Document Editing Problems

How to Fix OneNote Pictures Showing as File Names Instead of Inline Images

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants images inserted into OneNote to display directly on the page (inline) instead of appearing as file names or attachment icons.

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Android, Web, PC
Scenario: Inserting images into a OneNote notebook page for direct viewing and annotation.
Observed behavior: Inserted images appear as filenames or attachment icons rather than inline pictures, requiring the user to click them to open the image in another application.

Before you start

Verify whether your image is in a standard format (such as JPG or PNG) and ensure you have edit permissions for the OneNote page you are working on.

Solution 1Recommended

Insert as a Picture Instead of a File Attachment

The primary reason images show as icons is that they were inserted as generic file attachments rather than picture elements. Changing the insertion method resolves this.

When you use the 'Insert File' command (often represented by a paperclip icon), OneNote treats the image like any other document data, storing it as an attachment. To render the image directly on the page, you must explicitly tell OneNote to treat it as a picture.

Open the Insert Menu

Navigate to the OneNote page where you want to add the image. On a PC or Web, click the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon. On Android, tap the page to bring up the formatting toolbar.

Select the Pictures Option

Avoid clicking the 'File' or 'File Attachment' (paperclip) icon. Instead, click or tap the 'Pictures' or 'Camera' icon specifically designed for image insertion.

Choose and Insert Your Image

Browse your device's gallery or file explorer for the image file. Select it and confirm. The image will now render inline on your OneNote page instead of showing as a file name.

Understanding Attachments: If you have already inserted images as file attachments, you cannot directly toggle them into inline pictures. You must delete the attachment icon and re-insert the image using the 'Pictures' method.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document and Image Editing

If you frequently encounter formatting and attachment complexities with Microsoft Office applications, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible environment where inserting and managing inline images works flawlessly across all devices.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Create a New Document: Open WPS Writer to start a new document for your notes and text editing.
3. Insert Your Image: Go to the Insert tab on the top ribbon, click Picture, and choose your image to display it perfectly inline without extra steps.

Free and lightweight Office suite for everyday tasksPerfect format compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPointInsert and format inline images effortlessly without attachment errorsCross-platform support for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my PDFs show as attachments instead of printouts in OneNote?

Similar to images, if you insert a PDF using the 'File Attachment' option, it attaches as an icon. To see the actual pages inline, you need to use the 'File Printout' option under the Insert menu.

Does the insertion method differ on OneNote for Android compared to PC?

The underlying concept is the same, but the interface differs. On Android, you must tap the camera or picture icon on the keyboard toolbar, avoiding the generic file attachment paperclip icon.

What image formats are supported for inline viewing?

Standard image formats like JPG, PNG, and GIF are fully supported for inline viewing when inserted correctly as pictures. Proprietary or uncommon formats might default to file attachments if OneNote cannot render them.

Document & File Issues