Google Docs and Slides make it easy to paste images, but pasted originals can make a document slow. A few full-resolution photos or screenshots can turn a simple deck into a heavy file that lags during editing and takes longer to share.

The fix is to prepare images before inserting them. Resize photos to the size they will appear on the page or slide, choose the right format and compress enough that the document stays responsive.

For full-slide images, export close to the slide resolution. For small screenshots inside a document, do not insert a full desktop capture if only one dialog matters. Crop first, then resize. This keeps text readable while reducing unused pixels.

Use PNG for screenshots with text and UI lines. Use JPG for photos. If a transparent logo needs to sit on a colored slide, keep it as PNG instead of converting to JPG.

Insert the optimized image, then view the document or slide at the size your audience will use. A chart label that looks fine in the editor may be too small when projected or viewed on a laptop.

Keep the source images outside the document. If the deck later needs a different layout, you can regenerate images cleanly rather than stretching compressed copies.