You have a picture in Google Docs, but it needs an explanation underneath. A text paragraph gives you a quick caption, a table gives it a defined space, and a drawing combines the picture and caption in one object. Start with the paragraph method, then choose a table or drawing if you need more control.
Add a caption directly below your image
For a quick caption on a computer, select the image and choose In line. This places the picture inline with your document text. These image-layout controls require Pages format.
Place the insertion point immediately after the image.
Press Enter to start a paragraph beneath the picture.
Type your caption in that paragraph. It supports ordinary text formatting, but the picture and caption remain separate objects.
Keep the caption on the same page
If your inline image and caption end up on different pages, use paragraph spacing controls in Pages format. They reduce separation at page breaks without grouping the picture and text.
Select the paragraph containing the inline image.
Choose Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Keep with next to keep it with the caption paragraph that follows.
For a caption that spans multiple lines, select the caption paragraph.
Choose Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Keep lines together to prevent the caption itself from splitting across pages.
Give the caption its own space with a table
A table arranges the image above its caption on a computer in either Pages or Pageless format.
- 1.Choose Insert > Table and select one column with two rows.
- 2.Insert or paste your image into the upper cell.
- 3.Type the caption in the lower cell.
- 4.To visually hide the borders, select the cells and use Border color to match the document background.
Combine the picture and caption in a drawing
On a computer, open Insert > Drawing > New.
Use Image to add your picture to the drawing.
Use the Text Box tool to place a text box beneath the picture or over it.
Type your caption inside the text box.
Click Save and close to insert the drawing containing both the picture and caption into your document.
To revise the caption later, select the inserted drawing and click Edit.
Caption an image on Android or iPhone
In the Google Docs app on Android, iPhone, or iPad, open your document in editing mode. The caption uses ordinary document text and remains separate from the picture.
For a new picture, use Insert > Image to select a photo from your chosen source.
Place the text cursor immediately after the picture.
Type your caption in a new paragraph beneath the image, starting with a paragraph break.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep a table containing an image and caption on one page?
In Pages format on a computer, put both the image and caption inside the same table cell. Select that row, then open Format > Table > Table options > Row. Clear Allow row to overflow across pages. The combined content must fit on a page. This setting does not keep two separate rows together.
Is alt text the same as an image caption?
No. Alt text provides an accessibility description; it does not display a caption beneath the picture. On a computer, select the image and open Image options > Alt text. Enter the description there.
Can I reuse a captioned drawing in another document?
Yes. In a Google Drawings file, add the picture with Image. Use Insert > Text Box to add its caption. In Docs on a computer, open Insert > Drawing > From Drive. Choose the drawing and click Select. After editing the original drawing, select it in Docs and click Update.