Grouping objects in Word turns several shapes, text boxes, icons, or pictures into one unit, so you can move, resize, or copy a diagram without knocking its pieces out of line. It works in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, and older desktop versions, with the command on the Shape Format or Picture Format tab.
Quick Answer
Hold Shift or Ctrl and click each object, then go to Shape Format (or Picture Format), click Group, and choose Group. To separate them later, choose Ungroup from the same menu.
How to Group Objects in Word
- Make sure every picture uses a wrapping style other than In Line with Text. Select the picture, click Wrap Text, and choose Square or In Front of Text.
- Click the first object, then hold Shift or Ctrl and click each of the others.
- Open the Shape Format tab (Picture Format if you only selected pictures).
- Click Group in the Arrange group and choose Group.
- Drag or resize the group as one object. Click a single item inside it if you need to edit just that piece.
Group Menu Options
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
| Group | Combines the selected objects into one |
| Ungroup | Splits a group back into separate objects |
| Regroup | Rebuilds the last group you ungrouped |
| Selection Pane | Lists objects so you can pick hidden or stacked ones |
Related: how to Make a Venn Diagram in Microsoft Word.
Troubleshooting
- Group is greyed out: one of the objects is probably in line with text. Change its wrapping, then try again.
- You cannot click an object behind another: open Home, Select, Selection Pane and pick it from the list.
- Grouping pictures with shapes may not work in older versions; insert them into a drawing canvas first (Insert, Shapes, New Drawing Canvas).
- For tips on picking several items, read how to select multiple objects in Word.
- Grouping is handy for diagrams like the one in how to make a spider diagram in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I group text boxes and pictures together?
Yes, as long as the pictures are not set to In Line with Text. In some older versions, a drawing canvas is the more reliable option.
Does grouping change the size of the objects?
No. Each object keeps its size until you resize the whole group, which scales everything together.
How do I edit one object in a group?
Click the group, then click the object again. You can then format or move that item without ungrouping.
Summary
- Set pictures to a wrapping style other than In Line with Text.
- Shift-click or Ctrl-click every object.
- Choose Shape Format, Group, Group.
- Use Ungroup to separate them again.
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.
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