How to Insert a Picture in Word

Learn two quick ways to insert pictures into Word using Microsoft Word and a free online DOCX editor. You'll also get practical tips to format images for cleaner, more professional Word documents.

When you create content, images are an easy way to make your Word documents more engaging and easier to understand.

You can use images to create visual references that directly support, explain, and enhance your text and break up long paragraphs to help readers absorb information faster.

Inserting a picture in your Word documents is simple. In this guide, you'll learn:

• How to insert a picture using Microsoft Word
• Steps to insert a picture using Xodo DOCX editor
• Tips to using pictures in your Word documents
• Common questions about working with images in Word

Let’s get started.

How to insert picture in Word using Microsoft Word

To insert a picture to your Word document, follow these steps:

1. Open your document in Microsoft Word.
2. Place your cursor on the page where you want the image to appear.
3. Go to the Insert tab.
4. In the Pictures group, select the picture source from the drop down menu: This Device, Stock Images, or Online Pictures.
5. Browse and select the desired image. Click Open to insert it.
6. Make any picture formatting and layout adjustments.
7. Once done, save your document.

The exact options can vary slightly based on your version of Microsoft Word. If you're using the online app, you’ll also see options to insert photos from OneDrive or your mobile device.

Formatting and arranging images in Word documents

Once your image is placed, Microsoft Word offers several options to format and arrange it:

Resize the image
Click the image and drag the corner handles to make it larger or smaller.

Wrap text around the image
Click on the image, go to the Picture Format tab, and click Wrap Text. Pick from the text wrapping options available like “Square,” “Tight,” or “Behind Text” to control how text flows around the image.

Adjust alignment
For inline images, use Word’s alignment options: Align Left, Center, or Align Right. For more flexibility, apply a wrap style and drag the image to your preferred position.

Apply visual effects
Use the Picture Format tab to add borders, shadows, or reflections. Try presets from the "Picture Styles" section to quickly enhance the image.

Crop the image
To remove unwanted parts, click the image, go to Picture Format, and select Crop. Drag the black handles to trim the image.

These tools help you create clean, readable layouts without distracting from your content.

Insert an image in Word using Xodo DOCX editor

You can use Xodo's DOCX Editor to insert pictures into your document online. Here's how:

1. Open the Xodo DOCX Editor in your browser.
2. Upload your Word file from your device, Xodo Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
3. Click on the page where you want to insert the image.
4. In the toolbar, click Insert, then select Image.
5. Choose an image from your device and click Open.
6. The image will be placed at your cursor position. Resize or reposition it as needed.
7. When you're done, click Download to save the updated document.

You can use Xodo’s DOCX Editor as a lightweight alternative to Microsoft Word to edit text, insert images, and adjust formatting. It runs entirely in your browser but processes files locally on your device. No content is uploaded to external servers.

You can upload and edit one Word (.docx) file per day for free. To work on more documents, start a 7-day free trial for unlimited downloads and access to over 30 additional PDF tools.

Tips to use pictures in Word effectively

Now that you know how to insert images into your document, here are some tips to enhance your content:

Use high-quality images
Blurry or pixelated visuals can distract readers. Choose clear, focused images that support your message.

Choose the right file format
For example, use JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics with transparency (like online pictures), and GIF for simple animations.

Keep file size manageable
Large images can slow down your document and make sharing harder. Compress when needed to keep things lightweight.

Balance visuals with text
Too many images can clutter the page. Aim for a balance, helping readers understand and scroll through your content on screen without feeling overwhelmed.

Stay consistent
Stick to a similar style or color palette for your images. This might mean matching brand guidelines or sticking to a specific theme.

Review page layout
Images can shift page formatting. After inserting them, review your layout and page numbers. If needed, see our guide on how to add page numbers in Word.

Thoughtful image placement helps guide the reader and gives your Word doc a more polished, professional feel.

Common questions about inserting pictures in Word

Below are some frequently asked questions about working with images in Word:

Can I copy a picture and paste it into Word?

Yes. You can copy a picture from another app or browser (Ctrl + C) and paste it directly into your Word document (Ctrl + V).

The picture will appear at your cursor position, and you can format it like any other inserted picture.

Can I add captions directly under an inserted image?

Yes. Click below the image and type your caption. For automatic labeling, go to the References tab and select Insert Caption. This adds a label like “Figure 1” and lets you build a table of figures later.

How do I keep pictures aligned with text when I move them?

Use Word’s text wrap options. Select the picture, click Layout Options, and choose a style like "Square". To keep it anchored, link the image to a specific paragraph. If you plan to revise text around it, choose a wrapping style that adjusts automatically.

Why does my picture appear in front of or behind the text?

This happens when you use wrap styles like "Behind Text" or "In Front of Text". To fix it, click the Layout Options icon and switch to "Square", "Tight", or another style.

You can also right-click the image and choose "Bring to Front" or "Send to Back" to adjust its layer position.

Can I group multiple images together?

Yes. Hold Ctrl and click each image (or shape/text box) you want to group. Then go to the Picture Format or Shape Format tab and click Group. This lets you move or resize them as one unit.

What is the shortcut key to insert a picture into Word?

There’s no single shortcut to insert a picture from your device, but you can use Alt + N, P, D to open the “Insert Picture from This Device” dialog. From there, select your picture and click Open.

What’s the best way to share a Word file with images?

You can email the file or sync it to a cloud service. You also can export it to PDF. This keeps your pictures in place and prevents accidental edits. Read our guide on how to convert Word to PDF for full steps.

Wrapping up

Images can turn a plain document into something more readable and visually clear. You can drag and drop photos, resize them for clarity, and use text wrapping to control how they fit with your content.

If you're working on a longer file, consider adding page numbers for easier navigation. And if you notice unwanted borders around text boxes or images, check out our guide on how to remove boxes around text in Word.

The best layout often comes from experimenting. With just a few clicks, you can insert a picture, adjust its placement, and save your Word doc for sharing or printing. Thoughtful image use helps readers follow your message and gives your content a more professional finish.