Word documents with pictures


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Step-by-step guide to inserting pictures in Word


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Whether you’re working on a hefty research project or a friendly holiday greeting card, adding images to your Word document can really add value to your project. Whether you want to insert a picture from your computer or find one online, it’s easy to add photos in Word. This wikiHow teaches you how to insert an image into a Microsoft Word document using Windows, a Mac, and the free web version of Word.

Things You Should Know

  • Use the Insert tab on Windows, Mac, and the web app to add a picture.
  • Select Pictures > This Device to use an image on your computer.
  • Click the image to resize and reformat it.
  1. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 1

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    Click the place in your document where you want to insert the picture. Word’s insertion cursor, a vertical blinking bar, will appear at this point. When you insert the image, its bottom-left corner will be at this point.

    • This method works for all modern versions of Word beginning with Word 2016. You can also use it as a guide for earlier versions of Windows, although there will be fewer tools and features.
    • Changing the background is done through a different method, using the Design tab.
  2. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 2

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    Click the Insert tab. It’s near the top of Word between «Home» and «Draw» (or «Home» and «Design» in some versions).

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  3. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 3

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    Click the Pictures tool. It’s in the «Illustrations» section of the toolbar running along the top of Word. Some location options will appear. If you’re using Word 2019 or later, a menu will expand. If you’re using Word 2016 or earlier, your file browser will appear.

  4. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 4

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    Select the type of image you want to insert. You can choose an image on your computer, a stock image from Microsoft, or an image from the internet.

    • Word 2019 or later:
      • Click This Device if the picture is on your computer.
      • Click Stock Images to select a free stock image from Microsoft’s collection.
      • Click Online Pictures to use Bing’s image search to find photos on the web.
      • If the photo is on your OneDrive, select Online Pictures and click OneDrive at the bottom-left corner.
    • Word 2016:
      • If the picture is on your computer, simply navigate to it in the file browser.
      • If you want to search for a photo online or insert one from Facebook, Flickr, or your OneDrive, close the file browser and click the Online Pictures icon next to the «Pictures» in the toolbar. You can then select an image from Bing image search, Flickr, or Facebook.
      • If the picture is on your OneDrive, click Online Pictures instead of Pictures and click Browse next to «OneDrive.»
  5. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 5

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    Select the image you want to insert. When you find the picture, click it once to select it.

    • If you’re selecting from stock images or online images, you can click multiple pictures to add more than one.
    • If you’re choosing files from your computer and want to add more than one picture, hold the Ctrl button down as you click each image.
  6. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 6

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    Click Insert. It’ll be near the bottom-right corner of the window no matter where you’ve selected your image(s). You’re done! Continue to the next steps for formatting information, or print the document when you’re ready.

  7. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 7

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    Resize the picture. If you want to change the picture’s size, click it once to select it, and then drag any of the corner circles in or out.[1]

    • You can also specify the size if you want. Double-click the picture to open the Picture Format tab at the top, and then set your desired measurements next to «Height» and «Width.»
  8. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 8

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    Use the curved arrow at the top of the picture to rotate it. It’s above the dot at the top-center part of the picture. To rotate, place the mouse cursor over the curved arrow, and then click and drag the cursor left or right until you’re satisfied.

  9. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 9

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    Double-click the picture to access more editing tools. This opens the «Picture Format» (2019 and later) or «Format» (2016) tab at the top of Word. On this tab, you can:

    • In the «Arrange» panel in the top-right area, click Wrap Text to choose how to situate the picture in blocks of text. You can also set alignment preferences here. Wrapping the text is a good way to get your document formatted exactly the way you want.
    • To crop the picture, click the Crop tool in the «Size» panel at the top-right corner.
    • The «Adjust» panel near the top-left corner has additional tools for background removal, color effects, and corrections.
    • To add a border or effect around the picture, select one of the «Picture Styles» at the center of the Format bar, or choose any of the other options in the section to have more control over the style.
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  1. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 10

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    Click the place in your document where you’d like to insert a picture. This places the cursor at that location.

  2. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 11

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    Click the Insert tab. It’s at the top of Word between the «Home» and «Design» or «Home» and «Draw» tabs.

  3. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 12

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    Click the Pictures icon. It’s on the toolbar that runs along the top of Word. Look for an icon of a green mountain with a yellow sun between «Tables» and «Shapes.»

  4. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 13

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    Click Photo Browser or Picture from File. If you want to browse images in your Mac’s Photos app, use Photo Browser. To select an image file using Finder, choose Picture from File.

  5. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 14

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    Insert the picture into the document. If you’re using the Photo Browser option, simply drag the photo into your document. If you’re using Picture from File, select the image and click Insert.

