Table of Contents
First, try the simple way =IMAGE(Actual Image URL)
method first. However, this often fails with image hosted in Google Drive.
Why =IMAGE() Method Fails
=IMAGE("https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A1_OJB3.../view")
This rarely works because Google Sheets cannot process the /view
endpoint. Instead, you need the direct image URL, which uses the uc?id=
parameter.
The Solution: Combine IMAGE + REGEXEXTRACT
By extracting the unique file ID from your Drive link and appending it to Google’s direct image URL, you can display images seamlessly. Here’s how:
- Place Your Drive Link in a Cell
Example: Pastehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1TY11t3YHHZYtD.../view
into cell A2. - Use This Formula Referencing A2:
=IMAGE("https://drive.google.com/uc?id=" & REGEXEXTRACT(A2, "d/(.*?)/"))
Troubleshooting Tips
- Invalid Link? Ensure your Drive URL is shared with “Anyone with the link” permissions.
- Formula Errors: Double-check for typos in
REGEXEXTRACT
or extra characters in the URL.
FAQ
Q: Will this method work for PDFs or videos?
A: No, this technique is optimized for image files (JPEG, PNG, etc.).
Q: Can I use shortened Drive links?
A: No. The formula requires the full URL to extract the file ID.
Q: Is this compliant with Google’s policies?
A: Yes, as long as you have rights to share the images.