How To Insert An Image In Word MS

Last update: 04/10/2024
How To Insert An Image In Word MS

Do you want to know how insert an image into Become MSWhether you are a student or a professional, there will be instances where your basic design skills will be tested by a task at hand. It could be as simple as putting a background image on your document or putting a short quote on an image.

Whatever the purpose, you can easily do these things in Microsoft Word. MS Word offers different options to place text over an image with just a few clicks. There are different ways to place an image in MS Word. Here we explain them to you. Stay with us.

Ways to insert an image in MS Word

  • Using a text wrapping style
  • Insert a text box
  • Insert a WordArt
  • And more

The first method is the easiest way to place text over an image, especially if you are dealing with long documents. The second method will be a bit tricky if you have long pieces of text to place over the image. However, text boxes give you more freedom in terms of customization.

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Finally, the last method is more peculiar. WordArt was a fad in the early 2000s, but with the emergence of different designs and photo editing software, it gradually lost its charm. Despite that, this method can still be useful if you just need to add some simple text over your image. That being said, let’s get started with the tutorial.

Method 1: Insert an image in MS Word over a text using text wrapping style

If you have a lot of text and just want to put a background image or watermark on a document, this method is best for you. This method employs the use of text wrapping styles to overlay the text over the image.

Here's how you can do that!

  1. Step 1:: Open a Word document. First, we need to open a Word document. Feel free to use your own personal document if you already have one open. Otherwise, you can always create a new blank document. Now, don't worry about messing up your file, as these changes can be easily undone.

How To Insert An Image In Word MS

NOTE: : If you choose to create a new document, you will need to insert an image and type in some text. Let's go ahead and do that by going to the Insert and clicking on the button Images. This will open the picture of dialogue Insert image. Search and find the image you want to use.

  1. Step 2:: Set the image as background. Now that our document is open, right click on the image and select the option Adjust text. This will display a horizontal drop-down menu on the right. Once you see the drop-down menu, select Behind the textYou will notice that images and text will automatically rearrange themselves as you hover over the text wrapping options.
Adjust text
Adjust text
  1. Step 3:: If after you have inserted a background image and the text becomes illegible, you can change the opacity or color of the image. Don't worry, as this is a common stumbling block when matching text colors to the background. Simply double-click on the image to activate the tab. Format on the tape.
  2. Step 4:: After that, click on the drop-down menu Colour and select Washed in the group recolorYou can also get creative and explore other options that suit your needs.
recolor
recolor

Congratulations! You have just placed text over an image in MS Word.

Method 2: Insert an image in MS Word using a text box

If the text you want to place over your image isn't that long, say it's just your favorite quote or maybe a short poem, then this method is for you. Text boxes provide more flexibility in design. This is especially helpful because you can move them around more easily, too.

Here's how you can use text boxes to place over images.

  1. Step 1:: Open a Word document. First things first, we'll need to open a Word document. You can go ahead and use your personal document if you already have it open. Don't worry about making mistakes, as any unwanted changes can be easily undone.
recolor
recolor
  1. Step 2:: Insert a text box. Go to the tab Insert on the ribbon at the top of MS Word. The ribbon is where you can find the formatting tools like fonts, paragraph formats, heading styles, etc. Now, navigate to the right side of the tape and click on the drop-down menu Text box. Next, select a text box style of your choice. For this example, we'll use the simple text box.
simple text box
simple text box
  1. Step 3:: Type your text. Type the text you want to put on top of your image. If you already have the text prepared somewhere else, simply copy and paste it into the text box.

simple text box

  1. Step 4:: Sets the text wrapping style of the text box. Select the text box and click the Button Design which is located in the upper right corner of the text box. Then, select the option In front of the text.
In front of the text
In front of the text
  1. Step 5:: Place the text box over the image. Click and drag the text box to place it over your image. You will notice that your text box has a default background color and covers part of the image.

