How to Keep Images in One Column in Google Sheets

Google Sheets is great for organizing data. But things can get messy fast. Especially when you start adding images. Pictures float around. They overlap. They refuse to line up nicely. It can feel frustrating. The good news? Keeping images in one clean column is totally doable. And it’s easier than you think.

TLDR: You can keep images in one column in Google Sheets by inserting them directly into cells instead of over the grid. Use the Insert image in cell option for better alignment and sorting. Resize rows and columns to control how images look. For advanced control, use the IMAGE function to lock pictures neatly into place.

Why Images Jump Around in Google Sheets

First, let’s understand the problem.

When you insert an image in Google Sheets, you usually get two choices:

• Image over cells
• Image in cell

If you choose Image over cells, the picture floats above the spreadsheet. It’s not locked inside a cell. So when you resize columns or sort data, the image may stay behind or move strangely.

This is why images drift out of one column.

The fix? Use the right method from the start.

Method 1: Insert Images Directly Into Cells

This is the simplest and cleanest way.

Follow these steps:

1. Select the cell where you want the image.
2. Click Insert in the top menu.
3. Hover over Image.
4. Click Image in cell.
5. Upload or choose your picture.

That’s it.

The image now lives inside the cell. It behaves like data. When you sort rows, filter content, or move columns, the image moves with the cell.

Why this works:

• The image cannot float away.
• It stays locked in one column.
• It resizes with the cell.

This is the best option for product lists, employee directories, or inventory sheets.

Resize Your Column for a Clean Look

Once your images are inside cells, they may look tiny. Or too large. That’s normal.

You need to adjust the column width and row height.

To resize a column:

• Move your mouse to the edge of the column letter (like A or B).
• Drag the border left or right.

To resize a row:

• Move to the edge of the row number.
• Drag up or down.

Simple.

The image will automatically adjust inside the cell. It keeps its shape. No stretching.

Pro tip: Select multiple rows at once and resize them together. This keeps all images the same size. That makes your sheet look professional.

Method 2: Use the IMAGE Function

Want more control? Use a formula.

The IMAGE function lets you insert images using a URL.

Here’s the basic format:

=IMAGE("image_url")

Example:

=IMAGE("https://example.com/photo.jpg")

This inserts the image inside the cell. Just like the previous method. But now it’s dynamic.

This is useful when:

• You are pulling product data from another source.
• You are using automation tools.
• You want images to update automatically.

You can even control sizing with parameters:

=IMAGE("url", 4, height, width)

That gives you custom sizing.

Very helpful for keeping everything uniform in one column.

Keep All Images in a Dedicated Column

Organization matters.

Decide early where images will live. For example:

• Column A = Images
• Column B = Product Name
• Column C = Price

Keeping images in their own column avoids chaos.

Don’t mix text and images randomly across the sheet. It makes sorting hard. And it looks messy.

Consistency is key.

What Happens When You Sort Data?

Sorting is where many things break.

If images are inserted over cells, sorting rows can scramble everything. The image might stay in place while the data moves.

But if images are inserted in cells, sorting works perfectly.

To sort safely:

1. Select all your data (including the image column).
2. Click Data in the menu.
3. Choose Sort range.

Now your images move with their rows. No misalignment.

How to Fix Floating Images

Already inserted images the wrong way? No problem.

You cannot directly convert “image over cells” into “image in cell.”

But you can fix it:

1. Delete the floating image.
2. Select the correct cell.
3. Reinsert using Image in cell.

It takes a few minutes. But it saves headaches later.

Freeze the Image Column

Want your image column to stay visible while scrolling?

Freeze it.

Steps:

1. Click on the column letter.
2. Go to View.
3. Select Freeze.
4. Choose 1 column.

Now your images stay in place when you scroll right.

This is great for large catalogs.

Make Your Sheet Look Beautiful

Keeping images in one column is just the start.

Here are extra polishing tips:

• Center align your images.
• Use consistent row heights.
• Add light borders to separate entries.
• Keep background colors simple.

To center align:

1. Select the image column.
2. Click the Horizontal align button.
3. Choose Center.

Clean layouts are easier to read.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s save you from trouble.

1. Mixing image types
Do not combine floating images and cell images in the same sheet.

2. Resizing images manually
If floating, resizing can distort alignment.

3. Forgetting to select the whole table before sorting
Always include the image column.

4. Using massive file sizes
Large images slow down Sheets.

Keep image sizes optimized. Around 100–300 KB works well for most uses.

Advanced Tip: Use Data Validation for Image URLs

If you use the IMAGE function often, make things smarter.

Create a dedicated column for image URLs. Then, in the image column, reference that cell:

=IMAGE(D2)

Now just paste a new link in column D. The picture appears automatically.

This is perfect for teams.

It keeps your workflow smooth.

Working With Large Image Libraries

Handling dozens of images? Or hundreds?

Stay structured.

• Use uniform dimensions.
• Keep one image per row.
• Name files clearly.
• Store images in Google Drive for easy linking.

The more organized your source files are, the easier your Sheets workflow becomes.

Mobile Users: Quick Heads Up

On mobile, inserting images is slightly different.

You may not see all options clearly.

If precision matters, use the desktop version.

It gives full control.

Final Thoughts

Keeping images in one column in Google Sheets is not complicated.

Just remember one rule: Insert images inside cells.

From there:

• Resize rows and columns.
• Keep images in a dedicated column.
• Sort data correctly.
• Use the IMAGE function for advanced setups.

That’s it.

No more floating pictures. No more messy layouts. No more frustration.

Your spreadsheet will look clean. Organized. Professional.

And once you master it, you’ll never go back.

Now open Google Sheets and try it. You’ve got this.