How to Put an Image Behind Text in Google Docs (2 Ways)

Placing an image behind text in Google Docs can help you create a watermark, add a background effect, or design a document with text over a picture. You can do this using Google Docs’ built-in image layout options without installing third-party software.

There are two useful ways to put text over an image in Google Docs. You can use the Behind text layout option to position an image behind regular document text, or use the Drawing tool to combine an image and text into a single graphic.

How to Put an Image Behind Text in Google Docs

The quickest method is to insert an image and change its text-wrapping setting to Behind text. This allows you to position the image behind the text in your document.

Step 1: Insert Your Image

1. Click Insert in the top menu.
2. Select Image.
3. Choose Upload from computer to add an image saved on your device. You can also choose another available source, such as Google Drive, if appropriate.

Step 2: Change Text Wrapping to “Behind Text”

After inserting the image, click it to display the image toolbar. Look for the text-wrapping or layout options and select Behind text.

The image can now sit behind your document text. Click in the document and type or edit the text you want to appear over the picture. Depending on the image’s size and position, you may need to reposition it to achieve the desired effect.

How to Move an Image Behind Text in Google Docs

After placing an image behind text, you may want to change its position or adjust how it appears on the page.

1. Try clicking a visible edge of the image to select it.
2. Open the image toolbar and select All image options, if available.
3. In the right sidebar, open Position to view the available positioning controls.
4. Adjust the image’s placement using the options available in your document.

If you have difficulty selecting or repositioning the image, try clicking a visible part of its edge. You can also use the Drawing tool method below when you need more control over the placement of text on a picture.

How to Put Text Over an Image Using the Google Docs Drawing Tool

If you are creating a quote card, flyer element, or a banner where the text must stay permanently locked to a specific spot on the image, use the Drawing Tool. This combines both elements into a single graphic.

Step 1: Open the Drawing Tool

Open your Google Docs document and click Insert → Drawing → New. A drawing window will open where you can add an image and place text over it.

Step 2: Layer the Image and Text

1. Click the Image icon in the drawing toolbar and upload your background picture.
2. Click the Text box icon (the T inside a box) in the same toolbar.
3. Click and drag across your image to draw the text box.
4. Type your copy. Use the toolbar to adjust font size, color, and alignment.
5. Click Save and close in the top-right corner to insert the combined graphic into your document.

You can edit the drawing later by selecting it in your document and opening its editing option. This method is best for small graphics rather than documents containing several pages of regular text.

If you want to add a traditional watermark to your document, you can also follow our guide on how to add a watermark in Google Docs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related: adding a watermark, inserting a text box.