In front of the text

  1. Step 6:: You can change the background and border color of your text box by accessing the tab Format. This way, only the text will be visible on top of your image. Now, double-click on the text box and head over to the tab Format. From there, click on the drop-down menu shape fill and choose Unfilled.
Shape Fill and choose No Fill
Shape Fill and choose No Fill
  1. Step 7:: To change the border color, select the drop-down menu shape contour and choose Without contourYou can also change the weight and border design by exploring the options Scripts y Weight.
Scripts and Weight
Scripts and Weight

Done! You have just used a text box to place text over an image in MS Word.

Method 3: Insert a picture in MS Word using Word Art

If you need to put a title, name or a couple of words on a picture, then this method has you covered. Here's how you can use WordArt to place text over a picture!

  1. Step 1:: Open a Word file. First of all, we'll need to open a Word file. Feel free to use your own personal document for this step. If you're worried about destroying your document, don't be. All of the changes made throughout this guide can be easily reverted. Remember to press the CTRL + Z keys on your keyboard to quickly undo any unwanted changes.
CTRL+Z
CTRL+Z
  1. Step 2: Insert WordArt. Once your document is ready, go ahead and click on the tab Insert on the ribbon. Now, click on the button WordArt that It is located on the right side of your screen. It is the letter icon A leaning under the group Text. After that, choose a WordArt that suits the style of your document.
group Text
group Text
  1. Step 3:: Place WordArt over the image. Click on the WordArt and type the text you want. From there, select and drag the WordArt to easily move it to the perfect location in your document. You can also resize WordArt like any other text box by grabbing any of its corners.
group Text
group Text

SUGGESTION: If you are using a pen or touch-enabled computer, you can write text directly on an image using the option Draw.

Done! You have just used WordArt to place text over a picture in MS Word.

Method 1: Edit and remove text on an image

Let's say you're happy with the way your document looks now, but suddenly, you noticed a typo in your text. Don't worry because editing or removing that text over an image is easy.

  1. If you used Method 1, simply select the offending text and edit or delete it as you would any other text.
  2. For methods 2 and 3, click inside the text box or WordArt and start editing. If you want to remove the entire text box or WordArt, click on any of the edges of the text box or WordArt and press the button Delete on your keyboard.
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Method 2: Insert an image in MS Word adding an alternative text

People who cannot view images in Microsoft Word documents rely on the author to provide alternative text to describe the content of an image. The alternative text used should describe important aspects of the image, but should be brief enough not to overwhelm the user. When a screen reader encounters an image in a Word document, the alternative text will be read to the user, helping them understand what is happening in the image.

  • NOTE: If you are using images in a decorative context and they do not provide any informational content (for example, a colored separator bar image used between paragraphs of content), alt text is not required.

Alternative method: Insert an image in MS Word adding alt text

To add alt text to an image in Word:

  1. Step 1:: Insert the image you want to use in the document.
  2. Step 2:: Right-click the image, and then in the pop-up menu, click Format image.
  3. Step In the panel «Image format«
  4. Step 4: Click the arrow next to Alt Text to expand the alt text options.
  5. Step 5: In the countryside "Description«, enter a description of the image.

NOTE: : If you have a detailed image that requires a long description, you can enter a brief summary of the description in the “Title«. This allows users to decide if they need the full description of the image or not. Otherwise, you can leave the field «Title» blank.

  1. Step 6:: When finished, close the panel «Image format«.

NOTE: In the version Microsoft 365 In Word, you can also add alternative text for images by right-clicking the image and clicking Edit alternative text. Please note that this option does not provide a title field; for detailed images that may need a title, follow the steps above to add alt text and a title.

Method 3: Insert an image in MS Word – Alternative method

Inserting an image in MS Word can be a great way to illustrate important information or add decorative accents to existing text. Used sparingly, images can enhance the overall appearance of your document.

To insert an image into MS Word from a file:

If you have a specific image in mind, you can insert an image into MS Word from a file. In this example, we will insert an image saved locally on our computer.

  1. Step 1:: Place the insertion point where you want the image to appear.
insertion point
insertion point
  1. Step 2:: Select the tab Insert in the tape, then click on the command Images.
Images command
Images command
  1. Step 3:: The Insert image dialog box will appear. Select the desired image file, then click Insert.
Insert
Insert
  1. Step 4:: The image will appear in the document.

