How to Insert Images in Google Sheets from Google Drive (2 Methods)

Images stored in Google Drive are not directly available inside Google Sheets. You cannot simply drag and drop them into a cell as visible images.

If you build reports, product catalogs, or dashboards, you need a reliable way to use Drive images in your spreadsheet. Without the right method, images may float above cells and shift during sorting or filtering.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to insert images in Google Sheets from Google Drive using two methods, along with guidance on when to use each one.

• Built-in Insert Menu - the native Google Sheets tool for adding one image at a time
• Drive Explorer Pro add-on - a Google Workspace add-on for inserting many images at once, along with file details such as name, size, and link (known as file metadata)

Table of Contents

Inserting Images using the Built-in Insert Menu

If you only need to insert one image, you can use the built-in Insert menu in Google Sheets. This is the fastest way to place one image in your sheet without installing anything.

When to use: Use this method for a single image without file attributes (name, size, link). For multiple images or file attributes, use the Drive Explorer Pro approach.

1. Select the cell where you want to insert the image.

2. Click Insert in the top menu bar.

3. Select Image.
   

4. Choose one of the following options:

   • Insert image in cell - Locks the image inside the cell. It moves with the row when sorting or filtering.
   • Insert image over cells - Places the image above the grid. You can move it freely, but it does not stay attached to any row.

   Note: In-cell images are recommended for structured datasets because they maintain alignment during sorting, filtering, and data updates.

5. Select the Google Drive tab from the row of tabs at the top of the dialog.

6. Browse and select the file from your Drive.

7. Click Insert.

Result: After inserting the image, here is how it behaves based on your selection:

• If you selected In cell, the image moves with the row during sorting and filtering.
• If you selected Over cells, the image floats above the grid. You can resize and drag it, but it will not follow the row.
  

Tip: Increase the column width and row height to make the image larger and easier to see.

• Right-click the column header → click Resize column
• Drag the row border downward to increase height

For more details, refer to the official Google Sheets documentation.

Limitations

• You can insert only one image at a time. To add multiple images, repeat these steps for each file.
• You cannot display file details (such as file name, size, or link) alongside the image.

The built-in menu works well for one or two images. When you need to insert many images at once with their file details, the Drive Explorer Pro add-on provides a faster and more scalable workflow.

Inserting Images using the Drive Explorer Pro Extension

When you need to insert multiple images or display file details, use the Drive Explorer Pro add-on.

It lets you browse, select, and insert multiple images from Google Drive in a single action.

The add-on opens a sidebar, a panel on the right side of your spreadsheet, where you configure your output and pick files.

When to use: Use this when you work with large data, shared drives, or want to show file details (name, size, link) with image previews. This is especially useful for product catalogs, inventory sheets, and reporting dashboards where images must stay aligned with data.

Permissions and Data Security

Make sure you have access to the Google Drive files you want to use. When you open Drive Explorer Pro for the first time, you will need to grant permission to your Google account.

Your data remains within your Google Workspace. The add-on does not transfer files to external servers, ensuring privacy and security.

Launching the Add-on

Download Drive Explorer Pro from the Google Workspace Marketplace and refer to the installation guide. When prompted, grant permissions to your Google account.

1. Go to Extensions → Drive Explorer Pro The Drive Explorer Pro sidebar appears on the right side of the screen.

You only need to do this once. The add-on reads file details (name, size, etc.) to create preview links. No files leave your Google Workspace.

Configuring Output and Image Settings

Before inserting images, configure how your data and previews will appear in the sheet.

1. Go to List Files tab.

2. Select where to insert the data. Choose:

• Current Cell - To start from the selected cell
• Append Below Existing Data - To add rows without replacing anything.

3. Choose what file attributes to show with each image, such as Image Preview, File Name, and File Size. Drag the options to change the column order. To understand each option, see Select File Attributes

4. Click Save selected settings as Default to reuse the same setup for future tasks without configuring it again.

5. Go to the Settings tab and set the image preview size using Cell Width and Cell Height (in pixels).

6. Configure the File Access Settings. These settings control who can view the image previews. Choose from the following options:

• Only me - only you can view the images (default)
• My organization - people in your organization can view the images
• Anyone with the link - anyone with the link can view the images

Listing and Inserting Images

1. Go to the List Files tab and click Select existing files from Drive and List in Sheets.

2. Browse to the folder and select one or more images. The selected files will be highlighted.

3. Click Select in the file picker and wait for the images to appear in the sheet.

Result

Your images appear in structured data, with each row showing a file and columns displaying the image, file name, and size. For more details, see Drive Explorer Pro official Documentation

Advantages

• You can insert multiple images at once, saving time.
• File details like name and size are added automatically.
• You can sort and filter data easily for better organization.
• Settings can be saved and reused for future tasks.
• Works well with large datasets and shared drives.
• Enables easy sharing and collaboration across teams.

Choosing the Right Method

The two methods serve different needs. Use the tables below to decide which approach fits your situation.

Based on these features, here's when each method works best:

If you work with large datasets or image-heavy reports, the Drive Explorer Pro add-on saves time and reduces repetitive work.

Conclusion

You now have two ways to insert images from Google Drive into Google Sheets. Use the Insert menu for a single image, or use Drive Explorer Pro when you need to insert multiple images with file details.

By choosing the right approach, you can keep your images aligned with your data and avoid common issues like misalignment during sorting or filtering. For scalable workflows, using an add-on like Drive Explorer Pro can significantly reduce manual effort and improve data organization.