3 Ways to Rotate an Image in Google Docs

Quick Tips

• Go to Google Docs > document > image > blue dot on top of the image > use it to rotate the image.
• Open the document in Google Docs > image > menu icon > All image > Rotate section > relevant degree of rotation > x icon.
• Open the Drawing window in Google Docs > use it to rotate the image.

Method 1: Rotate an Image Using Rotation Control

Google Docs lets you freely rotate a picture using rotational control. Simply click and hold on to the blue dot icon to rotate your image as you want. Here’s how.

Step 1: Go to Google Docs, open the relevant document, and click on the image. Click the blue dot on top of the image and hold.

Step 2: Using your cursor, rotate the image as you want.

If the image dimensions are too big, the image might move down and leave a blank space on the page. If this happens, resize the image or arrange the text to fit around the image.

Also Read: How to insert images in Google Docs

Method 2: Using the Image Option

If you know exactly what angle you want to rotate your picture to, using the image option might be better. With this, you can enter precise angles at which your image will be rotated. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open the document in Google Docs and click on the relevant image. Click the menu icon and click on All image options.

Step 2: Go to the Rotate section and type the relevant degree of rotation in the Angle box.

Tip: You can also click on 90° if you wish to rotate the image by precisely 90° of its current angle.

Step 3: Once done, click on the x icon to exit the Image options panel.

Method 3: Turn an Image Using the Drawing Tool

You can also rotate a picture in Google Docs using the Drawing Tool. This will allow you to add the image to the Drawing window itself and rotate it as you like. Once you close the window, the image will be added to your document. Follow these steps to do it.

Step 1: Open the relevant Google Doc and click on Insert. Go to Drawing and click on New.

Step 2: In the Drawing window, go to the menu bar and click on Image.

Step 3: Add the relevant image and click on Select.

Step 4: Once added, click on the image to highlight it.

Step 5: Click on Actions and select Rotate. Select the relevant option to rotate your image.

Tip: You can also use the Rotation Handle to rotate the image.

Step 6: Click on Save and Close to save changes and exit the Drawing window.

Pro Tip: How to Rotate Text in Google Docs

Besides images, Google Docs also allows you to turn your text sideways, up, or down. This can come in handy if you’re working with languages that read differently or want to shake things up in your document. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Open the relevant Google Doc and click on Insert. Click on Drawing and select New.

Step 2: Select the Text Box, click on Drawing, and select New. Click on the text box and start typing.

Step 3: Click the Rotation Handle and rotate the text as you like.

Step 4: Click on Save and Close. The rotated text will be added to your document.

If you wish to change or rotate the text again, click anywhere on the text and select Edit. This will open the Drawing window again, allowing you to edit your text.

Also Read: How to change the text direction in Google Docs

FAQs