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How Do You Copy An Image In Excel?

Published Aug 29, 2025 4 min read
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In Excel, the best method for copying an image depends on whether you're working with an existing image, a chart, or a range of cells.

For copying an entire object, like a chart or a pre-existing image, the standard Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V shortcuts are the fastest method. To create a snapshot of a range of cells, you must use the Copy as Picture feature.

Method 1: Copying an existing image or chart

This is the most straightforward method for duplicating an image or chart that is already on your spreadsheet.

1. Select the image or chart

  • Click directly on the image or chart you want to copy. You will know it is selected when handles (small circles or squares) appear around its border.

2. Copy the selection

  • Press Ctrl+C on your keyboard. Alternatively, right-click the image and select Copy from the context menu.

3. Paste the image

  • Click on the destination spot in your spreadsheet or another program (like Word or PowerPoint).
  • Press Ctrl+V to paste it.
  • If you are pasting into another program, you can also use Paste Special to choose how the image is pasted, such as pasting it as a link to update if the original changes.

4. Duplicate on the same sheet

  • To quickly create a copy on the same worksheet, hold down the Ctrl key and drag the image. A duplicate will be created where you drop it.

Method 2: Copying cells as a picture (Copy as Picture)

Use this method when you want to take a snapshot of a range of cells, including their data and formatting, and save it as a non-editable image. This is ideal for reports or presentations where you need to display static data from a spreadsheet.

1. Select the cells

  • Select the range of cells you wish to copy. If you want a chart, click on the chart object itself.
  • To capture just the data without the gridlines, first go to the View tab and uncheck the Gridlines box in the Show group.

2. Access the "Copy as Picture" command

  • On the Home tab, locate the Clipboard group.
  • Click the drop-down arrow next to the Copy button.
  • Select Copy as Picture from the menu.

3. Set picture options

  • The Copy Picture dialog box will appear. You will have two key choices:
    • Appearance: Choose As shown on screen to copy the image exactly as it appears on your monitor, or As shown when printed for how it would look in a printout.
    • Format: Select Picture for the best quality and flexibility. Avoid Bitmap, which can result in lower quality.
  • Click OK to copy the selection to your clipboard.

4. Paste the new picture

  • Click in an empty area of your worksheet or in another program.
  • Press Ctrl+V to paste the image.
  • You can now resize and move this static image just like any other picture.

Method 3: Pasting a picture into a cell

For Office 365 users, Excel offers the option to paste a picture directly inside a cell, which automatically resizes and moves with the cell.

1. Copy your source image

  • Copy the image from your clipboard (e.g., from a website, another program, or even within Excel).

2. Select the destination cell

  • Click the cell where you want to place the image.

3. Paste the image into the cell

  • Right-click the selected cell.
  • In the Paste Options menu, click Paste Picture in Cell. This is different from the standard Ctrl+V, which pastes the image over the cells.

4. Adjust if needed

  • If you need to switch the image back to a floating, unanchored object, right-click the image and choose Picture in Cell > Place over Cells.

Method 4: Using the IMAGE function (Office 365)

For Office 365 subscribers, the IMAGE function is an excellent way to insert pictures from a URL directly into a cell, where it can be managed and resized based on cell properties.

1. Copy the image URL

  • Find the image you want online.
  • Right-click the image and select Copy image link or Copy image address.

2. Insert the function

  • In an Excel cell, type the following formula, replacing "your_image_url" with the link you just copied:excel

    =IMAGE("your_image_url")

    Use code with caution.

  • Press Enter. The picture will appear within the cell, and will be sized and positioned to fit.

3. Copy the image

  • To copy this image, simply copy the cell containing the IMAGE function (e.g., using Ctrl+C) and paste it to a new location. The formula and the resulting picture will be copied.

Choosing the right method

  • For quick duplicates of existing objects: Use the simple Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V method.
  • For creating a snapshot of cells and data: Use Copy as Picture for a static, non-editable image.
  • For inserting dynamic, cell-contained pictures: Use the IMAGE function for online images or the Paste Picture in Cell option for clipboard images.
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