To embed an image in a Word document, click where you want the picture, go to Insert > Pictures > This Device, choose the image file, and click Insert. Word embeds the picture in the document, so it stays there even if you move or delete the original file. You can also drag an image from File Explorer into the document, or copy it and press Ctrl + V. Then use the Layout Options button next to the image to control how text wraps around it.
Below are all the ways to add images, how to position and resize them, and how embedding differs from linking.
How to insert an image from your computer
- Click in the document where you want the image.
- Click the Insert tab, then Pictures > This Device (in older versions, just Pictures).
- Find and select your image, then click Insert.
Other ways to add pictures:
- Drag and drop an image from File Explorer or your desktop into the document.
- Copy and paste an image from a website, another document, or a screenshot tool.
- Stock Images (Microsoft 365) gives you free photos, icons, and illustrations.
- Online Pictures searches the web. Check the license before using images you don’t own.
Position the image and wrap text
- Click the image. A Layout Options button appears next to it.
- Choose a wrapping style:
- In Line with Text: the image acts like a large character. Easiest to keep in place.
- Square or Tight: text flows around the image.
- Top and Bottom: text stays above and below.
- Behind Text or In Front of Text: for backgrounds or overlays.
- Choose Move with text or Fix position on page at the bottom of the menu.
Resize, crop, and add alt text
- Resize: Drag a corner handle to keep the proportions.
- Crop: Click the image, then Picture Format > Crop, drag the black handles, and click Crop again to finish. Use Crop to Shape for circles and other shapes.
- Alt text: Right-click the image and choose View Alt Text (or Edit Alt Text). Describe the image for people using screen readers.
- Caption: Right-click and choose Insert Caption.
Embedded vs. linked images
| Embedded (default) | Linked | |
|---|---|---|
| Stored in the document | Yes | No, points to the file |
| Works if you move the original | Yes | No, the image breaks |
| File size | Larger | Smaller |
| Updates when the original changes | No | Yes |
To link instead of embed, click the arrow next to Insert in the picture dialog and choose Link to File or Insert and Link. For documents you’ll share, embedding is almost always the better choice.
Keep the file size down
- Click any image, then Picture Format > Compress Pictures.
- Uncheck Apply only to this picture to compress all images.
- Choose a resolution, such as Web (150 ppi) or E-mail (96 ppi), and click OK.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my image keep moving around?
It’s probably set to a text-wrapping style. Choose In Line with Text, or use Fix position on page, in Layout Options.
Can I embed an image in Word for the web?
Yes. Click Insert > Pictures > This Device. Word for the web has fewer layout options.
How do I save an image out of a Word document?
Right-click the image and choose Save as Picture.
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.