  6. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 15

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    Resize the picture. If you want to increase or reduce the picture’s size, click the image to select it, and then do one of the following:

    • To maintain the picture’s proportions so it doesn’t stretch or warp, hold down the Shift key as you drag any of the sizing handles (the circles) inward or outward.[2]
    • To keep the image’s center in place as you resize, hold down the Option key as you drag the handles.
    • You can also specify a size. Double-click the Picture to open the Picture Format tab, then enter your desired measurements next to «Height» and «Width.»
  7. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 16

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    Drag the curved arrow at the top of the picture to rotate it. It’s above the dot at the top-center edge of the picture. Just place the mouse cursor over the curved arrow, and then click and drag it left or right until it’s correct.

  8. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 17

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    Double-click the picture to access more editing tools. This opens the «Picture Format» tab at the top of Word, which has a bunch of editing features, including the ability to remove the background and add styles.

    • Click Corrections near the top-left corner to correct lighting and color problems.
    • Click Artistic Effects to play around with filters, and Transparency to make the picture more see-through.
    • To crop the picture, click the Crop tool next to the height and width controls.
    • Click Wrap Text to choose how to situate the picture in blocks of text, and use Align and Position to ensure correct placement.
    • Click Quick Styles to choose pre-styled borders, shadows, and other options.
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  1. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 18

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    Click the place in your document where you’d like to insert a picture. This places the cursor at that location.

    • If it’s your first time using Office Online on the web, go to https://www.office.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and select Word to get started.
  2. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 19

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    Click Insert. This opens the Insert tab.

  3. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 20

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    Click Pictures. This opens a drop down options menu.

  4. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 21

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    Select a picture type. There are four options to choose from:

    • This Device — choose a picture on your computer
    • OneDrive — choose an image from your OneDrive
    • Stock Images — insert a stock image or sticker
    • Bing Pictures — search Bing for an image
  5. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 22

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    Select an image. If you choose the This Device option, you’ll be prompted to select an image from your computer. Click it to select it.

  6. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 23

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    Click Open. This is in the bottom right corner of the image selection window. This will confirm your selected image and insert it into the document.

  7. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 24

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    Resize the picture. If you want to change the picture’s size, click it once to select it, and then drag any of the corner circles in or out.

    • You can also specify the size if you want. Double-click the picture to open the Picture tab at the top, and then set your desired measurements next to «Height» and «Width.»
  8. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 25

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    Use the curved arrow at the top of the picture to rotate it. It’s above the dot at the top-center part of the picture. To rotate, place the mouse cursor over the curved arrow, and then click and drag the cursor left or right until you’re satisfied.

  9. Image titled Add Images to a Microsoft Word Document Step 26

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    Double-click the picture to access more editing tools. This opens the «Picture» tab at the top of the Word web app. On this tab, you can:

    • In the «Arrange» panel in the top-right area, click Wrap Text to choose how to situate the picture in blocks of text. You can also set alignment preferences here.
    • To crop the picture, click the Crop tool in the «Image Size» panel at the top-right corner.
    • To add a border or effect around the picture, select one of the «Picture Styles» at the center of the bar, or choose any of the other options in the section to have more control over the style.
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Add New Question

  • Question

    How do I take screenshots?

    Community Answer

    On a Mac, shift command 3 to screenshot the whole screen. If you want to take a screenshot of a certain area on the screen, press shift command 4. On a Windows PC, press control and print screen at the same time, then you can paste the image into Paint or Microsoft Word.

  • Question

    When I insert several photos on an age in a Word document, the photos often won’t stay in place. How do I stop the photos from bumping each other around?

    Community Answer

    You can right-click the image, hold the cursor over the «Wrap Text» menu option, and select an option from the list that is NOT «In Line with Text» (usually selected by default), such as «Tight» or «Behind/In Front of Text.» Then you should be able to move the image freely around the page.

  • Question

    How do I format images in a Word document?

    Community Answer

    Try double-tapping the photo. A photo format menu should come up on the right side.

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Video

  • Adding photos to your Word document increases its size.

  • Other photo modification features available in newer versions of Microsoft Word include the ability to add borders, cutout styles, shadows, beveled edges, glows, and drop shadows.

  • When you crop a picture, the actual cropped part of the picture is hidden, not removed; unless you check the «Delete Cropped Areas of Pictures» box in the «Compression Settings» dialog box. Any compressed pictures with their cropped areas deleted cannot be restored to their original appearance.

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About This Article

Article SummaryX

1. Click the place you want to insert the image.
2. Click the Insert tab.
3. Click Pictures.
4. Choose a location.
5. Select the image and click Insert.
6. Double-click the picture to open editing and format tools.

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 650,440 times.

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This tutorial shows how to insert images in Microsoft Word. We will also look at how to resize images, align images with the text, and add a border.

Quick Links:

  • How to Insert an Image
  • How to Resize an Image
  • How to Align an Image with the Text
  • How to Add a Border to an Image

Do you want to insert shapes instead of images? Please see “How to Insert and Modify Shapes in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac).”

This tutorial is also available as a YouTube video showing all the steps in real time.

