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:

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

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 100 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

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.)
Select the Insert tab in the ribbon.

Insert tab in Word 365 — Figure 1. Insert tab

Select the Pictures button in the Illustrations group.

Pictures button in Word 365 — Figure 2. Pictures button

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.

(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

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

Select the image. A border with resizing handles will appear when the image is selected.
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

Select the image.
Select the rotation handle at the top of the border.
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

Select the image.
Select the Layout Options button.

Layout Options button in Word 365 — Figure 8. Layout Options button

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.