This tutorial shows how to insert images inside text in Microsoft Word. Word doesn’t provide a way to do this with regular text, so the process shown here is a workaround using Word’s built-in SmartArt tools.
Watch all the steps shown here in real time!
Explore more than 200 writing-related software tutorials on my YouTube channel.
The images below are from Word for Microsoft 365. These steps also apply to Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac (a.k.a., Word for Mac), Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013 (PC only).
How to Insert Images Inside Text
- Place your cursor where you want to insert the text. (This can be an approximate placement; the precise placement can be adjusted later.)
- Select the Insert tab in the ribbon.
- Select the SmartArt button in the Illustrations group.
- (PC Users) Select Basic Block List in the Choose a SmartArt Graphic dialog box and then select the OK button.
4.a. (Mac Users) Select Lists from the drop-down menu and then select Basic Block List from the submenu.
- Select and delete all but one of the SmartArt text boxes.
- Type your text into the placeholder and then select the text.
- Select the Home tab in the ribbon.
- Select a new font and size in the Font group.
- Select the Format tab in the ribbon. (This tab is only available when a SmartArt design is selected.)
- Select Text Fill and then select Picture from the drop-down menu.
- (PC only) Select the location of the image in the Insert Pictures dialog box: From a File, Stock Images, Online Pictures, or From Icons. (For this tutorial, we will choose Stock Images.)
Important Notes: The stock images and icons are only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers. Mac users can select their image from the Finder window that will appear after selecting Picture.
- Locate and select the image and then select the Insert button.
The image should appear inside the text.
- (Optional) Select Text Outline and then select an outline color and weight from the drop-down menu.
- (Optional) Select Text Effects and then add additional effects such as a shadow or glow.
- Use the Size menus to reduce the size of the text box surrounding the text. (Don’t reduce the size too much or you will also reduce the font size.)
- Select the top or bottom resizing handle on the SmartArt wrap and drag the wrap to reduce the size as much as possible without changing the size of the text.
- Click inside the text to select the text box, select Shape Fill, and then select No Fill from the drop-down menu.
- (Optional) Click outside the text box (but still within the SmartArt wrap), select the Wrap Text menu, and then select a position from the drop-down menu.
This position determines how your SmarArt text will be positioned with the surrounding text. The Tight option will work best for most users.
The SmartArt text should now be positioned in your body content. You can adjust the position or edit the text as necessary.
Related Resources
How to Insert and Modify Images in Microsoft Word
How to Insert Images into Shapes in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)