How to Insert Images into Microsoft Word

Documents come alive when you add a picture or a graphic to them. But, if you’ve never done this before, it might seem complicated.

It’s really simple to add a picture to word. In fact, it may surprise you to know that there is more than one way to add a picture to word.

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Three Ways to Add a Picture into Word

There are countless ways to add an image to Word. Today, I’ll go over three different ways:

• Insert Tab on the Ribbon
• Windows Snipping Tool
• Drag and Drop Method

I’ll also show you how to apply special effects, align your images, move your images and crop your images.

If you are a visual learner, you can watch my video on how it’s done.

Inserting a Picture Using the Insert Tab

To add an image to word using the Insert Tab, follow these steps:

1. Place your cursor where you would like the image to be inserted
2. Go to the Insert Tab on top of Word’s ruler.
3. Click the Pictures icon.
4. Select the location of the image and find your image on your computer.
5. Click Insert.
6. The image will be inserted into your document and you will see a small icon with square with lines and a semi circle in the middle.
7. Click the image to format the picture using the available Layout Options.
8. Select see more.
9. Select the Text Wrapping tab and select Square.
10. If you want test to wrap around the image, make a selection under Wrap Text.
11. Click OK.
12. If the image is not where you want it, simply drag it noting where the cursor moves to determine where it will be placed once you release your mouse.
13. To apply special effects, click the image to see the Picture Tools Tab.
14. Select from the pre-set Picture Styles or Artistic Effects.

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Inserting an Image Using the Snipping Tool

The Windows Snipping Tool comes in handy if you want to take screenshots without saving and searching for images and inserting them into your documents.

The Snipping Tool is free to download and can be accessed as follows:

• Select the Start, enter snipping tool, then select Snipping Tool from the results.
• Press Windows logo key + Shift + S.

Find out more about the Snipping Tool.

1. Place your cursor where you would like the image to be inserted
2. Find the image you want insert and open it.
3. Find the snipping tool and open it.
4. Click New on the Snipping Tool and select your image by framing it.
5. Place your cursor where you would like the image to be inserted
6. Press CTRL +V (Paste).
7. The image will be inserted into your document and you will see a small icon with square with lines and a semi circle in the middle.
8. Click the image to format the picture using the available Layout Options.
9. Select see more.
10. Select the Text Wrapping tab and select In line with Text
11. Click OK.
12. If the image is not where you want it, simply drag it noting where the cursor moves to determine where it will be placed once you release your mouse.
13. To apply special effects, click the image to see the Picture Tools Tab.
14. Select from the pre-set Picture Styles or Artistic Effects.

Adding an Image from Your Files Using Drag and Drop

The drag and drop method is the easiest way to add an image in a word document.

1. Place your cursor where you would like the image to be inserted
2. Find the image on your computer.
3. Drag and drop it into your word document.
4. The image will be inserted into your document and you will see a small icon with square with lines and a semi circle in the middle.
5. Click the image to format the picture using the available Layout Options.
6. Select see more.
7. Select the Text Wrapping tab and select In line with Text
8. Click OK.
9. If the image is not where you want it, simply drag it noting where the cursor moves to determine where it will be placed once you release your mouse.
10. To apply special effects, click the image to see the Picture Tools Tab.
11. Select from the pre-set Picture Styles or Artistic Effects.

Image File Types You Can Insert Into Word

You can insert several types of image files into Microsoft Word, including JPG, PNG, GIF, and BMP.

You also have the ability to insert a PDF document into Microsoft Word. Instead of using the Insert Picture, you would use Insert Object and select Adobe Acrobat Document.

If you just want a portion of a PDF document, you can also use the Windows Snipping Tool method to insert a PDF into word.

Conclusion: There are many ways to insert a picture in word. Once you go through the steps the first time, it will come easy to you every time after.

Video Tutorial

If you are a visual learner, view this video on how to import images into Microsoft word, crop, apply special effects, resize and so much more!