Pictures & Text Wrapping

Learn how to insert images, resize them properly, and control how text wraps around pictures in Microsoft Word.

Video

Watch the lesson video, then complete the reading and challenge.

Lesson Notes

Read through the key concepts before you try the challenge.

Inserting a Picture from Your Computer

To insert a picture from your computer, go to the Insert tab and click Pictures. Then choose This Device and select your image.

Insert picture from device

Inserting an Online Picture

You can also insert images from online sources. Click Insert → Online Pictures, search for a keyword, select an image, and click Insert.

Online picture search window
Online pictures category screen

Resizing a Picture

To resize a picture, click the image and drag a corner handle. Dragging from the corner keeps the image proportional and prevents distortion.

Resize image using corner handles

Understanding Text Wrapping

By default, pictures are inserted In Line with Text. To freely move and position a picture, you must change its wrapping style.

Select the image, then click the Layout Options icon or go to Picture Format → Wrap Text.

Layout options button

Wrap Text Options

Word provides several wrapping options: In Line with Text, Square, Tight, Through, Top and Bottom, Behind Text, and In Front of Text.

Square wrapping is commonly used in newsletters because it allows text to flow neatly around the image.

Wrap text menu options

Using Square Text Wrapping

After selecting Square wrapping, drag the image to position it. The surrounding text will automatically adjust around the picture.

Square wrapping applied

Using Top and Bottom Wrapping

Top and Bottom wrapping places text above and below the image only. This is useful when separating content sections.

Top and bottom wrapping example

Move with Text vs Fix Position

When using wrapping styles, you can choose Move with Text or Fix Position on Page. Move with Text keeps the image connected to surrounding content.

Move with text option

Using Position Presets

Instead of manually dragging images, use Picture Format → Position to choose preset layout options.

Position preset menu

Aligning Images

Use Picture Format → Align to align images precisely. Alignment guides help create professional layouts.

Align tools in picture format

Final Result

After inserting and wrapping images properly, your newsletter should have balanced spacing, clear structure, and professional image placement.

Completed newsletter with wrapped images

Knowledge Check

Which text wrapping style keeps an image on the same line as surrounding text?

Practice File

Download this file and follow along with the lesson.

Challenge

Apply what you've learned in this lesson.

Using the provided practice file, complete the following tasks:

  1. Insert a picture from your computer.
  2. Apply Square text wrapping.
  3. Insert an online image.
  4. Apply Top and Bottom wrapping to one image.
  5. Use Position presets to adjust layout.
  6. Align the image using alignment tools.
  7. Ensure images are set to Move with Text.