Formatting Issues

How to Align Text With the Top of Images in a Word Document

Jason Miller Oct 16, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to align text in a bulleted list with the top edge of an adjacent image instead of the default bottom edge.

How to Align Text With the Top of Images in a Word Bulleted List

Product: Word Processing
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a professional bulleted list that includes inline images alongside the text.
Observed behavior: Text aligns with the bottom of the image by default, causing the bulleted list to look uneven and poorly formatted.

Before you start

Before adjusting alignment, ensure your image is inserted and you have a clear idea of how you want the text and image proportioned in your document.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Hidden Table for Precise Top Alignment

The most reliable way to align text and images is by placing them in a borderless table and using cell alignment tools.

When an image is inserted 'In Line with Text', word processors treat it as a large text character resting on the baseline, which naturally aligns adjacent text to its bottom edge. Using a table bypasses this limitation, giving you complete control over vertical alignment.

Insert a two-column table

Navigate to the Insert tab on the ribbon, select Table, and click to create a 2x1 table.

Add your content

Place your bulleted text into one of the cells and insert your image into the adjacent cell.

Align to Top

Highlight both table cells. Go to the Table Layout tab on the ribbon and click on 'Align Top' (or 'Align Top Left') to force both the text and the image to align at the top edge.

Hide the table borders

Select the entire table, navigate to the Table Design tab, click on Borders, and select 'No Border' to make the gridlines invisible.

Use a Hidden Table for Precise Top Alignment

Spacing Tip: You can adjust the cell margins in Table Properties and resize the image within its cell to achieve the perfect consistent spacing between the text and the image.

Solution 2

Adjust Image Text Wrapping to 'Square'

Changing the image's wrap text settings allows you to freely position the image next to the top of your text without using a table.

Advanced Formatting Features

Perfect Document Formatting with WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers intuitive table layout tools and precise alignment features, making it effortless to align images and text perfectly in your documents without complex workarounds.

1. Insert a Layout Table: Open your document in WPS Writer, go to the Insert tab, and add a 2-column Table.
2. Set Alignment: Place your image and text in the respective cells, select them, and use the Table Tools tab to set alignment to 'Align Top'.
3. Remove Borders: Click the Borders icon under Table Tools and choose 'No Border' for a clean, seamless look.

Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats.Advanced table layout controls for precise text and image alignment.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use for everyday editing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does text align to the bottom of images by default?

When an image is inserted as 'In Line with Text', the word processor treats it like a single large text character. It rests on the text baseline, which naturally forces any adjacent standard-sized text to align with its bottom edge.

Can I align text to the middle of an image in a table?

Yes, you can use the exact same table method. After selecting the table cells, simply go to the Table Layout tab and choose 'Align Center' to center the text vertically alongside the image.

Will the hidden table show up when I print the document?

No. As long as you select 'No Border' in the table border settings, the gridlines remain completely invisible both on your screen and in the final printed document.

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