Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Adding Graphics to a Header or Footer.

Adding Graphics to a Header or Footer

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 5, 2025)

When you are designing the header and footer for a worksheet, Excel allows you to add various special elements to your header or footer. You can even insert a picture into the header or footer. Just follow these steps:

  1. Display the Insert tab of the ribbon.
  2. Click the Header & Footer tool in the Text group. Excel displays the Design tab of the ribbon.
  3. Click either the Header or Footer tool depending on whether you want to affect the header or footer.
  4. Select the section of the header or footer (left, center, or right) in which you want your graphic to appear.
  5. Click on the Picture tool, in the Header & Filter Elements group on the Design tab of the ribbon. Excel displays the Insert Pictures dialog box.
  6. Use the controls in the dialog box to locate and select the graphic you want in the header or footer.
  7. Click on Insert. Excel places the graphic at the designated spot in the header or footer, displaying the code &[Picture] where the graphic will appear.
  8. Make other changes to the header or footer, as desired.
  9. Click somewhere outside the header or footer, in the main body of the worksheet.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (6219) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Adding Graphics to a Header or Footer.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

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