IMAGE¶
Category: MS Excel compatibility function · Native since: Excel 2024
Inserts a picture into a cell from a source URL or file path.
Syntax¶
=IMAGE(source, [alt_text], [sizing], [height], [width])
Arguments¶
| Argument | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| source | Required | image URL or file path |
| alt_text | Optional | alternative (accessibility) text (optional) |
| sizing | Optional | 0 fit & keep ratio, 1 fill, 2 original size, 3 custom (optional) |
| height | Optional | height in pixels when sizing is 3 (optional) |
| width | Optional | width in pixels when sizing is 3 (optional) |
Returns¶
Always returns an empty string ("") as a scalar; after calculation it inserts a floating picture shape sized to the calling (merged) cell. An empty source gives #VALUE!; if the caller cell address cannot be resolved it returns #REF!.
Examples¶
| Formula | Result | Description |
|---|---|---|
=IMAGE("https://www.google.com/favicon.ico") |
result depends on the image source |
Notes¶
- Unlike native 365 IMAGE it does not produce an in-cell value: it inserts a floating picture shape (EG.Image_Sheet_Cell) over the cell, replacing any same-named shape on recalculation.
- alt_text, height and width are accepted for compatibility but ignored; resize_mode 0 (default) fits the picture inside the cell keeping its aspect ratio and centers it (other values fill the cell).
- On modern Excel where native IMAGE exists, this function is registered as EG.IMAGE.
- An array in source returns #VALUE! (one picture per cell) — for multiple items, copy the formula down row by row.
- Supported: Excel 2010+. Registered as
IMAGE(drop-in) on hosts without the native function, and asEG.IMAGEon modern Excel that has it.