Insert

NOTE: : To resize an image, click and drag one of the size drivers of the corners. The image will be resized keeping the same proportions. If you want to stretch it horizontally or vertically, you can use the Side size handles.

size drivers
size drivers

Insert an image in MS Word online

If you don't have the image you want on your computer, you can search for an image online to add it to your document. Word offers two options for searching for images online:

  • OneDrive: You can insert an image stored in your OneDrive (previously called SkyDrive). You can also link other online accounts with your Microsoft account, such as Facebook or Flickr.
online accounts
online accounts
  • Bing Image Search: You can use this option to search for images on the Internet. By default, Bing only displays licensed images. Creative Commons, which means you can use them for your own projects. However, you should check the image's website to see if there are any restrictions on how it can be used.
Creative Commons
Creative Commons

Previously, you also had the option to insert Office clip art, but this service has been discontinued. Instead, you can use Bing Image Search to find images for your document.

Steps to insert an image in Word MS online:

  1. Step 1:: Place the insertion point where you want the image to appear.
insertion point
insertion point
  1. Select the tab Insert, then click on the command Online Images.
Online Images
Online Images
  1. Step 2:: The insert images, the dialog box will appear.
  2. Step 3:: Choose Bing ImageSearch or on OneDrive In our example, we will use Bing Image Search.
Bing ImageSearch
Bing ImageSearch
  1. Step 4:: Press the key Enter. Your search results will appear in the dialog box.
  2. Step 5:: Select the desired image, then click Insert.
Bing ImageSearch
Bing ImageSearch
  1. Step 6:: The image will appear in the document.
Bing ImageSearch
Bing ImageSearch

When adding images, videos, or music to your own projects, it's important to make sure you have the legal right to use them. Most things you buy or download online are copyrighted. protected by copyright, which means you may not be able to use them.

Method 4: Insert an image in MS Word by changing the text wrapping settings

When inserting a picture in MS Word, you may notice that it is difficult to move it exactly where you want it. This is because by default, the picture is aligned with the text. If you want to move the picture freely, you will usually need to choose a snap setting. text different.

The adjustment of text from an image is established In line with the text. You will need to change the text wrapping settings if you want to move the image freely or if you want the text to adjustment to the image in a more natural way.

To wrap text around an image:

  1. Step 1:: Select the image that you want to wrap with the text. The tab Format will appear on the right side of the ribbon.
Format tab
Format tab
  1. Step 2:: In the tab Format, click on the command Adjust text in the group Organize. A drop-down menu will appear.
  1. Step 3:: Hover your mouse over the different text wrapping options. It will appear a live preview of the adjustment text in the document. Once you have found the text wrapping option you want to use, click on it. Alternatively, you can select More design options… to adjust the layout.
More design options...
More design options…
  1. Step 4:: The text will adjust to the image. Now you can move the image if you want. Just click, hold and drag it to the location desired. As you move it, they will appear alignment guides to help you align the image on the page.
alignment guides
alignment guides

Alternatively, you can access the text wrapping options by selecting the image and clicking the button Layout options that appears.

Layout options
Layout options

If the alignment guides do not appear, select the tab Page design and then click on the command Aline. Select Using alignment guides in the drop-down menu that appears.

Using alignment guides
Using alignment guides

To use a predefined text wrapping setting:

Preset text wrapping allows you to move the image to a specific location on the page.

  1. Step 1: Select the image you want to move. The tab Format will appear on the right side of the ribbon.
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Format tab
Format tab
  1. Step 2:: In the Format tab, click on the Position command at the group Organize.
  1. Step 3:: A drop-down menu of predefined image positions will appear. Select the desired image position. The image will fit in the document and the text will wrap around it.
group Organize
group Organize

5 method: Insert an image in MS Word

There are several ways to give format to the images in your document. Depending on how the images are used and where they are placed, you can use the imaging tools from Word for customize them y modify them in interesting ways.

