In Excel when trying to add picture to Header I get Bad Request - Request Too Long

[DennisBible]

In page layout view in Excel when I try to add a picture in the header I get this error message. How do I fix this?

[#2]

@DennisBible 

The "Bad Request - Request Too Long" error typically occurs when the size of the image you're trying to add to the header exceeds Excel's capacity to handle it. To fix this issue, you can try the following solutions:

1. Reduce Image Size: Resize or compress the image you're trying to add to the header. Large images can cause Excel to struggle, especially when placed in headers or footers. Use an image editing tool to reduce the file size of the image before inserting it into Excel.
2. Use a Smaller Image: Instead of using a high-resolution or large-sized image, try using a smaller image with lower dimensions. This will help reduce the file size and may prevent the error from occurring.
3. Optimize Image Format: Use an optimized image format such as JPEG or PNG instead of formats like BMP or TIFF, which tend to result in larger file sizes. JPEG and PNG formats provide good image quality with smaller file sizes.
4. Insert Image as a Picture: Instead of inserting the image directly into the header, try inserting it as a picture within the worksheet. You can then resize and position the picture as needed, and copy it into the header afterwards. To do this, go to the "Insert" tab, click on "Pictures", select your image, and then position it on the worksheet.
5. Check Excel Version and Limits: Ensure that you're using the latest version of Excel and that you're not exceeding any limits imposed by Excel on the size of headers or the total file size. Older versions of Excel may have stricter limitations on the size of images that can be inserted into headers.
6. Consider Alternative Approaches: If none of the above solutions work, consider using alternative approaches such as inserting a smaller version of the image or using a different design element for the header, such as shapes or text boxes.

By implementing these solutions, you should be able to resolve the "Bad Request - Request Too Long" error when trying to add a picture to the header in Excel.

If none of these steps help you, I recommend adding more information to your topic. Information such as Excel version, operating system, storage medium, file extension, etc.

In this link you will find some more information about it:

Welcome to your Excel discussion space!

The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.

My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

Hope this will help you.

Was the answer useful? Mark as best response and Like it!

This will help all forum participants.

[#3]

@NikolinoDE  It has something to do with the experiences that download online content under privacy apparently. It wont give me a chance to even try to put a picture in if that is turned on. If I turn it off, it will let me choose to work offline and pick a picture on my local drive. I don't know if its a software issue or if there is some way to fix it locally.

[#4]

@DennisBible 

Please check this Cannot add image to Header in Excel - Bad Request error - Microsoft Community Hub thread if helps.

[#5]

@DennisBible 

The suggested solution of disabling the "Turn on optional connected experiences" option in Excel's privacy settings (File > Options > General > Privacy Settings) from Mr. Sergei Baklan  can indeed be another effective workaround for the issue of adding pictures to the header in Excel.

By disabling this option, you're essentially preventing Excel from accessing online content or services that may be causing conflicts or triggering the "Bad Request - Request Too Long" error when trying to insert a picture into the header.

Once you have successfully inserted the picture into the header, you can then turn the option back on if you wish to enable connected experiences in Excel again.

But if this workaround doesn't help either, then you could also try these steps:

1. Check Privacy Settings:
• Go to the Excel settings or options menu.
• Look for privacy settings or options related to downloading online content.
• If there's an option to disable or adjust settings for downloading online content, try turning it off or adjusting it to see if it resolves the issue.
2. Work Offline:
• If the privacy settings prevent you from downloading online content, consider working offline instead.
• Save the Excel file to your local drive.
• Insert the picture from your local drive rather than downloading it from an online source.
3. Update Software:
• Ensure that your Excel software is up to date. Sometimes, software updates include fixes for known issues or bugs.
4. Check for Software Conflicts:
• If you have any third-party security software or browser extensions installed, try disabling them temporarily to see if they're causing conflicts with Excel.
5. Try a Different User Account:
• If possible, try logging into a different user account on your computer and see if you encounter the same issue. This can help determine if the issue is specific to your user account or system-wide.