How to Rotate a Picture in Google Docs

When it comes to word processing software, many people like to use Google Docs because it’s powerful and free to use (as long as you have a Google account). You can also access your documents from any device, as long as you have internet access. In addition, Google Docs allows you to collaborate with others in real-time so that edits can be made, making your document as perfect as possible.

If you want to add photos to your document, you can, and it will enhance the final product. During the process, you might be wondering how to rotate a picture in Google Docs.

When adding photos to your document, they may not always insert right-side-up. When that happens, you need to be able to rotate them so that they look good.

Thankfully, the steps to achieve this goal are simple and easy to follow. We also teach you how to flip an image in Google Docs, as well as how to mirror an image in Google Docs.

Read on to learn these valuable skills!

Step-by-step guide: How To Make A Flyer On Google Docs

How to Rotate a Picture in Google Docs

When it comes to wondering how to rotate a picture in Google Docs, there are several different ways you can do this, including using the handle and the “Image Options” box. We’ve broken the steps down into separate categories to make them easier to follow.

Rotate an Image in Google Docs Using the Handle

When learning how to rotate a picture in Google Docs, one of the easiest ways to do this is by using the handle.

Step 1: Open Your Google Docs

The first thing you’ll need to do when using the handle is to open your Google Docs.

If you aren’t already logged in to your Google account, you will need to type in your credentials, including your username and password.

Step 2: Open the Document

Once you have logged in to your Google Account, if you’ve already inserted the picture, then you’ll need to look through your saved documents to find the file you’re looking for.

If you need to create a new document, you’ll want to click the “New” button in the upper left-hand corner of the screen, then click on “Google Docs” when the drop-down menu appears.

Step 2a: Insert the Picture

For new documents, when wondering how to rotate a picture in Google Docs, you will need to insert the picture into the document.

Here are the steps to insert a picture:

Go to “Insert” on the toolbar at the top of the document and click on it
Choose “Image” from the drop-down menu and click on it
Another drop-down menu will appear with a list of places where the picture might be stored, click on the option you need to upload your image
Search for and double-click on the image

Step 3: Click on the Handle

Once the image has been inserted into your document, you can then rotate it so that it is right-side up.

To do this using the handle, click on the image. There should be a blue border with boxes at various intervals around the edge.

At the top of the image, you should see a box connected to a circle with a line. The circle is your handle.

To rotate the picture, move the cursor over the circle until it turns into a +.

Step 4: Rotate the Image

Once you see the +, you’ll then hold down the right mouse button and move the mouse to the right or the left.

You will see the outline of the image move, as well as some degree numbers. Keep rotating the outline until it is where you need it to be.

Release the mouse button.

Your image should now be rotated.

If it’s still not quite in the position it needs to be in, grab the handle again and continue to rotate until you are happy with how your picture looks.

Step-by-step guide: How To Put Images Side By Side In Google Docs

How to Use “Image Options” to Rotate an Image in Google Docs

Another option you have is to use the “Image options” box to rotate an image in Google Docs. These are the steps you’ll use to rotate your picture using this technique.

Step 1: Log in to Google Accounts

If you haven’t already logged in to your Google Account and accessed your Google Docs, this is the first step you’ll need to take.

Step 2: Open a Previously Saved Document or Create a New One

For documents that already have the picture inserted, you’ll need to find it on your saved list and open it.

If you need to create a new document, you will click the “New” button in the upper left-hand corner of the screen, then pick “Google Doc” from the drop-down menu.

Step 2a: Insert the Image

Once the new document has been opened, before you can learn how to rotate a picture in Google Docs, you have to insert the image.

The easiest way to do this is to find “Insert” in the toolbar and click on it.

When the drop-down menu appears, choose “Image” from the list, and then choose the location where the picture is stored from the list of options.

Find the image and double-click on it to insert it into your document.

Step 3: Open “Image Options”

To use the “Image options” menu when asking how to rotate a picture in Google Docs, you’ll want to click on your picture. You should see a blue outline with boxes around it.

At the top of the page, at the right-hand side of the toolbar, you should see “Image options.”

Click on that.

Step 4: Open “Size & Rotation”

Once you click on the “Image options” button, a new menu will open on the right-hand side of the screen. There is a down arrow next to “Size & Rotation.” Click on it.

Step 5: Rotate Your Picture

At the bottom of the “Size & Rotation” menu box, you will see different options to “Rotate.”

If you know exactly how many degrees you want to rotate your picture, you can type it into the box under “Angle” or use the up and down arrows to rotate your picture.

When wondering how to rotate a picture in Google Docs, you can also use the degree option, which is a diamond with an arrow around it. This button will rotate your picture 90 degrees clockwise each time you press it.

Click this button as many times as necessary to get your picture in the right position.

Step-by-step guide: How to Download Photos From Google Drive

How to Flip an Image in Google Docs

In addition to asking how to rotate a picture in Google Docs, you might also be wondering how to flip an image in Google Docs. This is the same as asking how to mirror an image in Google Docs, so the steps below will help you achieve both.

Step 1: Open Google Docs

If you haven’t already logged in to your Google Account, you’ll need to do that. Then, you can either open an existing Google Doc or create a new one by clicking on the “New” button on the left-hand side of the screen and choosing “Google Doc” from the list of options.

Step 2: Insert Your Picture

The easiest way to do this is by clicking on “Insert,” which is located in the toolbar, then choosing “Image” from the drop-down menu.

You’ll then need to determine where the image is located and pick that option from the new list that appears.

Step 3: Cut Your Picture

After you have inserted the image into your document, you’ll then need to cut it out.

You can do this by right-clicking on the picture and choosing “Cut” from the drop-down menu, or you can highlight the picture and hit “Ctrl+X” on a PC or “Command+X” on a Mac.

Step 4: Open the Drawing Window

After you have cut your picture, you’ll then need to open the Drawing window by clicking on “Insert” and choosing “Drawing” from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: Paste Your Picture into the Drawing Window

A new window will open when you click on “Drawing.” Paste your image in this new window by hitting “Ctrl+V” on a PC or “Command+V” on a Mac.

You can also right-click in the blank space and choose “Paste” from the drop-down menu.

Step 6: Open the “Actions” Menu

Make sure your picture has a blue border around it, then go to the “Actions” option at the top of the screen.

Click the down arrow.

Step 7: Click on “Rotate”

From the drop-down menu, choose “Rotate.”

Step 8: Flip Your Picture

After you click on “Rotate,” this will open another list of options, including “Flip horizontally” and “Flip vertically.”

Choose which one you want, then click on it.

Step 9: Save and Close

Once you have finished flipping your picture, you’ll then click on “Save and Close” in the upper right-hand corner.

Your altered picture will then be inserted back into your Google Doc.

Step-by-step guide: How to Send Large Files via Gmail Without Google Drive

Rotating Pictures to Make Your Document Look Good

Adding pictures to a Google Doc can take your final product to a whole new level. If you find that your picture isn’t right-side-up when inserted, you may be wondering how to rotate a picture in Google Docs. The easiest way to achieve your goal is to use the handle, and these are the steps you’ll need to follow: