Formatting Issues

Fix Image Clipping and Remove Heading Arrows over Photos in Word

Adam Davis Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent heading drop-down arrows from appearing over photos and fix an issue where images get cut off in Print Preview when moved in front of text.

How to Fix Image Clipping and Remove Heading Arrows Over Photos in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Arranging text and photos in a document layout, such as a contract, where images need to align cleanly with specific text sections.
Observed behavior: A heading collapse/expand arrow overlays the photo. When attempting to fix this by setting the image to 'In Front of Text', part of the image becomes clipped and does not display correctly in Print Preview.

Before you start

Before adjusting your document layout, ensure that you have enabled table gridlines (go to Layout > View Gridlines) so you can accurately see and position your images within invisible table cells.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Hidden Table for Stable Image and Text Layout

Creating a one-row, three-column table provides a stable structure that prevents text and images from overlapping, ensuring nothing gets clipped during printing.

Floating images (like those set to 'In Front of Text') often clash with paragraph formatting or fall outside printable margins. A table locks the content in place safely.

Insert a layout table

Go to the Insert tab on the top ribbon, click on Table, and select a 3-column by 1-row grid (3x1 table) into your document.

Position the images

Click inside the first and third cells of the table and insert your photos. Click on each image, select the Layout Options icon, and choose 'In Line with Text'.

Insert and align the text

Type or paste your contract text into the center cell. Highlight the text, navigate to the Table Layout tab, and select the Align Bottom Center option so it sits flush with the bottom of the images.

Remove table borders

Select the entire table by clicking the crosshair icon in its top-left corner. Go to Table Design, click Borders, and select 'No Border'. Check Print Preview to confirm the clipping issue is resolved.

Use a Hidden Table for Stable Image and Text Layout

Print Preview Accuracy: Using 'In Line with Text' inside a borderless table guarantees that what you see in Print Preview is exactly what will be printed.

Solution 2

Remove Heading Styles to Eliminate Drop-Down Arrows

If the drop-down arrow is appearing over your photo, it is because the text next to or behind the photo is formatted as a collapsible heading. Changing it to Normal text removes the arrow.

Professional Layout Editor

Fix Complex Document Layouts Easily with WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides intuitive table management and precise image wrapping tools, making it incredibly easy to align photos and text for contracts or reports without frustrating print clipping issues.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx file in WPS Writer.
2. Create a structural table: Navigate to Insert > Table and create a 3x1 table to act as your layout framework.
3. Insert images and text: Place your images in the left and right cells, setting them to 'In line with text', and put your content in the middle cell.
4. Hide borders for printing: Select the table, navigate to the Table Tools tab, and click the Borders drop-down to select 'No Border' before printing.

Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats.Intuitive drag-and-drop table formatting and border controls.Accurate WYSIWYG Print Preview ensures your images are never cut off.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use for daily tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my image getting cut off in Print Preview?

This typically occurs when an image is set to 'In Front of Text' or 'Square' and is pushed outside the printable margin area of the page. Printers cannot print all the way to the absolute edge of the paper. Changing the layout to 'In Line with Text' ensures it stays within the printable boundaries.

How do I get rid of the small triangle arrow next to my text?

The small triangle is the expand/collapse feature applied to Heading styles. To remove it, select the text, go to the Home tab, and change the text style from a Heading to 'Normal' in the Styles pane.

Can I hide the table lines but still use them for alignment?

Yes. You can use tables purely for structure. Simply select the entire table, go to the Table Design or Table Tools tab, click on the Borders button, and choose 'No Border'. The grid will help you align content but won't show up on the printed page.

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