Insert an image in MS Word To trim:

When you crop an image, a portion of the image is removed. Cropping can be useful when an image has a lot of content and you want to focus on just one part.

  1. Step 1:: Select the image you want to crop. The format tab appears.
  2. Step 2:: On the Format tab, click the command Cut out.
Crop command
Crop command
  1. Step 3:: They will appear trim controllers around the image. Click, hold, and drag an controller to crop the image.
trim controllers
trim controllers
  1. Step 4:: Click on the command Cut out again. The image will be cropped.

trim controllers

The corner handles are useful for cropping the image simultaneously horizontally and vertically.

Insert an image in MS Word to cut out a shape:

  1. Step 1:: Select the image you want to crop, then click the tab Format.
  2. Step 2:: Click the drop-down arrow Cut out. Mouse over Trim to shape , then select the crafts desired from the drop-down menu that appears.
Trim to shape
Trim to shape
  1. Step 3:: The image will appear formatted as the shape.

Image border

Insert an image in MS Word To add a border:

  1. Step 1:: Select the image you want to add a border to, then click the tab Format.
  2. Step 2:: Click on the command Image border. A drop-down menu will appear.
  3. Step 3:: From here, you can select a colorweight (thickness) and if the line is dashed o no.
Image border
Image border
  1. Step 4:: The border will appear around the image.

Method 6: Settings for inserting an image in MS Word

Word offers several options for changing the way pictures appear in your document. For example, you can add a Marco, Do corrections of image, change the color or  shine of the image and even add some artistic effects with style. These options are found in the groups Adjust y Image Styles in the tab Format.

Adjust and Picture Styles on the Format tab
Adjust and Picture Styles on the Format tab

When you're ready to make adjustments or experiment with the look of an image, select the image and choose one of these options on the tab. Format:

  1. Fixes: This command is located in the group Adjust. From here, you can focus smooth the image to adjust its blurry or clear appearance. You can also adjust the gloss and the contrast, which controls how light or dark the image appears.

Adjust and Picture Styles on the Format tab

  1. Colour: This command is located in the group Adjust. From here, you can adjust the saturation of the image (how vivid the colors are), the tone (the temperature of the image from cold to warm) and the color (changing the overall color of the image).

How To Insert An Image In Word MS

  1. artistic effects: This command is located in the group AdjustFrom here, you can add artistic effects like pastels, watercolors, and glitter edges.

How To Insert An Image In Word MS

  1. Image Style Group- This group contains a variety of styles that you can apply to your image, such as frames, borders, and soft edges.

How To Insert An Image In Word MS

Compress images

If you intend to email a document that contains images, you will need to check file sizeLarge, high-resolution images can cause your document to become very large, which can make it difficult or impossible to attach to an email.

Furthermore, the cropped areas of images are saved with the document by default, which can increase the file size. Word can reduce the file size compressing images, which will reduce their resolution y will remove the cropped areas.

Insert an image in MS Word to compress it

  1. Step 1:: Select the image you want to compress, then click the tab Format.
  2. Step 2:: Click on the command Compress images.
Compress images
Compress images
  1. Step 3:: A dialog box will appear. Place a check mark next to Remove cropped areas from imagesYou can also choose whether you want to apply the settings only to this picture or to all images in the document.
  2. Step 4:: Choose one destination departure. If you are sending your document via email, you may want to select Email, which produces the smallest file size.
  3. Step 5:: Click Accept.

Compress images

Method 7: Insert an image in MS Word to remove background

Removing the background from an image can give it a cleaner look. If you're printing your document, it can also save ink.

About defunding

With Background removalWord uses special algorithms to determine which parts of the picture are the background and then removes those areas of the picture.

Background removal

Background removal
Background removal

To remove the background of an image:

  1. Step 1:: Select the desired image, then click on the tab Format.
  2. Step 2:: Click on the command Remove background.
Background removal
Remove Background
  1. Step 3:: Word will try to guess which part of the image to remove and mark the background with a fill magenta. It will also place a box with selection controls around the image.