Watch more than 200 other writing-related software tutorials on my YouTube channel.

The images below are from Word for Microsoft 365. These steps also apply to Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013. However, the stock image options will be limited in those older versions of the software.

  1. Place your cursor where you want to insert the image. (This is an approximate placement. You can change the alignment with the text after inserting the images, as shown in the section below.)
  2. Select the Insert tab in the ribbon.

Insert tab in Word 365

Figure 1. Insert tab
  1. Select the Pictures button in the Illustrations group.

Pictures button in Word 365

Figure 2. Pictures button
  1. Select the location of the image from the Insert Picture From menu:
    • This Device lets you choose an image stored on your computer or network server.
    • Stock Images lets you choose stock images, icons, cutout people, stickers, and illustrations. The full stock image library is only available to users signed into Word for Microsoft 365.
    • Online Pictures lets you search for images through Bing, Microsoft’s search engine. This option also provides a link to OneDrive.

Insert Picture From menu in Word 365

Figure 3. Insert Picture From menu

For this tutorial, we will insert an image stored on the device.

  1. (For “This Device” option only) Locate the image in the Insert Picture dialog box.

Insert Picture dialog box in Word 365

Figure 4. Insert Picture dialog box
  1. Select the Insert button.

Insert Picture dialog box Insert button in Word 365

Figure 5. Insert button

Your image should now appear in your Word document.

How to Resize an Image in Microsoft Word

  1. Select the image. A border with resizing handles will appear when the image is selected.
  2. Select one of the resizing handles and then drag the image to a new size.

Pro Tip: Choose a corner handle to maintain the image’s current shape.

Image with resizing handles in Word 365

Figure 6. Image with resizing handles

Optional Steps: How to Rotate an Image in Microsoft Word

  1. Select the image.
  2. Select the rotation handle at the top of the border.
  3. Rotate the image to the left or right.

Image rotation handle in Word 365

Figure 7. Image rotation handle

How to Align an Image with the Text in Microsoft Word

  1. Select the image.
  2. Select the Layout Options button.

Layout Options button in Word 365

Figure 8. Layout Options button
  1. Select an option from the layout menu:
    1. In Line with Text
    2. Square
    3. Tight
    4. Through
    5. Top and Bottom
    6. Behind Text
    7. In Front of Text

The visual effectiveness of each option will depend on the size of your image and the density of your text. So, you may need to experiment with several options to find the one most suited to your content.

Layout Options menu in Word 365

Figure 9. Layout Options menu

Pro Tip: If you select an option other than In Line with Text, you can select and “grab” the image, and then move it almost anywhere in the document.

How to Add a Border to an Image in Microsoft Word

  1. Select the image.
  2. Select the Picture Format tab in the ribbon. (This tab only appears when an image is selected.)

Picture Format tab in Word 365

Figure 10. Picture Format tab

From here, you can add a built-in border or edge effect or manually create a border.

How to Add a Built-In Border or Edge Effect to an Image

  1. Select the bottom menu arrow in the Picture Styles group.

Picture Styles menu arrow in Word 365

Figure 11. Picture Styles menu arrow
  1. Select a frame or other edge effect from the Picture Styles menu.

Picture Styles menu in Word 365

Figure 12. Picture Styles menu

Your new border or edge effect should appear immediately.

Image with built-in border in Word 365

Figure 13. Image with built-in border

How to Add a Manual Border to an Image

  1. Select Picture Border in the Picture Styles group.

Picture Border button in Word 365

Figure 14. Picture Border button
  1. Select a color from the drop-down menu.

Picture border colors in Word 365

Figure 15. Picture border colors
  1. Reselect Picture Border, select Weight, and then choose a line thickness.

Border weight menu in Word 365

Figure 16. Weight menu
  1. Reselect Picture Border, select Dashes, and then choose a line style.

Border Dashes menu in Word 365

Figure 17. Dashes menu

Your new manual border should appear immediately.

Image with manual border in Word 365

Figure 18. Image with manual border

Documents with a lot of images can negatively affect Word’s performance. If you notice Word reacting slowing, please see “How to Make Microsoft Word Faster by Hiding Images.”

Related Resources

How to Write Figure Captions for Graphs, Charts, Photos, Drawings, and Maps

How to Insert Figure Captions and Table Titles in Microsoft Word

How to Change the Style of Table Titles and Figure Captions in Microsoft Word

How to Update Table and Figure Numbers in Microsoft Word

How to Save Tables and Figures as Images in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

Updated February 20, 2023

Some documents have digital photographs and images created and saved in other programs that make documents entertaining or convey information better than words. These types of images are referred to as pictures.

Insert an image

To insert a picture in a Word document, on the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click the Pictures button, then choose the option you prefer:

Pictures in Word 365

  • Select This Device to choose an image stored on the local computer, laptop, shared locations, or network server:

    Insert Pictures in Word 365

    Select an image in the Insert Picture dialog box and click the Insert button.

