How to convert image URLs to actual images in Excel?

In Excel, you may come across situations where you have a list of image URLs and want to display the actual images in the cells instead of just the links. This guide walks you through three methods to convert image URLs into actual images inside Excel.

Convert the image URLs to actual images in Excel

• By using VBA code
• By using Kutools for Excel
• By using IMAGE function (Excel 365)

Convert the image URLs to actual images with VBA code

This method is perfect for users on older versions of Excel that don’t support the IMAGE function. VBA lets you automate the process of fetching and inserting images from URLs.

1. Hold down the ALT + F11 keys to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.

2. Click Insert > Module, and paste the following code in the Module Window.

Sub URLPictureInsert()
Dim Pshp As Shape
Dim xRg As Range
Dim xCol As Long
On Error Resume Next
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
Set Rng = ActiveSheet.Range("A2:A5")
For Each cell In Rng
filenam = cell
ActiveSheet.Pictures.Insert(filenam).Select
Set Pshp = Selection.ShapeRange.Item(1)
If Pshp Is Nothing Then GoTo lab
xCol = cell.Column + 1
Set xRg = Cells(cell.Row, xCol)
With Pshp
.LockAspectRatio = msoFalse
If .Width > xRg.Width Then .Width = xRg.Width * 2 / 3
If .Height > xRg.Height Then .Height = xRg.Height * 2 / 3
.Top = xRg.Top + (xRg.Height - .Height) / 2
.Left = xRg.Left + (xRg.Width - .Width) / 2
End With
lab:
Set Pshp = Nothing
Range("A2").Select
Next
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
End Sub

3. Then press F5 key to run this code, and all corresponding pictures have been extracted from the image URLs to the adjacent column at once, and the images will be placed at the center of your specific cells, see screenshot:

Convert the image URLs to actual images with Kutools for Excel

If you're not comfortable working with VBA code or want a faster, more user-friendly solution, Kutools for Excel offers a powerful feature called "Insert Pictures from Path (URL)". This tool allows you to effortlessly insert images directly into your worksheet from online image URLs or local file paths—without writing a single line of code. It's ideal for users who need a quick, reliable way to batch import images and visually enhance their spreadsheets with just a few clicks.

1. Go to Kutools > Insert > Insert Pictures from Path (URL).

2. In the dialog box that appears, configure the following settings as shown in the screenshots:

3. Click OK, and the pictures will be extracted from the URLs, see screenshot:

Tip: If you check Add original image as comment option in the dialog box, Kutools will automatically insert the image as a cell comment as well, allowing you to preview the original image when hovering over the cell—without displaying it directly in the worksheet. This is especially useful for keeping your spreadsheet clean and lightweight while still retaining access to full-size images on demand.

Convert the image URLs to actual images with IMAGE function (Excel 365)

If you’re using Excel 365 or Excel for the Web, you have access to the IMAGE() function—a simple and powerful way to display images directly from URLs in cells.

Syntax of the IMAGE function:

=IMAGE(source, [alt_text], [sizing], [height], [width])

• source: URL of the image (must be HTTPS for security)
• alt_text: Alternative text description
• sizing: 0 to 3 for image fit options. 0 (fit cell), 1 (original size), 2 (custom size), 3 (maintain aspect ratio)
• height, width: Only needed when sizing is set to 2

Enter the following formula into a blank cell where you want to display the image. Then, copy the formula down other cells. All images are extracted from the relative URLs. See screenshot:

=IMAGE(A2)

All three methods can produce professional results when implemented properly. For modern Excel users, the IMAGE() function is the simplest and cleanest solution. If you're on older versions or need batch processing, VBA or Kutools are excellent alternatives. If you're interested in exploring more Excel tips and tricks, our website offers thousands of tutorials to help you master Excel.