Formatting Issues

Fix Cannot Move Pictures or Format Text in Microsoft Word

Steve K Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to move inserted pictures, use the Wrap Text feature, or properly format text in a Microsoft Word document.

Fix Cannot Move Pictures or Format Text in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing and formatting a document containing images and text.
Observed behavior: Pictures cannot be selected or moved, Wrap Text is non-functional, and applying bold or italic formatting causes the text to turn white.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure you have saved a backup copy of your document to prevent any accidental data loss while applying fixes.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Open and Repair Feature

This built-in tool can fix underlying file corruption that prevents images from moving or text formatting properly.

Document corruption is a common cause of erratic behavior in Word, such as broken Wrap Text features or text color glitches. Repairing the document forces Word to scan and fix hidden code errors.

Open Microsoft Word

Launch the Microsoft Word application and navigate to the File menu, then click on Open.

Locate your document

Click on Browse and navigate to the folder where your affected document is saved.

Select Open and Repair

Click once on the file to select it. Instead of clicking the main Open button, click the small drop-down arrow next to it and select 'Open and Repair'.

Save the repaired file

Once Word finishes processing and opening the file, check if the pictures can be moved. If resolved, save the document immediately.

Repair Successful: If Open and Repair fixes the issue, consider saving the file under a new name to prevent future corruption.

Solution 2

Transfer Content to a New Document

Bypass document-specific corruption by moving your work to a fresh, uncorrupted file.

Solution 3

Verify Document View and Text Wrapping

Pictures will not move freely if the document is in Draft view or if the image is set to 'In Line with Text'.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Open and Edit Word Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with formatting glitches, corrupted files, and immovable pictures, WPS Office offers a highly compatible, free alternative. It renders complex layouts smoothly and handles document files without frustrating display errors.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite.
2. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer, click Open, and select your problematic Word document.
3. Edit without glitches: Format your text and move pictures freely using WPS's robust layout engine.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx), Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Advanced text wrapping and picture formatting tools that work flawlessly without glitches.Free, lightweight, and fast to launch on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices.Seamless migration with a familiar user interface that requires no learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my text turn white when I made it bold or italic?

This is usually caused by a corrupted document theme, conflicting styles, or graphics rendering issues within Microsoft Word. Changing the theme or copying the text into a new blank document typically resolves this display glitch.

Why is the Wrap Text feature grayed out in Word?

Wrap Text becomes unavailable if the document is saved in an older compatibility mode (.doc format), if you are viewing the document in Draft or Web Layout view, or if the selected image is grouped with incompatible objects.

How do I freely move an image in a document?

By default, word processors insert images 'In Line with Text'. To move an image freely anywhere on the page, click on the image, go to the Picture Format or Wrapping settings, and change it to 'Square', 'Tight', or 'In Front of Text'.

Can a corrupted Word document be fully recovered?

In many cases, yes. You can use Word's built-in 'Open and Repair' tool to fix minor structural issues. Alternatively, opening the corrupted file in an alternative suite like WPS Office can often bypass the errors and display the content normally.

Document & File Issues