  • Select Stock Images to choose Stock Images, Icons, Cutout People, Stickers, and Illustrations from the stock image library:

    Stock Images in Word 365

    Select one or several objects (see the number near the Insert label) and click the Insert button.

  • Select Online Pictures to find and insert images from Bing, Microsoft’s search engine, or OneDrive:

    Online Pictures in Word 365

    Select one or a few objects (see the number near the Insert label) and click the Insert button.

Note: Another option is to insert the image as a linked object that creates a link between the document and the external image but does not embed the image in the Word document. Using linked objects can help minimize the file size of the final document while preserving images, photographs, and other objects that can take up storage space. However, if image files are not available when you open a Word document, the images are not displayed. This option is not recommended to create documents distributed to other users, as they may not access the images.

When you click on a picture, Word shows the Picture Format tab:

Picture Format tab in Word 365

Using features from that tab, you can:

  • Adjust picture characteristics:
    • Remove the background by designating either the areas you want to keep or those you want to remove
    • Sharpen, soften, and adjust the brightness of images for better printing or on-screen presentation
    • Apply different color masks to achieve antiquing, sepia tone, grayscale, and a variety of other color effects
    • Choose one of 23 special effects, such as pencil sketch, blurring, charcoal sketch, paint strokes, and others
    • Apply effects such as shadows, reflections, and borders; or apply combinations of these effects
    • Choose a picture transparency
    • Compress the pictures in the document
  • Format picture by using predefined picture styles or choosing some of the proposed features such as shape and orientation, borders, and other effects
  • Arrange the picture to specify its relationship to the page and other elements on the page
  • Crop the parts of the picture or crop the picture to a shape
  • Resize, scale, and rotate the picture by using its sizing handles or appropriate fields in the Layout dialog box (see below)
  • Position the object in any of several predefined locations on the page
  • Specify how other text should wrap around the object.

Resize an image

To resize a picture, select it and do one of the following:

  • On the Picture Format tab, in the Size group, change the Height and Width for the picture in the appropriate fields:

    Size in Picture Format Word 365

  • Click and drag the side sizing handles to stretch it horizontally or vertically:

    Side sizing handles in Word 365

Scale an image

To scale a picture, select it and do one of the following:

  • On the Picture Format tab, in the Size group, click the dialog box launcher:

    Size dialog box launcher in Picture Format Word 365

  • Click and drag one of the corner sizing handles to maintain the image’s current shape. The image will change size while keeping the same proportions:

    Corner sizing handles in Word 365

  • Open the Layout dialog box by one of the methods:
    • On the Picture Format tab, in the Size group, click the dialog box launcher.
    • Right-click the selected picture and choose Size and Position… in the popup menu:

    Size and Position in popup menu Word 365

In the Layout dialog box, on the Size tab, in the Scale section:

Layout dialog box in Word 365

  • Rescale the picture by changing the height and width percentages.
  • Select the Lock aspect ratio check box (selected by default) to scale the picture by height and width using the same percentage.

    Deselect the Lock aspect ratio check box to scale height and width separately.

  • Select the Relative to original picture size check box (selected by default) to scale the picture height and width as percentages of the original size.

    Note: See the picture’s original size in the Original size section.

Rotate an image

To rotate a picture, do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the rotation handle at the top of the border:

    Rotation handle in Word 365

  • Open the Layout dialog box by one of the methods:
    • On the Picture Format tab, in the Size group, click the dialog box launcher.
    • Right-click the selected picture and choose Size and Position… in the popup menu.

    In the Layout dialog box, on the Size tab, select or type a rotation in the Rotation field.

Hide and display images on the page

The picture can be hidden using the Selection pane (see how to open it). For example, Picture 6:

Selection pane in Word 365

To hide the picture, click the Showing icon View icon in Selection pane Word 365 to the right of the object name. After clicking that icon, it will change to a simple icon indicating that the object is Hidden Hidden icon in Selection pane Word 365 from view. To show the object once again, click the Hidden icon Hidden icon in Selection pane Word 365, and it will reappear.

Note: You can hide all images in the document by changing global Word options:

Hiding pictures in Word 365

See Hiding pictures for more details.

Copy the formatting

To copy the formatting of one picture to another picture, do the following:

   1.   Select the formatted picture, which formatting you need to copy.

   2.   On the Home tab, in the Clipboard group, click the Format Painter button:

Format Painter in Word 365

   3.   Click another picture to apply the color adjustments, color corrections, or picture style from the first picture.

Add an Alternative text for images

The Alternative text (Alt text) for pictures is a common requirement. By default, Word generates Alt text for all inserted pictures (see how to turn off that feature).

Alt text is:

  • Read aloud when a screen reader will encounter such an image.
  • Shown if there are some problems with displaying an image.

You can see the generated Alt text at the bottom of the object immediately after inserting it in a document:

Alt text of the pictures in Word 365
  or  
Alt text for inserted pictures in Word 365

To change or add Alt text to a picture, do the following:

   1.   Select the picture.

   2.   Open the Alt text pane by doing one of the following:

  • On the Picture Format tab, in the Accessibility group, click the Alt Text button:

    Alt Text in ribbon Word 365

  • Right-click and choose Edit Alt Text… in the popup menu:

    Alt Text in popup menu Word 365

  • On the Review tab, in the Accessibility group, click the Check Accessibility button, then choose Alt Text:

    Alt Text in Review Word 365

   3.   On the Alt Text pane:

Alt Text pane in Word 365

  • Modify or enter an Alt text you need.

    Alt text should briefly describe the purpose or content of the image, photo, icon, table, or equation. It is recommended to use no more than 15 words.

  • Select the Mark as decorative check box if the picture is purely decorative and does not provide helpful information for the document content.

Note: If the option for automatic generation of Alt text for pictures is turned on (see how to turn on and turn off that feature), after modifying a generated Alt text, you can regenerate it by clicking the Generate a description for me:

Generate a description for me in Alt Text pane Word 365

See also how to create picture captions.

Insert pictures

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  1. Do one of the following:

    • Select Insert > Pictures > This Device for a picture on your PC.

    • Select Insert > Pictures > Stock Images for high quality images or backgrounds.

    • Select Insert > PicturesOnline Pictures for a picture on the web.

    Tip: For a picture from your OneDrive, go to the drop-down list at the top left, and switch from Bing to OneDrive.
    Insert an online picture

  2. Select the picture you want, and then select Insert.

Resize or move pictures

  • To resize a picture, select the picture and drag a corner handle.

  • To wrap text around a picture, select the picture, and then select a wrapping option.

    Text wrapping menu next to a selected square shape

    Tip: Pick something other than In Line with Text, and you can move the picture around the page: select the picture and drag it.

What about EPS?

EPS files can no longer be inserted into Office documents. For details, see Support for EPS images has been turned off in Microsoft 365.

What do you want to do?

  1. Click the location in your document where you want to insert a picture.

  2. On the Insert tab, click Pictures.

    On the Insert tab, Picture from File is highlighted.

  3. Select the option you want to use for inserting pictures.

    The Photo Browser option helps you browse through existing photo sets on your computer, such as photos in iPhoto or Photo Booth. Picture from File lets you browse through your computer’s file structure to look for photos.

  4. When you find the picture you want, drag it from the Photo Browser into your document, or click Insert in the file browser.

    Tip: The picture is embedded in your document. If your picture has a large file size and makes your document too large, you can reduce the size of your document by linking to the picture instead of embedding it. In the Choose a Picture dialog box, select the Link to File box.

You can insert a picture or photo into the body of an email message, instead of attaching the file. Inserting a picture requires that your message uses HTML formatting. To set HTML formatting, select Options > HTML.

  1. In the body of your message, click where you want to add a picture.

  2. On the Message tab, click Pictures.

    The Pictures option is highlighted on the Message tab.

  3. Select the option you want to use for inserting pictures.

    The Photo Browser option helps you browse through existing photo sets on your computer, such as photos in iPhoto or Photo Booth. Picture from File lets you browse through your computer’s file structure to look for photos.

  4. When you find the picture you want, drag it from the Photo Browser into your document, or click Open in the file browser.

    Resize the picture, if necessary, by clicking one of the handles that surround the picture and dragging it. Click the handle at the top of the picture to rotate it.

    Image with resize handles highlighted

  1. Hold down CONTROL and click the picture, and then click Change Picture.

  2. Locate a new picture on your computer, and then click Insert.

See also

Crop a picture

Move, rotate, or group a picture, text box, or other object in Office for Mac

Change the size of a picture, shape, WordArt, or other object in Word 2016 for Mac

Control text wrapping around objects in Word 2016 for Mac

Pictures make documents more engaging and easier to understand.

Tip: To add pictures in Word for the web, first switch to Editing View by clicking Edit Document > Edit in Word for the web.

Edit in Word Online

Insert a picture

Do one of the following:

  • Insert a picture from my computer: On the Insert tab, click Picture, browse to, and select the picture you want, and click Open.

  • Insert a picture from the web: On the Insert tab, click Online Pictures, and in the Search Bing box, type a word that describes the picture you’re looking for, such as ‘cat’.

    Enter a description of the picture you're looking for.

Tip: You can also insert a picture by copying it (Ctrl + C) and pasting it (Ctrl + V) where you want.

Add style and formatting to a picture

When you insert a picture, Word for the web places the picture in your document and displays the Picture Tools ribbon with the Format tab.

On the Picture Tools Format tab

Tip: To open the Picture Tools ribbon anytime you’re in Editing View, select the picture.

  • To change the picture’s size, style, or to add alt text, on the Format tab choose the style options that you want to apply to the picture.

