Google does not let you download images from Google Docs directly, which can be quite problematic if you need to use those images somewhere else. However, it is still possible to download them using a few workaround methods, though they are not as simple as saving the images to your desktop. Some of them require using a third-party app or extension, but most can be used directly.

On desktop platforms

If you're using Windows, macOS, or Linux, you can use these methods to download images from Google Docs.

Method 1: Download as a Web Page

When you download a Google Docs document as a web page, all the pages of the document are packaged into a folder. Additionally, only images that are taller or wider than 2000 pixels are downscaled, which means you are more likely to get original-quality images. To download a Google Docs document as a web page,

  1. Click on 'File' at the top left, and then on 'Download'. Select 'Web Page' (.html, zipped) from the download options in the sub-menu.
  1. Now you can simply navigate to where the zipped folder is downloaded and extract it. The extracted folder will contain another folder named 'Images' containing all the images from the document.

Method 2: Save images to Google Keep

Another option that you can use to download images from a Google Docs document is to use Google's note-taking app, Google Keep. However, it is best used when you only need to download one or two images.

  1. With the Google Docs document open, right-click on the image you want to download and click on 'View more actions', and then on 'Save to Keep'.
  1. This will open Google Keep in the sidebar on the right. Click on the 'Open in New Tab' icon at the top of the sidebar.
  1. Google Keep will open in a separate tab. Now, right-click on the image and click on 'Save Image As' and save it to your computer.

Method 3: Download the document as a Word file

You can download your Google Docs document as a Microsoft Word file if you only need to download a few images from it.

  1. With the document open, click on the File menu at the top left and then on 'Download' before selecting Microsoft Word.
  1. Open the file downloads and then right-click on the image you want to download before clicking on 'Save as Picture' and saving it where you want.

Method 4: Use an image editor

You can use an image editing program like Windows Paint to download images from a Google Docs document.

  1. Open the document containing the image and right-click on the image before clicking on the Copy option.
  1. Now open an image editor, such as Microsoft Paint in Windows or Preview in macOS, and use the Ctrl + V or Command + V shortcut to paste the image into the editor. Now you can save the image and use it as you want.

Method 5: Publish to the Web

You can download images from a Google Docs document by publishing them on the Web, though this method is not suitable when you need to download a lot of images.

  1. Open the document, click on the 'File' menu option, and then go to the 'Share' option before clicking on the 'Publish to web' option.
  1. In the pop-up that appears, click on the 'Publish' button.
  1. This will provide you with a link. Copy and paste it into a new tab and press Enter.
  1. Once the page opens, right-click on the image and click on 'Save image as' to save the image.

Method 6: Save images using the Snipping Tool

Windows comes with a built-in Snipping Tool you can use to save images in the form of screenshots. However, as explained before, the captured images will be of low quality and size.

  1. Open the Google Docs document which contains the images you want to save.
  2. Then open the Start menu, type snipping tool, and click on it to open it.
  1. When the Snipping Tool opens, click on the 'New' button on the top left. Alternatively, you can use the Win + Shift + S shortcut.
  1. Take a screenshot of the image in your Google Doc. Windows will automatically save the screenshot in your Screenshots folder.

Method 7: Take a screenshot

A quick and easy method to save images from Google Docs is to take a screenshot of it. You can use the PrintScreen key on your keyboard to take a screenshot. On Mac, the shortcut for taking screenshots is Command + Shift + 4.

However, keep in mind that this method does not let you download the image but only captures how it appears in the Google Doc. Remember that the captured image won't be in high quality or size and will also not have any transparency present in the original image.

Method 8: Use the Google Docs Image Extractor Add-On

If you need to download multiple images from a Google Doc, you can use the Image Extractor add-on. Keep in mind that it only lets you download four images for free, so you will need to get the premium version if you want to download more.

  1. Open the document containing the images you want to download. Click on the 'Extensions' menu and then on 'Add-Ons' before clicking on the 'Get add-ons' option.
  1. When the Extensions search box appears, search for the 'image extractor' add-on. Click on the 'Extractor and Remover' add-on.
  1. On the next page, click on the 'Install' button.
  1. Before you can use the add-on, you will need to grant permission so it can access your account. Click on the 'Continue' and then on the 'Allow' buttons to do so.
  1. Once the Image Extractor is installed, click on the Extensions menu again. Then go to 'Images Extractor and Remover for Docs' and click on 'Start' to extract the images.
  1. When you click on the 'Start' option, a sidebar will appear. Click on 'Extract images to Drive'.
  1. When the process is complete, you will see a notification indicating so. Click on the 'View Files' button to view the files and a new tab will open with the image.

On mobile devices

These methods can help you download images from Google Docs while using a mobile device.

Method 1: Download as a Web Page

  1. Open the Google Docs document on your Android device and tap on the three dots at the top right.
  2. Then tap on 'Share and export'.
  1. Next tap on 'Save as', which will give you a list of options.
  2. Tap on 'Web page (.html, zipped) and then on 'OK'.
  1. You will see a new ZIP archive in your Google Drive. Tap on the download icon at the top.
  2. Once the archive is downloaded, extract it and you will find a folder containing the images you need.

Method 2: Take a screenshot

Like on desktop platforms, you can take a screenshot of the image in a Google Docs document you want to download.

  1. Open the document and go to the image you want to download.
  2. Press and hold the Power key and the Volume Down button to take a screenshot. The shortcut may vary from device to device, but it generally involves using the power key with another key. Again, the image will be in reduced quality compared to when you download it.

Method 3: Drag and drop the image (on iOS)

  1. On your iOS device, tap and hold the image you want to save and drag it slightly.
  2. Then, while still holding the image, swipe up from the bottom or press the home button to go to the Home Screen.
  3. Open the Photos app while still holding the image and drop the image in the Recents folder in the app. The image will be saved to your gallery.

Things to know

  • When you download images by copying and pasting them, the quality of the saved images is slightly reduced. So, make sure to copy original source files for the best results.
  • If you're downloading images from the internet, try and download images that are free to use and that you have the required permissions to use them.
  • If images are inserted as links in a Google Doc, you may not be able to download them using the methods discussed here. You will have to contact the creator of the document to do so.