How to Fix Unsupported Image type in Google Docs (Complete Guide)

Are you getting an “Unsupported image type” error while uploading an image to your Google Docs document? So How to fix unsupported image type in Google Docs?

it happens probably because you are uploading an image file that is not supported by Google Docs.

However, this does not seem to be a big problem and can be easily solved with some workarounds.

So, let’s hop into this topic

How to fix unsupported image type in Google Docs?

Google Docs as a feature-rich tool allows its users to add images to their documents.

So, if you are thinking of making your presentation more presentable with some images then all you need to do is

Copy-paste or insert the images via your local photo gallery, Google Drive, or Google search.

However, as mentioned earlier, Google Docs doesn’t allow you to upload some of the image file types as it is unsupported by the program.

And for that reason we will need to mess around with some workarounds, like;

• Convert images into the supported file formats using converter websites or apps.
• Upload the image into a fresh new Google Doc and then copy it to that particular document.
• Upload the image to your Google Drive account.
• Open the image with Microsoft Paint and save the image.
• Change the file extension.

Now that we have listed some of the major workarounds above, let’s try to understand how they can help us get out of this situation.

Converting images into supported formats.

The first workaround that we would like to suggest is converting the unsupported image file types to supported ones.

Now, this can be easily done using two different methods;

1. By making use of free image converter websites.

OR

2. By using image converter software.

Usually, the process for image conversion is the same in both methods.

All you need to do is drag and drop or upload the image inside the image converter tool, select the conversion type and then click on convert.

That’s it, in just a few seconds your image will be converted to your desired format.

Need a step-by-step tutorial?

Well then skip to the next part.

• Open the browser on your PC.
• Now, visit image converter websites or install image converter software.
• In this case, we will be visiting “Cloud Convert” the free image converter website.
• Upon opening, you will see a screen that looks like this.

• Now, click on the “Select File” option to upload an image from your local gallery.

• You can also work with more options, by clicking on the drop-down menu.

• Next, navigate to the image file and open it.
• Then, click on the drop-down menu to select the format to which you want to convert the image file.

• Lastly, click on the “Convert” button.

• And done, your image file has been converted to the supported format. 
• Now all you need to do is hit on that “Download” button and the file will get downloaded to your local gallery.

Now, all you need to do is upload that image inside your Google Docs document using the drag and drop method or selection method and that’s it,

Your image will be uploaded successfully without any error message.

Uploading the images to a fresh document and then pasting it.

The second suggested method to upload a particular unsupported image inside the Google Docs document is

by uploading it to a fresh new document and then copying it to the target document.

Yes, sometimes the Google Docs document that you are using might be facing some issues with uploading, i.e., unable to upload pictures to the document. 

So, the second best bet to solve this type of error is by uploading the pictures into a different document, so that it gets uploaded successfully.

After that, all you need to do is copy that image from the second document and then paste it into the primary one.

In this way, you will easily fix the unsupported image type error on Google Docs.

Uploading images to your Google Drive.

Google Drive is one of the best online cloud storage spaces offered by Google.

It allows its users to upload pictures, videos, documents, and almost every type of file that is available on the internet.

Now, in this case, if you are facing an unsupported image type issue, you can use Google Drive to your rescue.

By uploading the image on your Drive, it becomes easy for Google Docs to detect the file and use it over its products.

So, start uploading your image file on Google Drive and see the problem getting solved in just a second.

And if not, then all you need to do is move on to the next solution.

Converting the image with Microsoft Paint.

Microsoft paint is yet another alternative that can be used to convert images to other formats like JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, etc.

And guess what, in most cases, Microsoft Paint comes pre-bundled with the Microsoft Office package.

So, you don’t need to worry about downloading it separately on your PC.

Now, coming back to the converting part, you can easily do it by following the instructions mentioned below.

• Open Microsoft Paint on your Windows PC and then drag and drop the image.
• Or you can also right-click on the image > select Open with > MS Paint.
• Now, click on the “File” menu.

• Next, click on “Save as.”

• Then, select any image format from the list. We would suggest you select the file format which is supported in Google Docs.

• Lastly, click on “Save.” And that’s it. The selected image is now converted to a different file format.

You can now head back to Google Docs, and then insert the image in your document without getting any “Unsupported image type” error on your screen.

Changing the file extension.

Lastly, changing the file extension can also help you to solve this typical uploading error on Google Docs.

When you change the extension of any file, it gets converted into that format, and as a result, it can be then opened and uploaded without any error.

For instance, if we have an image file with a PNG extension, then we can easily change it into JPEG by changing the file extension from .png to .jpeg.

And after the conversion process is done, you can easily upload it to Google Docs like you normally do.

So, these were some of the tried and tested workarounds that would easily solve the “Unsupported image type” error in Google Docs.

However, if these simple solutions have not solved the issue, then there is quite a possibility that the problem is not with the image type,

but with your browser or your system, which needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

Therefore, to get a clear idea of the same, let’s hop into the next segment and see what are the other causes that can give out this error.

What can be the other causes of images facing failure while uploading?

Apart from the regular unsupported file format issue,

your Google Doc document may have failed to upload the said image because of some temporary technical glitches on the app, browser, or system.

For example; a glitch in Google Docs or your browser might be causing this problem. Or maybe it is because of a slow internet connection.

Now, these are some minor issues that can be easily fixed by following the next set of solutions.

Close and re-open Google Docs.

Apps and web-based tools are meant to lessen the hard work of a user.

But, as we all know, these heavily coded tools can sometimes get affected by some temporary glitches,

and in this case, it might be the Google Docs app itself.

So, in order to fix this glitch all you need to do is close the Google Docs tool and then again reopen it.

In this way, the temporary glitch will get resolved easily and you will now be able to upload photos to your docs.

Update or switch browsers.

Another scenario when such type of error can occur with your Google Docs document is when your browser is facing some issues. 

So, in such a situation we suggest you either update your browser to the latest version which will fix any bug that was in the browser, or switch/change your browser.

For instance, if you are using Google Chrome then try using Microsoft Edge or Firefox instead.

Clear browser cache.

The cache is one of the most important parts of any browser.

It helps a webpage to load faster whenever a user visits that same webpage again.

Although, sometimes the browser cache can get corrupted and cause an interruption in normal operations,

in this case, in the image uploading process. 

So, it is better you clear your browser cache by navigating to the Settings menu and then following the steps mentioned below. 

• Click on “Privacy, search, and services.”

• Now, scroll down to find the “Clear browsing data” section.

• Then, click on the “Choose what to clear” option.

• A window will pop up on your screen.
• Lastly, select the “Cached images and files” as well as other appropriate options to clear the entire browsing history, and then click on the “Clear now” option.

• That’s it, you have successfully cleared your recent browser cache.

Note: Here we are using Microsoft Edge as our daily browser. So, if you are using some other browser, we suggest you initiate a search using the keyword “Cache” using the search bar. It should take you to the same “Clear browsing data” window.

Plug out the plug-ins.

Next up you can also check if any of the browser plug-ins or in simple words extensions are interfering with the process. 

Yes, extensions enable a user to explore more of a browser, but sometimes they can also cause hindrance in the normal functionality part. 

So, it is better to audit the plugins thoroughly and uninstall the ones that are causing the problem.

Fix the internet connection.

Lastly, there is a possibility that your images are not getting uploaded to your Google Docs document because of a slower internet connection. 

The basic requirement to upload a file on the internet is a speedy and static internet connection.

So, if your internet connection is both unstable and slow, then you won’t be able to upload them on your Google Docs document. 

And hence, we suggest you restart your router or internet connection to fix this issue.

If the problem persists you can always call your internet service provider for help.

Which image formats does Google Docs allow?

Now, after discussing the workarounds in detail, we are hoping that you must have gotten hold of the situation. 

However, it is better to keep yourself well informed than to cry during such situations in the future.

And to help you with the same we have listed down some of the image formats that are supported by Google Docs.

So, we would suggest you go through the list carefully.

• .JPEG
• .PNG
• .TIFF
• .GIF
• .BMP
• .SVG

Conclusion:

Inserting an image into your Google Docs document can give you the opportunity to enhance your work.

And even better if you are a teacher, student, or writer who is trying to explain things with practical examples. 

However, due to some restrictions associated with the image types,

Google Docs will throw an unsupported image type error on your screen if you try to upload such an image.

But, you can quickly fix this issue by converting the image file to the supported format and then using it inside your document.