    Image of the Format options on the Picture Tools ribbon

Note: If you have Word 2013 or 2016 for Windows, you can do much more to fine-tune a picture: compress it, crop it, remove the background, apply artistic effects, control its position on the page, put it in front of or behind the text, trim it to a specific size, and control how text wraps around it. Click Open in Word to get started.

Need more help?

More than ever, pictures are critical to the effectiveness of your communication materials. With the image formatting and layout tools in Microsoft Word, it’s possible to add and manipulate pictures in your document—even if you’re a beginner.

Image for WordImage for WordImage for Word

Add, move, and format pictures in Word so you can communicate more effectively. (Image source: Envato Elements)

Starting with a Microsoft Word template makes it even easier. With a well-designed Word template, the positioning and formatting of pictures have already been done for you. All you’ve got to do is to drag your pictures into the image placeholders. 

Even if you’re using a template for Word, it’s good to know how to format pictures so you can make your document look exactly the way you want it to.

In this article, you’re going to see, step-by-step, how to work with pictures in Microsoft Word.

(Note: The screenshots below show Microsoft Word for Mac. The screens and steps may be slightly different if you’re using a different version of Word.)

How to Insert a Picture in Word

To add a picture to a Word document, click Insert > Pictures. From here, you’ve got three options:

1. Photo Browser

If you choose this option, you’ll be able to select an image from the existing photo sets on your computer. On a Mac, that includes photos in iPhoto and Photo Booth. When you find the picture you want to use, click on it, then drag it into the document.

Insert Picture in Word - Photo BrowserInsert Picture in Word - Photo BrowserInsert Picture in Word - Photo Browser

Use the Photo Browser to move a picture into Word.

2. Picture From File

This option lets you insert an image from another location on your computer. Find the image file, select it, then click Insert.

Insert Picture in Word - from FileInsert Picture in Word - from FileInsert Picture in Word - from File

Insert a picture from your computer in Word.

3. Online Pictures

Insert pictures in Word from the web by selecting Online Pictures…. This opens a Bing image search right inside your document. Type a keyword or phrase in the search bar.

Insert Picture in Word - Online PicturesInsert Picture in Word - Online PicturesInsert Picture in Word - Online Pictures

Move images into Word from the web. Be careful to follow copyright laws.

By default, the Creative Commons only filter is checked. Keep this selected to make sure you don’t violate any copyright laws. Click on the filter icon to filter the image results by other parameters. 

Filter Online Pictures - Microsoft WordFilter Online Pictures - Microsoft WordFilter Online Pictures - Microsoft Word

Use the Word Online Pictures option to find filter images from the Internet.

Select an image by clicking on it, then click Insert. You can select several images before clicking the Insert button. 

Insert Several Images at Once in Microsoft WordInsert Several Images at Once in Microsoft WordInsert Several Images at Once in Microsoft Word

You can select several pictures to add to a Word document.

Microsoft Word automatically includes the image attribution and license details as a caption.

Image Attribution and License Details - Microsoft WordImage Attribution and License Details - Microsoft WordImage Attribution and License Details - Microsoft Word

Word includes the image attribution and license details.

Note: While you can import many image formats into Word, the ones that work best are JPG and PNG.

How to Format Pictures in Word

After importing pictures into Word, you can apply different formatting settings to each Microsoft Word picture and control its appearance. Below are some of the most basic image formatting you can apply in Word:

1. Resize an Image

Resize a picture in two ways:

Resizing Method 1

Click on the picture. Press and hold the Shift key, then click and drag one of the sizing handles either towards or away from the center. 

Use the sizing handles to resize an imageUse the sizing handles to resize an imageUse the sizing handles to resize an image

Use the sizing handles to resize an image. (Image source: Envato Elements)

Holding the Shift key ensures that the proportion of the picture is retained. Otherwise, it would become distorted and your entire document will look amateurish. 

Resizing Method 2

This method allows you to resize the picture to a specific length or width. Click on the picture, then click on the Picture Format tab. Type the length or width you wish the image to have.

How to Resize Pictures in WordHow to Resize Pictures in WordHow to Resize Pictures in Word

Use the Picture Format tab to resize an image. (Image source: Envato Elements)

By default, the original proportion of the image is retained even when you change either the length or width of the image. Keep this checked to avoid distorting the image.

2. Rotate or Flip Images

To rotate an image, do so either manually or by a specific amount.

Manual Image Rotation

To rotate an image manually, click on the image to select it. Click on the rotation handle and drag it in the direction you want. 

Rotate Image in Microsoft WordRotate Image in Microsoft WordRotate Image in Microsoft Word

You can also rotate an image. (Image source: Envato Elements)

Flip or Rotate an Image By a Specific Amount

Rotate a picture by a specific amount. Click on the picture, then go to Picture Format > Rotate. From here, you’ve got the option to:

  • Rotate Right 90°
  • Rotate Left 90°
  • Flip Vertical
  • Flip Horizontal
  • Select More Rotation Options

To rotate a picture to an exact angle, choose Select More Rotation Options.

Microsoft Word - More Rotation OptionsMicrosoft Word - More Rotation OptionsMicrosoft Word - More Rotation Options

MS Word has several rotation options.

Type in the amount you wish to rotate the object, then click OK.

Microsoft Word - Rotate Picture by a Specific AngleMicrosoft Word - Rotate Picture by a Specific AngleMicrosoft Word - Rotate Picture by a Specific Angle

Define exactly how much you want to rotate an image.

How to Crop Photos in Word

If you’re wondering how to crop a picture in Microsoft Word, it’s not difficult. Follow the steps below to not only crop an image, but also to dress it up by cropping it to a shape or adding decorative borders:

1. Basic Image Cropping

To crop a picture, select the picture, then go to Picture Format > Crop > Crop

How to Crop a Picture in Microsoft WordHow to Crop a Picture in Microsoft WordHow to Crop a Picture in Microsoft Word

The cropping handles in MS Word are black. (Image source: Envato Elements)

Black cropping handles appear on the sides of the picture. From here:

  • Crop one side. Drag one side handle inward.
  • Crop two adjacent sides at the same time. Drag one corner inward.

Click outside the image to apply the crop.

2. Crop Image to a Shape

To crop the picture to a specific shape, select the picture. Go to Picture Format > Crop > Crop to Shape. Select a shape from the selection that appears.

How to Crop a Picture to a Shape in Microsoft Word How to Crop a Picture to a Shape in Microsoft Word How to Crop a Picture to a Shape in Microsoft Word

 Choose from many different shapes. (Image source: Envato Elements)

Click away from the picture to apply the new shape.

Picture Cropped to Cloud Shape in WordPicture Cropped to Cloud Shape in WordPicture Cropped to Cloud Shape in Word

It’s easy to crop an image to a shape in Microsoft Word (Image source: Envato Elements)

3. Frames and Borders

Borders are an easy way to dress up a picture in Microsoft Word. To add a border, select the picture, go to Picture Format. Click on the Picture Border button on the ribbon to reveal the border options.

How to Add a Border to an Image in WordHow to Add a Border to an Image in WordHow to Add a Border to an Image in Word

Another way to dress up a cropped image is by applying a border. (Image source: Envato Elements)

From here, choose the color, weight, and dash style you wish to use for the border. 

Microsoft Word - Border Dashes and LinesMicrosoft Word - Border Dashes and LinesMicrosoft Word - Border Dashes and Lines

Select the border color, weight, and style. (Image source: Envato Elements)

To add a frame, click on the picture, then go to Picture Format. Click on the Picture Quick Styles button on the ribbon. Select the border you want to use.

Picture Quick Styles in Microsoft Word - FramesPicture Quick Styles in Microsoft Word - FramesPicture Quick Styles in Microsoft Word - Frames

 Add a Frame to an image. (Image source: Envato Elements)

How to Use Image Editing Tools

There are many Word image editing tools. Learn how to format pictures in Word by removing the background or adjusting the brightness. Here’s how:

1. Remove Background

Microsoft Word allows you to remove the background from your pictures. This feature works best if the color of the background is distinct from the colors on the main subject of the picture.

To remove the background, select the image. Go to Picture Format > Remove Background.

How to Remove Image Background in WordHow to Remove Image Background in WordHow to Remove Image Background in Word

Use the Remove Background option to change or remove the background of an image. (Image Source: Envato Elements)

Use the tools provided to select which parts of the image you wish to keep and which parts you want to remove.

Removing the Background of a Picture in WordRemoving the Background of a Picture in WordRemoving the Background of a Picture in Word

The pink-colored part of the image will be removed. (Image source: Envato Elements)

The parts that’ll be removed are colored pink.

When you’re happy with the selection, click Keep Changes.

Picture with Background Removed in Microsoft WordPicture with Background Removed in Microsoft WordPicture with Background Removed in Microsoft Word

Here’s the finished image with the background removed. (Image source: Envato Elements)

2. Sharpness and Brightness Corrections 

Improve the sharpness and brightness of your pictures in Microsoft Word. To adjust these, select the picture. Go to Picture Format > Corrections. Select the sharpness and brightness/contrast settings you wish to use.

Picture Sharpness and Brightness Corrections in WordPicture Sharpness and Brightness Corrections in WordPicture Sharpness and Brightness Corrections in Word

Change the image brightness or sharpness. (Image source: Envato Elements)

To more finely control these settings, go to Picture Format > Corrections > Picture Corrections Options. The Format Picture sidebar appears. It allows you to provide specific settings for sharpness, brightness, and contrast.

