Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Inserting a Picture in Your Worksheet.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated June 22, 2024)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Excel allows you to insert a wide range of picture (graphic) types in your documents. You can insert the following types:
| Picture Type | Filename Extension | |
|---|---|---|
| Compressed Enhanced Metafile | EMZ | |
| Compressed Macintosh PICT | PCZ | |
| Compressed Windows Metafile | WMZ | |
| Computer Graphics Metafile | CGM | |
| CorelDraw | CDR | |
| Encapsulated PostScript | EPS | |
| Enhanced Metafile | EMF | |
| FPX Format | FPX | |
| Graphics Interchange Format | GIF | |
| JPEG Format | JPG | |
| Kodak Photo CD | PCD | |
| Macintosh PICT | PCT | |
| PC Paintbrush | PCX | |
| Picture It! Format | MIX | |
| Portable Network Graphics | PNG | |
| Tagged Image File Format | TIF | |
| Windows Bitmap | BMP | |
| Windows Metafile | WMF | |
| WordPerfect Graphics | WPG |
This list looks very inclusive, but you may not be able to insert all of these on your particular version of Excel. The graphic files you can actually import depends on the version of Excel you have installed and which import filters you installed.
To insert a picture in your workbook, follow these steps:
Excel inserts the picture as if it is floating over your worksheet. You can then move the picture by simply using the mouse to drag the picture a new location.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2193) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Inserting a Picture in Your Worksheet.
Dive Deep into Macros! Make Excel do things you thought were impossible, discover techniques you won't find anywhere else, and create powerful automated reports. Bill Jelen and Tracy Syrstad help you instantly visualize information to make it actionable. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, real-world case studies, and 50 workbooks packed with examples and solutions. Check out Microsoft Excel 2019 VBA and Macros today!
Background images for a worksheet are automatically repeated over and over (tiled) by Excel. This tip describes a ...
Discover MoreExcel allows you to capture portions of your worksheet as a picture that you can then use in a variety of other ways. ...
Discover MoreYou can add all sorts of objects to your workbooks, including video clips. Here's the pros and cons (along with the ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here:
Comments