Word can’t edit text that’s part of a picture, such as words in a screenshot, a scanned page or a JPG flyer, because the letters are just pixels. But you can still change that text: cover it and type new text on top, extract it with Word’s text recognition and retype it, or edit the image in a picture editor. This guide explains each method, plus how to edit text in Word’s own shapes, SmartArt and WordArt, which are editable.
Quick Answer
To replace text in a picture, insert a text box (Insert > Text Box > Draw Text Box) over the old words, set Shape Fill to a color that matches the background (or No Fill to add text on top), set Shape Outline to No Outline, and type the new text. Group the text box with the picture so they move together.
Method 1: Overlay a Text Box
- Click the picture, then go to Picture Format > Wrap Text and choose In Front of Text or Square so objects can overlap.
- Go to Insert > Text Box > Draw Text Box and drag a box over the text you want to change.
- Type the new text, then set the font, size and color on the Home tab to match.
- With the text box selected, open Shape Format:
- Shape Fill: choose a color that matches the picture’s background to hide the old text (use the Eyedropper in More Fill Colors if available), or No Fill to simply add text on top.
- Shape Outline: choose No Outline.
- Hold Shift, click the picture and the text box, then choose Group > Group so they stay together.
Method 2: Extract the Text and Retype It
If you need the actual text (for example from a scanned page):
- Windows 11 Snipping Tool: take a screenshot of the picture and click Text actions to copy the text.
- OneNote: paste the picture into OneNote, right-click it and choose Copy Text from Picture.
- Open a PDF in Word: save the scan as a PDF and open it with File > Open. Word converts it to editable text (formatting may shift).
- Phone: iPhone Live Text or Google Lens can copy text from photos.
Paste the text into your document and delete or replace the picture.
Method 3: Edit the Image in a Picture Editor
For a seamless result, edit the picture itself:
- Right-click the picture and choose Save as Picture.
- Open it in a photo editor (Paint, Photos, or a full editor), paint over the old text, and add new text.
- Back in Word, select the old picture and choose Picture Format > Change Picture > From a File to replace it with the edited version.
Text That Is Editable in Word
- Shapes: right-click and choose Edit Text (or Add Text).
- WordArt and text boxes: click inside and type.
- SmartArt: click the shape or use the Text Pane arrow.
- Charts: click titles and labels directly, or edit data with Chart Design > Edit Data.
Troubleshooting
- Text box hides behind the picture: right-click the text box and choose Bring to Front.
- Can’t select the picture after grouping: click once to select the group, then click again to select an item inside it.
- Background color doesn’t match exactly: use a photo editor (Method 3) for complex backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Word convert a picture to editable text automatically?
Not directly from an image in a document, but opening a PDF in Word converts it to editable text.
Should I edit text in someone else’s image?
Only when you have the right to modify it. Don’t alter documents like certificates or receipts in misleading ways.
Does this work on a Mac?
Yes. The text box, grouping and Change Picture options are the same in Word for Mac.
Summary
- Pictures contain pixels, not editable text.
- Overlay a text box with matching fill to replace words.
- Extract text with OCR tools and retype it.
- Edit the image itself and use Change Picture for a seamless result.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.