How to Add an Image in QGIS

Updated on:

June 8, 2026

By:

Use this interactive demo to learn how to import a raster image into your QGIS project.

Quick summary

Adding an image in QGIS requires using the Add Raster Layer option under the Layer menu to load georeferenced files in formats like .tif, .jpg, or .png directly onto the map canvas.

Steps

Go to the top menu and click Layer, then select Add Layer and choose Add Raster Layer.
In the new window, click the Browse button ("...") and select your file in .tif, .jpg, or .png format.
Click the Add button to load the selected image into QGIS.
The image will appear in the Layers Panel and on the map canvas.

📌 Why this matters

QGIS is a leading open-source GIS platform used by analysts, planners, and researchers to visualize spatial data. Knowing how to add a raster image — such as a satellite photo, scanned map, or aerial photograph — is a foundational skill that enables users to overlay real-world imagery with vector data for accurate geospatial analysis. Supporting formats like .tif, .jpg, and .png makes the workflow flexible for a wide range of data sources. Mastering this step unlocks richer, more informative map outputs in any GIS project.

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