fix error when transposing an url link into an image

Annabella Bucuresti 0 Reputation points
2026-11-04T11:03:35.6533333+00:00

My file contains url link and I want to create an image based on a url address in the next column, but it has an error. Initially it appears Busy with a rehresh button, but it dissapears and remains #value with error. How can I fix this error?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows
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  1. Igihozo Gady 80 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-04T11:43:52.8+00:00

    Hello @Annabella,

    Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

    To better understand why Excel returns the #VALUE! error when using the IMAGE function, could you please clarify the following:

    1. What exact formula are you using to display the images (for example, =IMAGE(A2))?
    2. Are the image URLs direct links to image files (such as .jpg or .png), or are they links to webpages containing images?
    3. Which version of Microsoft Excel are you using (for example: Microsoft 365, Excel 2021, or Excel 2024)?

    If possible, please also share a sample URL directly here in the thread?

    This information will help me identify the cause of the error and provide the appropriate troubleshooting steps.

    Best regards.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-04T11:03:52.2333333+00:00

    If the image is being created from a URL in Excel, #VALUE! is expected in these cases:

    • the image file format is not supported
    • the source value is not a text string
    • the IMAGE function arguments are invalid
    • the URL requires authentication
    • the URL is redirected

    Use this checklist:

    1. Make sure the source cell contains a plain text URL.
      • If source is not a string, Excel returns #VALUE!.
    2. Check the IMAGE formula arguments.
      • sizing must be between 0 and 3.
      • If sizing is 3, both height and width must be provided and must be greater than 0.
      • If sizing is 0, 1, or 2, do not provide height or width.
    3. Verify the image URL itself.
      • If the URL requires sign-in, the image will not render.
      • If the URL redirects, Excel blocks it for security reasons.
      • If the image format is unsupported, Excel returns #VALUE!.
    4. If the URL is long, avoid pasting a long browser address directly.
      • Copy the image link, paste it into a cell, and reference that cell in the formula, for example: =IMAGE(F10).
    5. If the issue is actually from TRANSPOSE, enter it correctly.
      • In Excel for Microsoft 365, enter the formula in the top-left output cell and press ENTER so the result spills.
      • In older Excel versions without dynamic arrays, select the full output range first, then enter the formula and press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER.

    If the formula is combining TRANSPOSE with image URLs, first confirm the transposed result is a valid text URL in the destination cell, then apply IMAGE to that value.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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