Picture Corrections Options in Microsoft WordPicture Corrections Options in Microsoft WordPicture Corrections Options in Microsoft Word

Use the Format Picture sidebar to define specific settings for sharpness, brightness, and contrast. (Image source: Envato Elements)

3. Picture Color

Microsoft Word also allows you to control the color saturation and tone of your picture. And you can recolor the entire picture for special effects. Select the picture, go to Picture Format > Color. Select any of the options that appear.

Picture Format Color Saturation Tone and Recolor in Microsoft WordPicture Format Color Saturation Tone and Recolor in Microsoft WordPicture Format Color Saturation Tone and Recolor in Microsoft Word

Change the color saturation. (Image source: Envato Elements)

From here choose:

  • More Variations. Recolors the image with a different color from the options provided.
  • Set Transparent Color. Makes certain colors transparent so that the color of the background shows through.
  • Picture Color Options. Opens the Format Picture sidebar, where you can fine-tune the settings for color saturation, tone, and recolor.

How to Use Layout Options 

Microsoft Word’s layout options for images lets you control how photos are displayed alongside text.

By default, a picture is set to be «In line with text.» This means the picture is treated as an object that moves with the text. This means whatever formatting is applied to the text applies to the picture as well, which may not be how you want it to appear. When a picture is in line with text, you won’t be able to drag and drop it to a different part of the document.

To set up a picture’s layout options, select the image, then go to Picture Format > Position. Select one of the pre-configured layout options to position your picture on the page.

Picture Format Position in Microsoft WordPicture Format Position in Microsoft WordPicture Format Position in Microsoft Word

Configure the image using the Picture Format options. (Image source: Envato Elements)

Gain more control by going to Picture Format > Wrap Text.

How to Wrap Text Around a Picture in Microsoft WordHow to Wrap Text Around a Picture in Microsoft WordHow to Wrap Text Around a Picture in Microsoft Word

Choose various text wrapping options. (Image source: Envato Elements)

Select one of the text wrapping options:

  • Square — wraps text around the picture in a square shape

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The Square text wrap option centers the picture in a square. (Image source: Envato Elements)
  • Tight — wraps text following the shape of the picture

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The Tight text wrap option follows the shape of the picture. (Image source: Envato Elements)
  • Through — shows text through all the “open” parts of the picture (may only be visible with certain picture shapes)

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The Through text wrap option allows text to show wherever the picture is open. (Image source: Envato Elements)
  • Top and Bottom — wraps text only above and below the picture

Wrap Text Top and Bottom - Microsoft WordWrap Text Top and Bottom - Microsoft WordWrap Text Top and Bottom - Microsoft Word

Here’s an example of the Top and Bottom text wrap option. (Image source: Envato Elements)

These text wrapping options allow you to overlay pictures in Word or merge them together into a collage-type layout.

You’ve got other options:

  • Behind text. Overlays the text in front of the picture
  • In Front of Text. Places text behind the picture, covering it
  • Edit Wrap Boundary. Lets you fine-tune how text wraps around the picture, which is especially useful if it’s irregularly shaped
  • Move with text. Keeps the picture anchored to the text
  • Fix position on page. Keeps the picture on the same position relative to the page, even if the text moves
  • More Layout Options …. Gives you precise control over the picture layout

How to Move Pictures in Word and Arrange them on the Page

You may be wondering how to move a picture in Microsoft Word. The easiest way to move a picture is by clicking and dragging it. If this doesn’t work, the picture is probably set to be inline with text. Follow the instructions above to select a different text wrapping option.

To move multiple images, hold the shift key down as you click on each picture. Then, drag and drop them into place.

You can also move images using precise measurements. Select the image, go to Picture Format > Position > More Layout Options …. Specify the horizontal and vertical position of the picture relative to an element of the page.

Microsoft Word Picture Format More Layout OptionsMicrosoft Word Picture Format More Layout OptionsMicrosoft Word Picture Format More Layout Options

Use More Layout options to change a picture position in Word according to precise measurements. 

Get Creative With Pictures in Word

Use the skills you learned above to add pictures in your Word documents and display them exactly the way you envision. As you’ve seen, it’s easy to control the appearance and placement of images on the page. By following the steps above, you can produce professional-looking documents all by yourself. However, we’ve only scratched the surface of the many ways you can work with pictures in Word!

Of course, if you prefer to have these design choices made for you, you’ve got the option to start with a Microsoft Word template. If you make a lot of Word documents, then you’ll like the cost-effectiveness of Envato Elements. You get unlimited downloads of templates as well as fonts, stock photos, and more for one low subscription price. On the other hand, GraphicRiver may be a better option if you only need the one-off template.

This gives you the ultimate convenience because professionally-designed Word templates have image placeholders. All you’ve got to do is to drag and drop your own pictures into the placeholders. The picture formatting steps in this article will help you fine-tune the image settings as you wish.

Now you, too, can get more creative—and effective—with pictures in Microsoft Word. But first, get your head start by downloading your favorite MS Word Template from Envato Elements or GraphicRiver.

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