Formatting Issues

How to Add the Same Border to Multiple Images in Word

Olivia Miller Oct 15, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to efficiently apply an identical border (such as a specific color and width) to multiple images in a Word document without formatting each one individually.

How to Add the Same Border to Multiple Images in Word

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting multiple images uniformly across a long document.
Observed behavior: Currently, the user has to format each image manually and is looking for a bulk formatting solution or shortcuts to speed up the process.

Before you start

Ensure all the images you want to format are already inserted into your Word document, and finalize the exact border style (color, width, and style) on your first image before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Copy and Paste Formatting Keyboard Shortcuts

The fastest manual way to apply identical image borders across your document is by using the format copy and paste shortcut keys.

Instead of navigating through ribbon menus repeatedly, Word allows you to copy only the formatting of an object and paste it onto others. Once the format is copied to your clipboard, you can paste it repeatedly onto multiple images, even if you perform other actions in between.

Format the first image

Select your first image, go to the Picture Format tab, and apply your desired border (e.g., blue Accent 1, Darker 25% with a 2.25-point width).

Copy the formatting

With the newly formatted image still selected, press Ctrl+Shift+C on your keyboard to copy its formatting properties.

Paste the formatting to other images

Scroll through your document, click on the next target image to select it, and press Ctrl+Shift+V to paste the exact border formatting. Repeat this step for all remaining images.

Use Copy and Paste Formatting Keyboard Shortcuts

Clipboard Retention: The copied format remains on your clipboard until you copy another format or restart the application, allowing you to format images at your own pace.

Solution 2

Use the Format Painter Tool

You can use the built-in Format Painter tool on the Home ribbon to paint formatting from one image onto multiple others.

Solution 3

Apply Borders Using a VBA Macro

If you are working with dozens or hundreds of images, running a simple VBA macro is the most efficient way to apply borders instantly.

Efficient Document Formatting

Easily Format Multiple Images in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an incredibly intuitive Format Painter and rich image formatting tools, allowing you to perfectly align and style all your document images in seconds. It provides a seamless experience for managing complex document layouts.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open your Word document in WPS Writer.
2. Style the first image: Select the first image, go to the Picture Tools tab, and apply your specific border color and weight.
3. Copy the formatting: With the styled image selected, press Ctrl+Shift+C to copy its precise formatting.
4. Apply to other images: Click on any other image in your document and press Ctrl+Shift+V to seamlessly apply the identical border.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word documents (.docx)Easy-to-use Format Painter for quick style duplicationAdvanced picture styling and border customizationLightweight application with high performance

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I lock the Format Painter to apply borders to multiple images?

To apply formatting to multiple images without reselecting the tool, you must double-click the Format Painter icon on the Home tab instead of single-clicking. This keeps the tool active so you can click multiple images in succession. Press the Esc key to deactivate it when done.

Does copying image formatting also copy the image size?

No, using the Format Painter or the Ctrl+Shift+C shortcuts only copies formatting properties such as borders, shadows, and picture styles. It does not alter the physical dimensions, aspect ratio, or cropping of the target image.

Can I select multiple images at once to apply the border simultaneously?

In standard Word documents, you cannot easily select multiple floating or inline images to apply a border simultaneously using standard ribbon tools. Your best options are using the Ctrl+Shift+V shortcut on each image sequentially, or using a VBA macro to format them all at once.

Document & File Issues