Background removal

  1. Step 4:: Drag the selection handles until the entire foreground is inside the box. After you do this, Word can readjust the background.
  2. Step 5:: At this point, you may need to help Word decide which parts of the picture are in foreground and what parts are in background. You can do this using the commands Mark areas to conserve y Mark areas to remove:
    • If Word has highlighted some of the foreground magenta, click Mark areas to conserve and draw a line in that region of the image.
    • If part of the background has not been marked with magenta, click Mark areas to remove and draw a line in that region of the image.
Mark areas to remove
Mark areas to remove
  1. Step 6:: After you add your marks, Word will resize the picture.

Mark areas to remove

  1. Step 7:: When you are satisfied with the image, click Keep changes.

Keep changes

  1. Step 8:: The background will be removed. You can adjust the image at any time by clicking the command Remove background again.

Keep changes

Method 8: Insert a picture in MS Word with shapes

You can add a variety of shapes to your document, including arrows, callouts, squares, stars, and flowchart shapes. Want to differentiate your name and address from the rest of your resume? Use a line.

Do you need to create a diagram that shows a timeline or process? Use flowchart shapes. While you may not need shapes in every document you create, they can add value. Visual appeal and clarity.

Insert an image in MS Word to fix a shape:

  1. Step 1:: Select the Insert tab, then click on the command FormsA drop-down menu of shapes will appear.
  1. Step 2:: Select the crafts desired.
Insert tab
Insert tab
  1. Step 3:: Click, hold, and drag in the desired location to add the shape to your document.

Insert tab

If you want, you can enter text into a shape. When the shape appears in your document, you can start typing. Then, you can use the format options in the tab Home to change the font, font size, or color of the text.

format options
format options

Inserting a picture in MS Word to resize a shape:

  1. Step 1:: Select the shape you want to resize. Sizing handles will appear.

format options

  1. Step 2:: Click, hold and drag the size drivers until the shape is the desired size. You can use the corner sizing handles to change the height and the width of the form at the same time.
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size drivers
size drivers

Some forms also have one or more yellow shooters that can be used to modify the shape. For example, with star shapes you can adjust the length of the points.

yellow shooters
yellow shooters

To rotate the shape, click, hold, and drag the rotation handle.

yellow shooters

Insert a picture in MS Word to change the order of shapes:

If one shape overlaps another, you may need to change the order so that the correct shape appears in front. You can bring a shape to the front or send it to ago. If you have multiple images, you can use Bring Forward o send Backward to adjust the order. You can also move a shape in front of o behind text.

  1. Step 1:: Right click on the crafts that you want to move. In our example, we want the cloud to appear in front of the sun, so we will right-click on the cloud.

yellow shooters

  1. Step 2:: In the menu that appears, place the cursor over Bring to the front o Send to the bottom. Several order options will appear. Select the desired order option. In this example, we will choose Bring to the front.
Bring to Front or Send to Back
Bring to Front or Send to Back
  1. Step 3:: The order of the shapes will change.

Bring to Front or Send to Back

In some cases, the sorting option you select will not affect the order of the shapes. If this happens, try selecting the same option again or try a different option.

If you have many shapes placed on top of each other, it can be difficult to select an individual shape. Selection panel you allows you to select a shape and drag it to a new location. To access the Selection Panel, click Selection panel in the tab Format.

Selection panel on the Format tab
Selection panel on the Format tab

Method 9: Insert an image in MS Word to modify shapes

Word allows you to modify its shapes in various ways so that you can adapt them to your projects. You can change one way to one different wayforma tear the style and color of a shape and add shadow effects.

Insert a picture in MS Word to change to a different shape:

  1. Step 1:: Select the shape you want to change. The format tab will appear.
  2. Step 2:: In the tab Format, click on the command Edit shape. In the menu that appears, hover your mouse over change shape and select the crafts desired.
change shape
change shape
  1. Step 3:: The new form will appear.

change shape

Insert a picture in MS Word to change the shape style:

Choosing a shape style allows you to apply preset colors and effects to quickly change the appearance of your shape.

  1. Step 1:: Select the shape you want to change.
  2. Step 2:: In the tab Format, click the drop-down arrow More in the group Shape styles.
Shape styles
Shape styles
  1. Step 3:: A drop-down menu of styles will appear. Select the style you want to use.

Shape styles

  1. Step 4:: The shape will appear in the selected style.

Insert a picture in MS Word to change the shape fill color:

  1. Step 1:: Select the shape you want to change.
  2. Step 2:: In the tab Format, click the drop-down arrow shape fill. The Filling form the menu to appear.
  3. Step 3:: Move the mouse over the different colors. Select the color you want to use. To see more color options, select More fill colors.
More fill colors
More fill colors
  1. Step 4:: The shape will appear in the selected fill color.

If you want to use a different type of filling, select Degraded o Texture from the drop-down menu. You can also select Unfilled to make it transparent.

Insert a picture in MS Word to change the shape outline:

  1. Step 1:: Select the shape you want to change.
  2. Step 2:: In the tab Format, click the drop-down arrow shape contour. The shape contour the menu will appear.
  3. Step 3:: Select the color you want to use. If you want the outline to be transparent, select Without contour.
Without contour
Without contour
  1. Step 4:: The shape will appear in the selected outline color.

From the drop-down menu, you can change the color of the contour, the weight (thickness) and if it is a line dashed o no.

Without contour

Insert an image in MS Word to change shadow effects:

Adding a shadow to a shape can make it appear to float above the page and can help add contrast between the shape and the background.

  1. Step 1:: Select the shape you want to change.
  2. Step 2:: In the tab Format, click the drop-down arrow Shape effects. In the menu that appears, hover your mouse over Shade and select the shadow you want to use.
Shape effects
Shape effects
  1. Step 3:: The shape will appear with the selected shadow.

To adjust the color, size, distance and more of the shadow, Select Shade Options in the drop-down menu. The panel shape format will appear on the right side of the Word window, allowing you to customize the shadow.

shape format
shape format

Method 10: Insert an image in MS Word with 3D Effects

There are two types of effects you can apply to your shapes to give them a 3D appearance: 3D rotation y Bezel3-D rotation It gives the appearance that you are viewing an object from a different angle and can be applied to any shape. The bezel adds thickness and a rounded edge to shapes, but doesn't work with all types of shapes.

Insert an image in MS Word to add 3D rotation:

  1. Step 1:: Select the shape you want to change.
  2. Step 2:: In the tab Format, click the drop-down arrow Shape effects. In the menu that appears, hover your mouse over 3D rotation and select the desired 3D effect.
3D rotation
3D rotation
  1. Step 3:: The shape will appear in the selected 3D rotation effect.

If you want, you can customize the 3D rotation. Select 3-D Rotation Options… in the drop-down menu, and the panel shape format will appear on the right side of the Word window. From here, you can adjust the rotation values.

3-D Rotation Options
3-D Rotation Options

Inserting a picture in MS Word to add a bevel:

  1. Step 1:: Select the shape you want to change.
  2. Step 2:: In the tab Format, click the drop-down arrow Shape effects. In the menu that appears, hover your mouse over Bezel and select the bevel preset wanted.
bevel preset
bevel preset
  1. Step 3:: The shape will appear in the selected bevel effect.

If you want, you can customize the bevel effect. Select 3-D Options… in the drop-down menu. The panel shape format will appear on the right side of the Word window. From here, you can modify the width, height, and depth of a bevel. You can also change the shape's material to give it a metallic, plastic, or translucent appearance, as well as choose the lighting type to change the way the shape is illuminated.

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Conclusion

You have reached the end of this tutorial. As you can see, these are the methods to insert an image into Word MSIn this article, we discuss the ways to place text over an image in MS Word. The first method employs a text wrapping style to set your image as the background image. The second method uses text boxes, while the third uses the WordArt tool. Editing and deleting the text is as easy as adding them. Overall, all three methods prove to be useful and have their own advantages in getting the job done.