How to Position Multiple Images in Google Docs Using API in Laravel

[aroberts]

I’m working on a Laravel project where I need to create a Google Document and insert several images. The main issue I’m facing is that I can’t control where the images appear in the document. When I try to use ‘offsetX’ and ‘offsetY’ properties to set custom positions for the images, I get an error saying these fields don’t exist.

The error message I’m getting:

Invalid JSON payload received. Unknown name "offsetX" at 'requests[0].insert_inline_image.object_size': Cannot find field

Here’s my current code:

public function generateDocumentWithImages(Request $request) 
{
    $googleClient = new Google_Client();
    $googleClient->setAuthConfig('../config/google/credentials.json');
    $googleClient->setApplicationName('Document Creator');
    $googleClient->setScopes([\Google_Service_Docs::DOCUMENTS,\Google_Service_Drive::DRIVE]);

    $docsService = new \Google_Service_Docs($googleClient);

    $newDocument = new Google_Service_Docs_Document(array(
        'title' => "Sample Document"
    ));
    $createdDoc = $docsService->documents->create($newDocument);
    $docId = $createdDoc->documentId;

    $imageRequests[] = new Google_Service_Docs_Request(array(
        'insertInlineImage' => array(
            'uri' => 'https://example.com/sample-image.png',
            'location' => array(
                'index' => 1,
            ),
            'objectSize' => array(
                'height' => array(
                    'magnitude' => 100,
                    'unit' => 'PT',
                ),
                'width' => array(
                    'magnitude' => 100,
                    'unit' => 'PT',
                )
            )
        )
    ));

    $batchRequest = new Google_Service_Docs_BatchUpdateDocumentRequest(array(
        'requests' => $imageRequests
    ));
    
    $result = $docsService->documents->batchUpdate($docId, $batchRequest);
   
    return response()->json([
        'success' => true,
        'document_id' => $docId,
    ]); 
}

What’s the correct way to position images when inserting them into Google Docs? Are there alternative methods to control image placement?

[SwiftCoder15]

Google Docs API doesn’t do absolute positioning like offsetX/offsetY - documents use flow-based layouts, not fixed positioning. The standard insertInlineImage method won’t give you what you need.

I’ve run into this before. Your best bet is using tables for layout control. Create a table structure and drop images into specific cells - gives you way better positioning than inline images. Another trick I use: insert text placeholders or empty paragraphs first, then replace them with images where you want them.

For precise layouts, try generating the document as HTML with your image positions set, then convert to Google Docs format. This worked much better for me than fighting the native API. The API’s built for document flow, not desktop publishing layouts.

[AdventurousHiker17]

Yeah, Google Docs API is super limited here. You can’t position images like Photoshop - everything follows text flow. I work around it by adding paragraph breaks and using text alignment to push images left or right. Sometimes I’ll throw in invisible text spacers before images to fake positioning. It’s hacky but works for most layouts.

[Neo_Stars]

Google Docs API treats images as inline elements that flow with text - that’s why you can’t use offsetX and offsetY positioning. I ran into this same issue last year on a report generation project. Here’s what actually worked: manipulate the document structure instead of trying to position images absolutely. I created multiple paragraphs with specific text, then inserted images at calculated index positions within those paragraphs. You can also use paragraph styles and alignment to control where images land. Another trick - pre-calculate text lengths and insert images at strategic document indices. Just remember the document index changes as you add content, so factor that into your next insertions. Batch all your requests and calculate final positions upfront rather than inserting images one at a time.