Add images to documents

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to insert single or multiple graphics in Adobe InDesign with precise control over import settings.

InDesign supports formats such as PSD, AI, PDF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, EPS, and BMP. The Place command adds graphics as linked assets, allowing efficient management through the Links panel. Attributes are preserved when moving graphics within InDesign, but may be lost when copying from other applications.

Place a single graphic

Select File > Place.

Browse and select an image file.

Select an option as per your preference:

  • Show Import Options: To configure format-specific settings
  • Replace Selected Item: To replace an existing image.
  • Create Static Captions: To add a caption based on the image metadata.

Select Open.

Add or adjust Image Import Options (if previously selected), then select OK.

Place the image as per your requirement:

  • Drag to create a frame with the image.
  • Select a frame to place the image in.
  • Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) to place all pages of a multipage file in an overlapping position.
Tip

Note: Cycle through the loaded graphics with the right or left arrows. Press Esc to unload the foremost graphic from the loaded graphics icon without placing it in InDesign.

Place multiple graphics

Select File > Place.

Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (macOS) and select multiple image files.

Select Show Import Options.

Select Open.

Add or adjust Image Import Options for each image and select OK.

Place the images as per your requirement:

  • Select to place in new frames.
  • Drag to create custom-sized frames.
  • Shift + Ctrl-drag (Windows) or Shift + Cmd-drag (macOS) to place all loaded graphics in a grid pattern.
Note

Note: Drag to place multiple graphics in a grid, using arrow keys to adjust rows (up or down) and columns (left or right), then release to place. You can also add more graphics by selecting File > Place while the loaded graphics cursor is active.