Template Issues

How to Control INCLUDEPICTURE Image Wrapping in Word Templates

WPS Editor Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to control the text wrapping style of images inserted dynamically using the INCLUDEPICTURE field within a document template.

How to Control INCLUDEPICTURE Image Wrapping in Word Templates

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a document template with dynamic images while ensuring the layout and wrapping style do not break when the image updates.
Observed behavior: The user wants to preserve consistent layout settings, such as 'Behind Text' wrapping or strict sizing, which can otherwise be lost or difficult to apply directly to the INCLUDEPICTURE field.

Before you start

Ensure that paragraph marks and field codes are visible (press Alt+F9) so you can easily edit the INCLUDEPICTURE field paths. It is also recommended to back up your original template file before making structural changes.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Text Box to Control Image Wrapping

Placing the INCLUDEPICTURE field inside a text box allows you to apply wrapping settings to the text box itself, keeping the layout stable when the dynamic image updates.

This method is ideal when you specifically need the image to sit behind or in front of the text, as text boxes support advanced wrapping styles that standard inline fields struggle to maintain.

Insert a Text Box

Navigate to the 'Insert' tab, select 'Text Box', and draw a text box in your template where the image should appear.

Set Text Box Wrapping

Right-click the text box, choose 'More Layout Options' or 'Format Shape', and set the Wrapping Style to 'Behind Text'.

Insert the INCLUDEPICTURE Field

Click inside the text box, press Ctrl+F9 to insert field brackets, and type INCLUDEPICTURE followed by the image path in quotes.

Remove Borders and Update

Remove the outline of the text box in the Shape Format tab. Finally, press F9 to update the field and display the image.

Use a Text Box to Control Image Wrapping

Consistent Layouts: Because the wrapping is applied to the text box rather than the image itself, updating the INCLUDEPICTURE field will no longer reset your text wrapping preferences.

Solution 2

Use a Table as an Image Placeholder

Using a fixed-size table restricts the dimensions of the inserted image, preventing layout shifts when dynamically loaded images have varying resolutions.

Manage Document Templates and Image Layouts Easily with WPS Office

WPS Writer offers intuitive tools for precise image positioning, text wrapping, and template creation. You can easily constrain images and preserve complex layouts without relying on complex, legacy field codes.

1. Insert a Text Box or Picture: Open WPS Writer, navigate to the 'Insert' tab, and add a Text Box or directly insert a Picture into your document.
2. Apply Wrapping Styles: Select the inserted element, click the floating 'Wrap Text' icon, and choose your desired layout, such as 'Behind Text' or 'In Front of Text'.
3. Save as a Template: Once your layout is perfected, go to 'Menu' > 'Save As' and select 'WPS Writer Template (*.wpt)' or 'Word Template (*.dotx)' to reuse the layout.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word .docx and .dotx formatsIntuitive drag-and-drop image wrapping and layout settingsLightweight software with fast document loading and renderingStreamlined template management for consistent professional formatting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can an image inside a table be wrapped behind the text?

No, images placed inside a table cell are treated as inline text objects and cannot float behind the document text. If you require 'Behind Text' wrapping, you must use the text box method instead.

Why does the INCLUDEPICTURE image break my template formatting when updated?

When updated, the INCLUDEPICTURE field naturally pulls in the native dimensions of the new source image. If the image is not constrained by a fixed-size text box or table, it will resize automatically and shift your surrounding text.

How can I view and edit the INCLUDEPICTURE field code directly?

You can toggle between viewing the field codes and the actual rendered image by pressing Alt+F9 (or Option+F9 on Mac). This allows you to manually edit the file path and switches inside the INCLUDEPICTURE brackets.

Document & File Issues