerCenter your caption for better alignmentLeft-align captions for formal documentsRight-align captions when neededAdd spacing above or below your captionKeep font sizes consistent throughout your documentUse the same font family for all captionsMake sure caption text is easy to readAvoid using too many different colorsTest different formatting options to see what looks best


Using Add-ons for Captions

Using Add-ons for Captions ©created by Stable Diffusion
  1. Go to Extensions in the top menu
  2. Click on Add-ons from the dropdown
  3. Select Get add-ons to open the store
  4. Search for Caption Maker in the search box
  5. Click on the Caption Maker add-on
  6. Click Install to add it to your Google Docs
  7. Give permission for the add-on to work
  8. Go back to Extensions and find Caption Maker
  9. Click on Caption Maker to start using it
  10. Choose your caption settings in the sidebar
  11. Click Show Options to see more choices
  12. Select whether to caption tables too
  13. Click Captionize to add captions automatically
  14. All images will get numbered captions like Image 1, Image 2
  15. This method works well when you have many images

Mobile Device Caption Tips

Smartphone | unsplash.com/@paul_
  1. Open Google Docs app on your phone or tablet
  2. Tap the plus sign to create a new document
  3. Tap where you want to add an image
  4. Tap the plus icon at the top of the screen
  5. Select Image from the menu options
  6. Choose From photos or From camera
  7. Select your image and tap Add
  8. Tap on the image to select it
  9. Tap the Text wrap icon near the image
  10. Select Inline from the options
  11. Tap below the image to place your cursor
  12. Type your caption text
  13. Use the A icon to format your text
  14. Tap Center Align if you want centered captions
  15. Save your document when finished

Best Practices for Image Captions

 

Keep captions short and to the pointDescribe what people can see in the imageUse simple words that everyone understandsWrite captions that add useful informationAvoid repeating what's already in your main textUse complete sentences when possibleCheck spelling and grammar in your captionsMake sure captions match your document styleUse consistent formatting for all captionsPlace captions close to their imagesNumber your captions if you have many imagesUse active voice instead of passive voiceInclude important details that help understandingAvoid using too much technical languageTest your captions with other people to make sure they're clear


Troubleshooting Common Problems

 

If your image won't upload, check your internet connectionTry using a smaller image file if upload failsMake sure your image format is supportedRefresh your browser if tools aren't workingClear your browser cache if you have problemsTry using a different browser if issues continueCheck that you have enough storage space in Google DriveMake sure you're signed in to your Google accountTry closing and reopening your documentUse the Undo button if you make mistakesSave your work frequently to avoid losing changesAsk for help from Google Docs support if neededTry the mobile app if the web version isn't workingCheck Google Docs status page for known issuesPractice with simple documents first before working on important ones