To make a copy of a picture in Google Slides, click the image and press Ctrl + D (Cmd + D on Mac) to duplicate it in place, or Ctrl + C then Ctrl + V to paste it on the same or another slide, even in another presentation. Right-clicking the image also offers Copy and Duplicate. Saving the image to your computer is less direct: Slides has no “Save image as”, so download the slide as a PNG or JPEG, or save the picture to Keep and download it from there.
Quick Answer
Select the picture > Ctrl + D to duplicate, or Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V to copy it elsewhere.
Steps to Copy a Picture
- Click the picture to select it.
- Press Ctrl + D to create a duplicate slightly offset from the original.
- Or press Ctrl + C, go to another slide or presentation, and press Ctrl + V.
- Drag the copy into place, or use Arrange > Align to line it up.
- To copy it with its crop and effects, copy the image itself rather than taking a screenshot.
Ways to Copy or Save an Image
| Goal | How |
|---|---|
| Duplicate on the same slide | Ctrl + D, or Edit > Duplicate |
| Copy to another slide or deck | Ctrl + C, then Ctrl + V |
| Save the image to your computer | Right-click > Save to Keep, then download from Keep |
| Save the whole slide as a picture | File > Download > PNG or JPEG |
| Copy a whole slide | Right-click the thumbnail > Duplicate slide |
Troubleshooting
- Paste doesn’t work in another app: Some browsers limit image clipboard access; download the slide as PNG instead.
- Copy loses transparency: See adjusting image transparency in Slides.
- Swap a picture but keep its size: See replacing an image in Google Slides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does duplicating keep animations?
Duplicated objects generally keep formatting; check the Animation panel as animations may need adding again.
Can I copy images from someone else’s view-only deck?
The owner may have disabled copying. Ask them for the file or permission.
Is there a limit to copies?
No practical limit, but many large images can slow the deck down.
Summary
- Select the image.
- Ctrl + D to duplicate.
- Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V to copy elsewhere.
- Download the slide or use Keep to save it.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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