Formatting Issues

Fix Picture Caption Numbering Order for Side-by-Side Images in Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to correct the automatic numbering order of picture captions when side-by-side images are numbered out of sequence.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting a scientific article or complex document where two wrapped pictures are placed side by side.
Observed behavior: The right picture receives a lower caption number than the left picture because of how the hidden text-box anchors are positioned in the document.

Before you start

Ensure that non-printing formatting marks are visible in your document so you can accurately locate the hidden object anchors tied to your images.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Borderless Table for Side-by-Side Pictures

Placing pictures and their captions inside a two-cell table is the most stable way to ensure correct left-to-right numbering.

Putting images in table cells simplifies the document structure and prevents files from becoming corrupted. Because sequence (SEQ) fields in tables always update by row first and then by column, the left picture will automatically receive the earlier caption number.

Insert a table

Navigate to the Insert tab and create a 2x1 or 2x2 table, depending on whether you want the captions in the same cell as the images or in a separate row below them.

Place images and captions

Insert your first picture into the left cell and the second picture into the right cell. Add your captions directly into the corresponding cells.

Remove table borders

Select the entire table, go to the Table Design tab, click on Borders, and select 'No Border'. The images will remain perfectly aligned without visible gridlines.

Pro Tip: Using borderless tables also prevents images from jumping around unpredictably when you edit text elsewhere in the document.

Solution 2

Manually Adjust Object Anchors for Wrapped Pictures

Manually reposition the hidden text box anchors for your wrapped images to dictate the sequence order.

Seamlessly Manage Image Captions in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers highly compatible and intuitive document formatting tools. You can easily insert borderless tables to align side-by-side images perfectly and maintain correct caption sequences without wrestling with hidden object anchors.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document where you need to place side-by-side images.
2. Insert a layout table: Go to the Insert tab, select Table, and draw a 2x1 or 2x2 layout to hold your images.
3. Insert images and captions: Place your images into the table cells. Go to the References tab and use 'Insert Caption' for each image.
4. Hide the borders: Highlight the table, right-click to access Table Properties, and set the borders to 'None' for a clean look.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx)Intuitive interface for managing tables, images, and dynamic captionsFree and lightweight alternative to heavy office suitesStable formatting that won't shift when exported or printed

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my picture captions number out of order in Word?

Word numbers floating captions based on the location of their invisible object anchors in the document's paragraph structure, not the physical position of the picture on the page. If the right picture's anchor is on a higher paragraph line, it will be numbered first.

How do I instantly update caption numbers after moving them?

Caption numbers use SEQ (sequence) fields. You can update them by selecting the entire document (Ctrl+A) and pressing F9, or simply by opening Print Preview (Ctrl+P) and pressing Esc to exit back to the document.

Are borderless tables better than wrapping text for side-by-side images?

Yes. Using a borderless table is generally much more stable. It prevents floating images from shifting during text edits and guarantees that captions are naturally numbered sequentially from left to right.

What is an object anchor?

An object anchor is a hidden formatting mark shaped like a ship's anchor. It binds a floating image, shape, or text box to a specific paragraph, telling the software where the object logically belongs in the document's flow.

Document & File Issues