How to Link Picture to Cell Value in Excel (4 Quick Methods)

When you have a larger dataset and you want to export an image from the particular cell values, a linked picture might be the best option. As the linked picture will be changed automatically if you change any cell values. In this guiding session, I’ll demonstrate 4 ways to link a picture to a cell value in Excel with proper explanation.

How to Link Picture to Cell Value in Excel: 4 Methods

The example dataset below shows the yearly Sales of various Products. The entire dataset is located in the B4:D13 cell range.

Method 1 – Using the Paste Special Option to Get a Linked Picture

In the beginning method, I’ll show you the simple but effective paste options i.e. Linked Picture from the Paste Special option.

➤ Select the B4:D13 cell range and select any cell where you want to get the linked picture (e.g. F4 cell).

➤ Right-click on the cell where you’d like to get the linked picture. Move the cursor over the rightwards arrow of the Paste Special option and pick Linked Picture under the Other Paste Options feature.

You’ll get a linked picture in the F4 cell as shown in the following screenshot.

NOTE: If you look closely at the formula bar, you’ll see =$B$4:$D$13 which represents the cell values of the Yearly Sales Variation.

NOTE: This linked picture is not static, which means if you change any value in the original cells you’ll find the changed image. For example, if you input the data of the Webcam product after removing the data of the TV, you’ll get the newly added product in the linked picture.

Method 2 – Using the Camera Tool to Get a Linked Picture

You will probably need to add the Camera tool to your ribbon in Excel because it is not a default tool. To add it, first right-click on the ribbon and choose the Customize the Ribbon option.

➤ In the dialog box named Excel Options, click on the New Group and create a New Group (Custom).

➤ Click All Commands and find the Camera command.

➤ Click Add.

➤ You’ll see the added command in the Insert tab as shown in the following screenshot.

➤ Select the B4:D13 cell range and pick the Camera tool.

➤ Drag down the cursor following the plus sign located on the right side, as demonstrated in the picture below.

➤ You’ll see the created picture that links with the raw data e.g. Yearly Sales Variation.

Method 3 – Using the Hyperlink Option to Get a Linked Picture

Use this method to display the cell value when clicking on an image in your worksheet.

Select the image

Choose the Link option from the Insert tab.

In the Insert Hyperlink dialogue box, choose the Link to option as Place in This Document. Next, type the cell (e.g. B5) that you want to link in the active working sheet i.e. Hyperlink. Click

Your existing image is linked with the specified cell. Clicking on the image will display the B5 cell representing the url of ExcelDemy.

Method 4 – Linking the Picture to the Cell Value Dynamically

This method assumes that you have pictures already saved on your device.

➤ Select a cell.

➤ Insert a picture by clicking on the This Device command in the Insert tab of the ribbon. (If this command is not currently on your ribbon, it can be added by using the Customize the Ribbon option as described in Method 3)

➤ After adding the images, go to the Format Picture option (right-click or go to the right side of your spreadsheet).

➤ Check the circle before the Don’t move or size with cells option.

➤ Adjust the row height and width of the cells to match the size of the picture.

Using the Name Manager tool, you can easily define the names of social media companies with their corresponding logo.

➤ Select the B5:C7 cell range

➤ Click the option Create from Selection in the Defined Names section of the Formulas ribbon. Ensure the box before Left column is checked.

To make the selection more interactive, you can create the drop-down list using the Data Validation tool.

Choose the Data Validation tool from the Data tab while keeping the cursor over the E5

In the dialogue box, choose List from the drop-down list of the Allow option and set the Source as $B$5:$B$7 and click OK.

You’ll get an interactive drop-down list as shown in the below screenshot.

Paste any picture from the C5:C7 cell range using the Link Picture paste option as shown in the first method. Remember, this picture is not dynamic.