Formatting Issues

How to Center Text Beside Icons in Word Using a Table

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to align multiline text so it stays vertically centered right next to an icon in a document.

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a professional document layout where icons and their corresponding descriptive text sit side-by-side without the formatting breaking across lines.
Observed behavior: By placing the icon and text into separate columns of a structured table, the alignment settings can force the multiline text to center vertically alongside the image.

Before you start

Ensure you have your icons saved to your device or accessible via your document's insert picture feature before creating your layout.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an Invisible Table Layout for Perfect Alignment

This method uses a multi-column table to lock the icon and text side-by-side, allowing you to use cell alignment tools for perfectly centered text.

Using a table is the most reliable way to handle side-by-side text and graphics in word processors. It prevents the text from wrapping awkwardly under the icon when you add multiple lines.

Insert a layout table

Navigate to the Insert tab, click on Table, and create a two-column table. Choose as many rows as you have icons.

Add icons and text

Place your first icon inside the left column's top cell. Type or paste the corresponding multiline text into the right column's top cell.

Set icon wrap text

Select the icon image, click on the Layout Options icon that appears next to it (or go to Picture Format > Wrap Text), and choose 'In Line with Text'.

Center the text vertically

Highlight the entire table. Go to the Table Layout tab on the ribbon and click the 'Align Center Left' button in the Alignment group to vertically center the text.

Remove table borders

With the table still selected, go to the Table Design tab, click the Borders dropdown, and select 'No Border' to make the structure invisible.

Pro Tip: Once formatting is complete, the invisible table acts as a single grouped block that can be easily moved or copy-pasted anywhere in your document.

Effortless Document Formatting

Easily Align Text and Images in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers intuitive table tools and precise layout options to help you perfectly align text and icons in your documents. It provides a seamless formatting experience that makes designing professional layouts incredibly easy.

1. Create a Table: Open your document in WPS Writer, go to the Insert tab, and select Table to insert a 2-column layout.
2. Insert Content: Place your image or icon in the left cell and type your multiline text in the right cell.
3. Align Vertically: Highlight the cells, go to the Table Tools tab, and click the 'Align Center Left' icon to vertically center your text.
4. Hide Borders: Select the table, click the Borders icon in the ribbon, and choose 'No Border' for a clean, professional finish.

Precise cell alignment tools for text and graphicsFully compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx)Free, lightweight, and fast office suiteIntuitive interface for effortless document design

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my text not centering perfectly in the table cell?

This usually happens if there is extra paragraph spacing or a blank line after the text. Highlight the text, right-click, select Paragraph, and ensure the 'Spacing Before' and 'Spacing After' are set to 0 pt, and remove any blank paragraph marks.

Can I adjust the gap between the icon and the text?

Yes. Simply hover your cursor over the vertical line separating the two columns in your table until it turns into a double-sided arrow, then click and drag left or right to increase or decrease the spacing.

How do I prevent the icon and text from splitting across two pages?

Select your table, right-click, and choose Table Properties. Go to the Row tab and uncheck the box that says 'Allow row to break across pages'. This ensures the icon and text always stay together on the same page.

Document & File Issues