How to Insert a Photo in Google Slides into a Funeral Program Template
Christi Anderson
Funeral programs are one of the most cherished pieces of memorial stationery. They guide attendees through the order of service, highlight the life story of the loved one, and serve as keepsakes long after the ceremony. Photos are perhaps the most powerful part of these programs because they allow family and friends to connect visually with treasured memories. Google Slides, while typically used for presentations, offers flexible design tools that make it possible to create and edit funeral program templates. Knowing how to insert and format photos in Google Slides ensures programs look professional, polished, and heartfelt. With guidance from the Funeral Program Site, families can design tributes that balance dignity, personalization, and ease of use.
Why Photos Are Important in Funeral Programs
A program without photos feels incomplete. Images do more than decorate the page; they:
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Celebrate Life: Showcase milestones, hobbies, and important memories.
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Offer Comfort: Provide visual reminders of happier times.
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Personalize the Tribute: Make the program unique to the individual.
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Enhance Keepsake Value: Turn a simple guide into a treasured memory piece.
Properly inserting photos ensures they complement the text and overall layout.
Step 1: Open the Funeral Program Template in Google Slides
Start by launching Google Slides and opening your template:
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Go to Google Slides and log into your account.
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Select your existing funeral program template or create a new project.
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Adjust page dimensions under File > Page Setup to match 8.5" x 11" or your preferred size.
This provides a foundation for inserting and formatting photos.
Step 2: Insert a Photo
To add a photo into the template:
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Click the slide where you want the image placed.
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Go to the top menu and select Insert > Image.
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Choose your source:
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Upload from computer.
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Google Drive.
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Google Photos.
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By URL.
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Once selected, the photo will appear on your slide, ready for customization.
Step 3: Resize and Position the Photo
To fit the image into your design:
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Resize: Drag the corner handles to adjust size while keeping proportions.
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Move: Drag the image to the desired location.
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Align: Use “Arrange > Align” for centering or equal spacing.
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Layering: Right-click and use “Order” to send photos behind or in front of text.
This ensures the image flows naturally with the layout.
Step 4: Replace Placeholder Images
If your template includes placeholders:
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Click the placeholder image.
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Choose Replace Image from the toolbar.
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Upload or select the desired photo.
This keeps the formatting intact while updating content quickly.
Step 5: Enhance with Formatting Tools
Google Slides provides several tools to polish photos:
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Crop: Trim images to remove distractions.
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Shape Masks: Crop photos into circles, ovals, or custom shapes.
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Adjustments: Modify brightness, contrast, and transparency.
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Borders: Add thin lines or decorative accents around images.
These tools allow photos to look elegant and professional.
Step 6: Save and Share
Once your photos are in place:
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Save: Google Slides autosaves, but you can create a duplicate for each new program.
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Export: Download as a PDF for professional printing.
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Share: Send the link to family members or collaborators for real-time editing.
Templates from the Funeral Program Site are designed with photo integration in mind, ensuring polished results both digitally and in print.
Personalization Ideas
Families can enhance programs by:
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Creating collages of childhood, adulthood, and family moments.
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Adding faded background images for subtle effects.
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Pairing photos with scripture, quotes, or poems.
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Using themed borders that reflect hobbies or faith.
These ideas help ensure the photos tell a complete story.
Final Thoughts
Adding photos in Google Slides is a simple yet powerful way to transform a funeral program into a meaningful keepsake. With intuitive tools for inserting, replacing, and enhancing images, families can create designs that are both professional and heartfelt.
For expertly crafted templates and compassionate guidance, the Funeral Program Site remains the trusted source. Its layouts ensure photos integrate seamlessly, helping every program reflect love, dignity, and remembrance.
About the Author
Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site and an author dedicated to helping families create meaningful memorials. With years of experience in funeral stationery and personalized tributes, she has guided thousands of families through the process of honoring their loved ones with dignity. Explore her books and resources on her Amazon Author Page.