Microsoft Word, Google Slides etc. Apps like let you overlay images or text on top of another image without any mess. But when users try to do the same in Google Docs, they are frustrated. The ability to put an image or text in front of another image is missing in Google Docs. This does not mean that it is not possible to overlay text over images. You can do it by the methods mentioned in this post.
Layering in Docs can add words to an image, add a logo or watermark to an image, or combine two images. There are two ways to layer images in Google Docs. First, with the help of Google Drawings, and secondly, using the wrap text feature.
Let’s check out both methods of overlaying an image or text on top of another image in Google Docs.
Method 1: Coordinate Images in Google Docs with Google Drawings
In this method, you must first add your image as a drawing. You can then add images and text on top of the same image. Here are the detailed steps.
Stage 1: Open your Google Docs document.
Step 2: Click Insert at the top and choose Drawing > New.
Stage 3: You will be taken to the built-in Google Drawing module. Click the Image icon to add your background image.
Step 4: Once the image is added to the Drawing panel, you can now add text or another image on top of it. Click the text icon to add text. Then start writing on the picture. From the options at the top you can change the font color, style, etc. customize it. Click Save & Close at the top to add this image to your document.
Similarly, click on the Image icon you used in step 3 to add another image. Open the picture you want to add to the top.
It will appear over your background image. Drag it to the desired location using the mouse or resize it from the corners. Click Save & Close to insert the modified image with your logo or layered image into the document.
Here is the final result.
If you want to edit any element of this image later, simply double-click the image in Google Docs. You will be taken to the Drawing panel, where you can edit existing items or add more.
Method 2: Layer Images Using Wrap Text in Google Docs
The second method makes layering possible in Google Docs by keeping the margin to 0 in the Wrap text property. Here are the steps to achieve the same.
Stage 1: Open your Google Docs document.
Step 2: Click Add at the top and go to Image. Add your picture. It can be any image – background or foreground.
Stage 3: Repeat step 2 and add the second photo to your document. Here’s what the two images will look like in Google Docs.
Step 4: Click the first picture to select it. A toolbar will appear. Click the ellipsis icon and select All display options.
Step 5: The Image options panel will open on the right. Go to Text Wrapping. Select Wrap text.
Step 6: You will notice new options appear in the toolbar below your photo. Click the margin dropdown box and select 0.
Pro Tip: You can skip step 5 by clicking the second icon in the toolbar that appears when you click the picture. This will enable Wrap text. Then change the margin value.
Step 7: Repeat steps 5-7 for the second image.
If the text seems to move with the image when you follow these steps, select ‘Fix position on page’ from the image toolbar where you change the margins for both images.
Step 8: Now drag the second image onto the first image. Request! You have successfully superimposed pictures in Google Docs without using any photo editor.
Bonus Tips for Overlaying Images in Google Docs
The following tips will come in handy when using the second layer images method.
1. Change Pictures
If at any point you think you’ve added the wrong images, you don’t need to repeat all the steps. Simply right click on the picture you want to change and hit Change Picture.
2. Change the Transparency of the Watermark
If you are adding a logo or watermark to an image using Method 2, you can control its transparency. To do this, click on the image and press the three-dot icon from the toolbar. Select All display options.
Go to Adjustments from the right panel. Adjust the slider under Transparency.
Google Docs Is Enough
We’ve managed to add images and text on top of another image in Google Docs with simple methods. This takes the clutter out of having a full-fledged photo editor for overlaying images. Of course, their importance cannot be denied. You’ll have to rely on them if you want to batch edit images.
Next: Discover the hidden secrets of Google Docs with the tips and tricks mentioned in our next post.
