SharePoint Document Issues

Fix Word Changing Image Wrapping to In Line with Text in SharePoint

John Wilson Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users experience images automatically changing their text wrapping style from 'In Front of Text' to 'In Line with Text' when moving them within a Word document hosted on SharePoint.

Fix Word Changing Image Wrapping to In Line with Text in SharePoint

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing and moving images within a Word document that has been uploaded to SharePoint.
Observed behavior: The image's layout option unexpectedly reverts to 'In Line with Text' during document edits.

Before you start

Verify whether you are editing the document in Word for the Web or the Word desktop application, as online versions have limited image layout capabilities compared to the desktop client.

Solution 1Recommended

Open and Edit in the Word Desktop Application

Word for the Web has limitations with advanced text wrapping. Opening the document in the desktop app usually resolves formatting glitches.

Advanced image-wrapping options like 'In Front of Text' may not be fully supported or stable when moving objects in Word for the web.

Switching to the full desktop application provides complete control over image formatting and prevents unexpected layout reversion.

Open the Document in SharePoint

Navigate to your SharePoint document library and open the affected Word document in your web browser.

Switch to the Desktop App

Click on the 'Viewing' or 'Editing' button on the top ribbon, and select 'Open in Desktop App' from the dropdown menu to launch Microsoft Word.

Adjust Image Wrapping

Select the image, click the 'Layout Options' icon next to it, and choose 'In Front of Text'. Save the document to sync the corrected changes back to SharePoint.

Open and Edit in the Word Desktop Application

Syncing Changes: Make sure AutoSave is turned on in your desktop application so that your formatting corrections are immediately synced and updated in SharePoint.

Solution 2

Contact Your Microsoft 365 Administrator

If the issue persists in the desktop app, it may require investigation by Microsoft Online Support.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Reliable Image Formatting

If Microsoft Word for the Web disrupts your document layout, try WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with robust image formatting options that keep your graphics exactly where you put them.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free desktop application for your operating system.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx file directly to retain all original formatting without browser-based limitations.
3. Format Images Securely: Select your image, choose your preferred text wrapping style, and edit your document securely without worrying about unexpected layout shifts.

Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsStable and precise image wrapping and layout controlsFree and lightweight alternative to Microsoft 365Familiar user interface requires no learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do images revert to 'In Line with Text' in Word online?

Word for the Web has limited capabilities for advanced layout options compared to the desktop app. Complex wrapping styles like 'In Front of Text' may default back to inline formatting during edits to simplify browser rendering and real-time co-authoring.

How do I keep an image exactly where I put it in Word?

Use the 'Fix Position on Page' option under the advanced layout settings. Ensure you are using the desktop application for complex layouts to prevent unwanted shifts caused by browser limitations.

Can I use 'In Front of Text' wrapping in SharePoint?

Yes, but it is highly recommended to open the SharePoint document in the Word desktop application to apply and maintain these advanced text wrapping settings accurately, as the web viewer may not handle them perfectly during active editing.

Document & File Issues