How to Put Image Behind Text in Google Docs (2023)

Google Docs is one of the most widely used and simple collaborative writing software.

Due to the variety of options and the user-friendly interface (such as the option to chat in Google Docs), Google Docs is the go-to app for many when it comes to keeping and editing documents.

Google Docs is much faster and easier to use than other similar software like Microsoft Office Word and has a cleaner design that makes it easier for users to use.

Up until recently, Google Docs users didn’t have the possibility to put an image as a background in their documents. The only available options were ‘Inline text’, ‘Wrap Text’, and ‘Break Text’.

Users were forced to use workarounds and switch between software.

But, luckily Google acknowledged users’ feedback and implemented this feature.

To learn how to place an image behind the text in Google Docs keep on reading. We also talk about all the workaround users have used previously just in case Google decides to ditch this feature in the future.

How to put an image behind the text in Google Docs

1. On your computer, open Google Docs.
2. Open a document.
3. Click on ‘Insert’, and then select the image you want to upload.

4. Click on the image to see all image options, and from the right-hand menu select the ‘Behind the text’ option.

5. Scroll down to ‘Adjustments’ and adjust the image transparency.

Bonus read:How to Circle Something on Google Docs

3 Bonus ways for adding a background image in Google Docs

As software is constantly evolving, some bonus tips and tricks up your sleeve won't hurt you even though Google has finally integrated this feature.

Here are a few alternative ways to position an image behind text in Google Docs.

• Inserting the image in the document by using the Drawing window
• Add a background image to MS Word and export it to Google Docs
• Making the image in Google Slides and adding it to Google Docs

Method 1: Inserting the image in the document by using the Drawing window

1. Click on the ‘Insert’ menu, select ‘Drawing’ ‘+New’.
2. Click the ‘Image’ option and choose the image you want to use as a background.
3. Adjust the transparency by clicking on the pencil icon.
4. Click on the ‘Add text box’ button and add text in front of your image.

Method 2: Add a background image to MS Word and export it to Google Docs

1. Write everything you need in your Google Doc. However, it needs to be plain text without images or other elements.
2. Go to ‘File’, ‘Download’, select ‘Microsoft Word (.docx).’
3. Click on the ‘Insert’ menu and select ‘Pictures’.

Depending on which version of Microsoft Word you are using you might get different options for inserting an image. For Word 2019 you will see the ‘This device’ option or ‘Online pictures’.

1. Select the image you want to insert.
2. Click on the image and select ‘Wrap text’ and select ‘In front of the text’.
3. Go to ‘File’, ‘Save as’ and save the document in (.docx) format.
4. Come back to Google Docs and click on ‘File’, ‘Open’, ‘Upload’.
5. Click on the image and from the three dots select ‘Adjustments’ and adjust the ‘Transparency’ on 50% by dragging the button.

Method 3: Making the image in Google Slides and adding it to Google Docs

1. Go to Google slides and create a blank document.
2. From the ‘File’ menu choose ‘Page Setup’.
3. Select the ‘Custom’ option and set the page to 11 x 8.5 inches and click ‘Apply’.
4. Click the ‘Slide’ menu and select ‘Change background’.
5. Choose an image
6. Take a screenshot and from the ‘Insert’ menu in Google Docs,