How to Insert a Google Sheets Background Image (2024 Update)

In this tutorial, we will show you exactly how to insert a background image into Google Sheets. Simply follow the steps below.

How to Insert a Google Sheet Background Image

Google Sheets doesn’t let you put an image behind all the cells like Excel does. However, you can put a see-through image over your data to make it look like a background. Use Google Drawings to create the image. Here's how to do it:

1. Type “Google Drawings” on Your Browser and Click on “Google Drawings”

Type “google drawings” on your browser. Click on “Google Drawings.” This will open Google Drawings.

2.  Click on “Insert” at the Top, Go to “Image” and Click on Where to Get Your Image From

Click on “Insert” at the top and go to “Image.” Then, choose where to get your image from. In this example, we click on “Drive.”

3. The “Google Drive” Menu Will Appear on the Right — Click on “My Drive” and Double-Click the Image You Want to Insert

You will see "Google Drive" on the right side. Click on “My Drive” and double-click the image you want to use. Here, we use “Expenses Background Photo.”

After double-clicking, the image will be inserted. Google Drawings automatically selects your image.

4. Find “Format Options” at the Top and Click on It

At the top, click on “Format Options.” 

The Format Options menu will appear on the right side.

5. Look for "Adjustments," Find "Opacity," Move the Slider Left to Make the Image More See-Through, and Stop When It Looks Right

Look for “Adjustments”. Find the slider that says Opacity. 

Move the slider to the left to make the image more see-through. Watch your image change as you move the slider. Stop when it looks right. Remember, the image shouldn’t block data on your Google Sheet.

6. Change “Untitled Drawing” at the Top to a Name You Want, Click on “File,” Select “Download,” and Click on “PNG Image”

Change “untitled drawing” at the top to a name you want. Here, we use “expenses sheet background image.” 

Click on “File,” select “Download,” and click on “PNG image (.png).” This will save your image on your computer’s Downloads folder.

7. Open Google Sheets and Click on the Sheet Where You Want to Add the Background Image

Open Google Sheets. Click on the sheet where you want to add the background image. In this example, we open the “Expenses - August” sheet.

8. Click on “Insert” at the Top, Select “Image,” and Click on “Insert Image Over Cells”

Click on “Insert” at the top. Choose “Image” and click on “Insert image over cells.” 

9. In the “Insert Image” Box, Select “Upload,” Click “Browse,” Find and Double-Click the See-Through PNG Image 

The “Insert Image” box will pop up. In our example, we choose “Upload” and click “Browse.” 

Another box will appear. Find the see-through PNG image in your downloads and double-click on it. This will add the image to your Google Sheet. In our example, we double-click on “expenses sheet background image.”

10. Move and resize the image to cover the area you want 

Move and resize the image to cover the area in which you want to have the background. To move the image, click and drag it. To resize, drag one of the small blue boxes.

Your image is now over the cells in your sheet. You can adjust it anytime by clicking and dragging.

We hope you now have a better understanding of how to insert a Google Sheets background image. If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy our articles on how to remove pie chart percentages in a Google Sheet and how to import a CSV file from clipboard into a Google Sheet.