# Images in an Excalidraw scene

Images can be placed directly into a scene, which is useful for annotating a screenshot or dropping a logo into a wireframe.

The image data is stored with the diagram, so the scene is self-contained and does not depend on an external URL.

![Screenshot 2026-09-07 at 09.53.45.png](https://help.gocapable.com/images/a2de6937-f13a-4496-864e-fc8db84bb217.webp)

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## What this is for

* Annotating a screenshot.
* Wireframes that include real product imagery.
* Workshop boards built around a photo of a whiteboard.

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## How it works

| **Action**   | **How**                                                            |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Add an image | Press 9, or drag an image file onto the canvas, or paste one.      |
| Resize       | Drag a corner. Hold Shift to keep the aspect ratio.                |
| Crop         | Double-click the image to enter crop mode.                         |
| Storage      | Image data is stored with the diagram, so the scene stands alone.  |
| Lock         | Lock a background image so you can draw over it without moving it. |

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## A few things that catch people out

* Large images make the diagram large. Resize before importing if the file is enormous.
* The image travels with the diagram, so anyone who can see the diagram can see the image.
* Lock a background screenshot immediately. It saves a great deal of accidental dragging.

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## Related

[Excalidraw keyboard shortcutsTools on the number row.](https://help.gocapable.com/diagrams/excalidraw-keyboard-shortcuts.html)

[Save an Excalidraw diagramHow the scene is stored, and how to go back.](https://help.gocapable.com/diagrams/save-an-excalidraw-diagram.html)

[Excalidraw editorBack to the editor overview.](https://help.gocapable.com/diagrams/excalidraw-editor.html)

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_Rough on purpose._