The Best Methods to Overlap Images in Google Docs

Everyone knows that Google Docs is Google’s counterpart of the famous Microsoft Word.

At first glance, there’s not much difference with the functionality in both word processing tools. 

But, when you try viewing two pages side by side in Google Docs or overlapping images, you’ll find that Google Docs’ somehow lacking in these areas.

Yet, you still can overlap images in Google Docs as easily as 1-2-3.

 

How to Overlap Images in Google Docs

One way to overlap images in Google Docs is by inserting one picture after another and editing them in the Drawing tool. Another way is to set the text wrapping of the second photo to Wrap text and its margin to 0. Then, drag the second image atop the first one, resize, and position it accordingly.

 

Overlapping Images in Google Docs — The Basics

Though overlapping images in Google Docs isn’t as seamless as that in Microsoft Word, there is a way to achieve it.

There are 2 ways how you can place two (or even more) images on top of each other in Google Docs.

Granting that you’ve already opened a new or existing document, let’s proceed with learning these 2 methods.

 

Method 1: Overlapping Images in Google Docs By Adjusting Text Wrap

Step 1: Head to the menu bar and click on the Insert tab. You’ll then see a dropdown menu appear below it.

Step 2: From the various choices presented in the dropdown menu, select the Image option. 

Then, in the succeeding dropdown menu, select where you’ll source the photos from. For example purposes, I’ll select the Upload from computer option.

Repeat the step to add the succeeding images in Google Docs. But, for this example, we’ll work with 2 pictures.

Step 3: After inserting all the pictures into the document, it’s time to do some editing.

First, click the first photo you added in Google Docs. You’ll know you’ve selected the image as a blue outline surrounds it.

If you need to resize the picture, click and drag the blue squares surrounding it. If you need to rotate the image, just click and drag the Rotate icon (blue circle above the middle square).

Repeat this step for the second image you inserted in the tool.

Step 4: After the initial editing of the photos, it’s time to adjust its text wrapping. 

The easiest way to tweak the image’s text wrapping is to select it. You’ll then see the Text wrap menu appear below it.

From the 5 text wrapping options, select the Wrap text option so you can freely move the photo anywhere.

The other way is to select the All image options icon after clicking the three-vertical-dot icon in the Wrap Text menu.

Then, head to the Text Wrapping section in the Image options panel and choose the Wrap text option.

Whichever of the two processes you use, repeat this step for the second image you inserted.

Interestingly, you can also use the text wrapping feature to put an image behind text in Google Docs. 

So, you better remember how to access this function in the future.

Step 5: After tweaking both photos’ text wrapping settings, adjust their margins.

To do this, head to the Margins section in the same Text Wrap menu that appears below the photo selected and click it.

You’ll then see a dropdown menu appear with the margin settings available. Select the 0 option.

Repeat this step for the second photo as well.

Step 6: Now, place the second image atop the first one. You only need to click and drag the second photo towards the first one and position it accordingly. 

Such an easy process, right? Well, as mentioned earlier, there’s another way to overlap your images in Google Docs.

 

Method 2: Overlapping Images in Google Docs Through the Drawing Tool

Step 1: Granting you’ve already opened a new or existing file in Google Docs, head to the menu bar and select the Insert tab.

Step 2: In the dropdown menu that appears, choose the Drawing option. Then, select the New button.

Step 3: You’ll then see the Drawing module appear as a pop-out window. 

Now, insert your background image in the tool by clicking the Image icon. Choose where you’ll source the photo from the various options available.

Step 4: Once the background photo’s inserted and resized in the Drawing tool, repeat Step 3 to add the second photo.

Select and drag the second image to where you want it to be placed. 

Then, if you want to adjust the second photo’s size, just click and drag on one of the blue squares found in the corners. 

Step 5: Once you’re good with how both images look, select the Save and Close button to add the modified image to the document.

Another easy method, isn’t it? Well, as both methods presented are just a few clicks away in Google Docs, I’ll leave the choice to you.

After all, regardless of what method you select to overlap images in Google Docs, you’ll end up with the same result.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Overlap Images in Google Docs

 

What should I do if the text moves with the photo when I attempt to place it on top of the background image?

When the text moves with the image after its text wrapping, head to the Positioning option in the Text Wrap menu. Then, choose the Fix position on page option to make the text stay in place while moving the pictures.

 

Can I simply replace one of the photos I added anytime during the overlapping process?

You definitely can replace a photo you inserted even if you’re in the middle (or even when you’re done) of the overlapping process. Right-click on the photo you’ll swap out before selecting the Replace image button.

 

Is it possible to add a watermark to images in Google Docs?

It is possible to add a watermark to a photo in Google Docs. Just click the watermark, then choose the three-vertical-dot icon in the Text Wrap menu and select the All image options. Click Adjustments in the Image options window and adjust the Transparency slider.