Google Docs makes it easy to insert and edit images, but many users don’t know that you can also flip images horizontally or vertically. Whether you want to mirror a photo, reverse a graphic for design purposes, or simply experiment with layout options, the process is quick and beginner-friendly.
This fully optimized guide explains exactly how to flip an image in Google Docs, along with helpful tips, formatting tricks, and common troubleshooting solutions.
Why Flip an Image in Google Docs?
Flipping an image can help you:
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Reverse the direction of arrows or icons
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Create mirrored effects for creative layouts
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Fix camera-mirrored photos
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Align images naturally within your document
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Improve visual flow in presentations or reports
Google Docs doesn’t have a direct “Flip” button inside the main editor, but the feature is available through the Drawing tool.
How to Flip an Image in Google Docs
Follow these easy steps to flip any image inside your Google Docs document.
Step 1: Insert Your Image
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Open your document in Google Docs.
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Go to the top menu and click Insert.
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Select Image.
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Choose where to upload from:
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Upload from Computer
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Google Drive
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Photos
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By URL
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Camera
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Your image will now appear in the document.
Step 2: Open the Drawing Tool
Google Docs does not flip images directly in the editor, so you need the Drawing window.
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Click Insert from the menu.
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Hover over Drawing.
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Click + New.
This opens the Google Drawing canvas.
Step 3: Add the Image to the Drawing Canvas
Inside the Drawing pop-up:
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Click the Image icon (mountain picture symbol).
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Upload or choose the same image again.
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It will appear inside the canvas.
Step 4: Flip the Image
Now comes the main part — flipping.
To Flip Image Horizontally:
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Select the image.
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Click Actions (top-left).
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Hover over Rotate.
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Choose Flip horizontally.
This mirrors the image from left to right.
To Flip Image Vertically:
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Select the image.
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Click Actions.
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Hover over Rotate.
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Choose Flip vertically.
This flips the image upside-down.
Step 5: Save the Flipped Image
Once the image is flipped:
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Click Save and Close.
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The edited image will be inserted back into your Google Docs document.
You can then resize, crop, or reposition it as needed.
How to Edit or Re-Flip the Image
If you want to make more changes:
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Click on the image inside your document.
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Select Edit (appears below the image).
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This reopens the Drawing tool.
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Use Actions → Rotate again to flip or rotate further.
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Click Save and Close when done.
Alternative Method: Use Google Drawings (Full Editor)
If you want more control over editing:
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Go to https://drawings.google.com.
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Insert your image.
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Flip using Actions → Rotate.
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Go to File → Download (choose PNG or JPG).
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Insert the downloaded flipped image into Google Docs.
This is great for complex layouts or multiple edits.
Troubleshooting Tips
1. The flip options are not showing
Make sure:
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You’re inside the Drawing tool
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The image is selected
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You’re clicking Actions → Rotate
2. Image looks blurry after flipping
Try:
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Uploading a higher-resolution image
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Downloading the image from Drawings instead of using the pop-up editor
3. I can’t open the Drawing tool
Check:
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Browser compatibility (Chrome works best)
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Extensions that may block scripts
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Whether your document is in “View Only” mode
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you flip an image directly in Google Docs without the Drawing tool?
No. Google Docs currently does not have a built-in flip option in the main editor.
Does flipping affect image quality?
Usually no, unless the image is extremely small or heavily compressed.
Can I rotate the image instead of flipping it?
Yes! Use Format → Image → Image rotation for 90° rotations.
Final Thoughts
Flipping an image in Google Docs might not be immediately obvious, but once you know the Drawing tool method, it’s simple and fast. Whether you’re creating school assignments, business reports, or creative documents, flipping images helps you customize your visual layout exactly the way you want.