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!
Need a chart that uses two lines for axis labels? It's easy to do if you know how to set up your data in the worksheet, ...
Discover MoreYou can add text to all sorts of drawing shapes, not just text boxes. Here's how easy it is.
Discover MoreAutoShapes can easily contain text—just click on the shape and start typing away. You may want the text in 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 © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments