Master Excel's IMAGE Function: A Complete Tutorial

Excel's IMAGE function, introduced in Microsoft 365 in 2022, allows you to insert images directly from URLs into cells, facilitating dynamic data visualizations such as product charts or maps.

In 2025, with Office 2024 and Microsoft 365, this feature has been optimized for greater compatibility and performance, supporting formats such as PNG, JPEG, and SVG.

This comprehensive guide explains its syntax, practical uses, advanced examples, and troubleshooting, ideal for users in Spain looking to improve their spreadsheets. Top new features in Microsoft OneNote 2024

What is the IMAGE function?

The IMAGE function inserts an image into a cell using a URL, with options to customize size and alignment. Its syntax is:

• url: : Required, the image address (example: “https://example.com/image.png”).
• width/height: Optional, dimensions in pixels (maintains aspect ratio if one is specified).
• way: Optional, “fit” (resizes to fit), “stretch” (warps if needed), or “crop” (cuts to fit).
• alternative_id: Optional, alternative text for accessibility.

Basic example: =IMAGE("https://example.com/logo.png") inserts an image into the cell, adjusting it automatically.

Requirements for using IMAGE

• Excel version: Microsoft 365 (subscription) or Office 2024 (perpetual, supported until 2029).
• Internet connection: To load images from URLs.
• Supported formats: PNG, JPEG, GIF, SVG (non-animated), BMP, TIFF.
• Digital Platforms: Windows 11/10, macOS 12+, web (Excel Online).

Requirement	Details	Nota
Excel	Microsoft 365 or 2024	Update from setup.office.com
Internet	For URLs	Local images not supported
Formats	PNG, JPEG, SVG	Lossless Scalable SVG
Digital Platforms	Windows, Mac, web	Web limited in modes

Council: In Excel Online, IMAGE works, but check privacy when uploading public images.

Step-by-step guide to using the IMAGE function

Step 1: Prepare the spreadsheet

1. Open Excel and create a new sheet.
2. In a cell (example: A1), enter the URL of a public image (for example, from Unsplash or your website).
3. Select the neighboring cell (B1) to insert the function.

Step 2: Insert the IMAGE function

1. In B1, write: =IMAGE(A1).
2. Press Enter; the image appears in B1, fitting the cell.
3. If the image is large, use modes: =IMAGE(A1; 100; 100; "fit") to resize to 100×100 pixels.

Example: With URL in A1 ("https://example.com/photo.jpg"), B1 displays the scaled image.

Step 3: Customize size and mode

1. For fixed size: =IMAGE(A1; 200; 150; "stretch") (deform if necessary).
2. For cropping: =IMAGE(A1; 200; 150; "crop") (crops to fit).
3. For alternative text: =IMAGE(A1; 100; 100; "fit"; "Company Logo").

object lessonIn a product catalog, A1 has photo URLs; B1 uses IMAGE to display adjusted thumbnails, making them easier to view.

Step 4: Advanced Uses

1. With formulas: Combine with IF or VLOOKUP: =IF(A1<>»», IMAGE(A1), «») to display image only if there is a URL.
2. In pivot tables: Inserts IMAGE into rows for visual dashboards.
3. With external data: Import URLs from CSV and use IMAGE for dynamic galleries.

Example: On an inventory sheet, IMAGE displays product photos based on barcodes.

Step 5: Edit and Format

1. The image behaves like an object: Resize by dragging edges.
2. Usa Image format for borders, shadows or filters (available in Excel 2024).
3. Copy/paste images between cells or sheets.

Tip:: In Office 2024, IMAGE supports SVG for lossless scaling, ideal for logos.

Benefits of the IMAGE function

• Dynamic visualization: Convert data into interactive images.
• Efficiency: Insert without manual copy/paste.
• Accessibility: Alternative text for screen readers.
• Integration: Works in Excel Online and Power BI for reporting.

Our Mill	Example	Advantage
Dynamic	Catalog of technical garments and accesories products	Automatic Updates
Efficiency	URLs in CSV	No manual import
Accessibility	alternative_id	Meets WCAG standards

Limitations and precautions

• Internet required: : Does not support local images or private URLs.
• Limited formats: Does not animate GIFs or videos.
• Privacy : Public URLs may expose data; use secure links.
• Cell size: Large images may be distorted; adjust modes.

ExampleA broken URL displays an error icon; check links first.

Common troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	A satisfactory solution
Image not loading	Invalid URL	Check link; test in browser
Distortion	Wrong mode	Use "adjust" for proportions
Error #VALUE!	URL not accessible	Use public links or HTTPS
Slow on the web	weak connection	Improve your internet or use Excel desktop

Example: If IMAGE displays #VALUE!, confirm that the URL is public and accessible.

Tips for 2025

1. Use secure URLs: HTTPS to avoid mixed content errors.
2. Combines with formulas: =IMAGE(VLOOKUP(A1, B:C, 2, FALSE)) for dynamic images.
3. Integrate with Power BI: Export sheets with IMAGE to visual reports.
4. Test in Excel Online: For real-time collaboration.
5. Update Office: Keep Excel 2024 for SVG support and new modes.

Example: In a sales dashboard, use IMAGE with VLOOKUP to display customer logos based on data.

Conclusion

Excel's IMAGE function revolutionizes visualizations, inserting images from URLs with customizable size and mode. In 2025, with Office 2024, it's essential for dynamic catalogs, dashboards, and reports. Follow the syntax =IMAGE(url; width; height; mode) to get started, verify URLs, and combine with formulas for advanced uses. Update your Excel for full compatibility and explore in test spreadsheets.

FAQs

• Does IMAGE support local images?
  No, only public or accessible URLs.
• What modes are there?
  "Fit" (proportional), "Stretch" (deform), "Cut out» (short).
• Does it work in Excel Online?
  Yes, but with limitations on modes and sizes.
• How to add alt text?
  Use the [alternate_id] parameter for accessibility.