Erin Wright Writing

Writing-Related Software Tutorials

How to Insert and Modify Images in Microsoft Word

By

Mountains reflected in lake with text overlay "How to Insert and Modify Images in Microsoft Word"

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:

Important Note: This tutorial covers the basics of working with images. Word offers many advanced image features, which we will cover in separate tutorials.

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

Watch more than 150 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.

How to Insert an Image in Microsoft Word

  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 March 26, 2022