How to Fix Microsoft Word Not Printing Wrapped Text Boxes or Pictures
Question details
The user needs to print a document containing text boxes and images, but these elements do not appear on the printed pages.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a visually formatted document that includes text boxes and wrapped pictures.
- Observed behavior
- Wrapped and positioned text boxes and pictures are visible on the computer screen but are completely missing from the final printed output.
Before modifying any software settings, view the document in the Print Preview screen; if the images and text boxes are missing there as well, the issue lies within Word's configuration rather than your physical printer.
Enable Drawing Objects in Word Print Preferences
This is the most common fix for missing graphical elements, ensuring Word is instructed to send drawing objects to the printer.
Microsoft Word includes dedicated settings to optimize printing by omitting graphics to save ink. If this setting is accidentally toggled off, text boxes, shapes, and wrapped images will be excluded from the print spooler.
Launch Microsoft Word and open the document you wish to print. Navigate to the top menu and select 'Word', then click on 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences dialog box, locate the 'Output and Sharing' section and click on 'Print'.
Look for the 'Include with document' section. Check the box next to 'Drawing objects' (or 'Print drawings created in Word' depending on your exact version).
Close the preferences window, open your Print Preview to confirm the elements are visible, and print the document.
Export the Document to PDF Before Printing
Use this workaround if Word continues to drop graphics despite correct print settings.
Modify Object Wrapping Settings
Use this method if specific images or text boxes are missing while others print successfully.
Print Complex Layouts Flawlessly with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word consistently drops graphics, fails to render wrapped text boxes, or experiences printing glitches, consider switching to WPS Office. It handles heavily formatted documents perfectly and prints exactly what you see on the screen without requiring constant settings adjustments.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite for your operating system.
- 2. Open Your Document: Right-click your existing Word document, select 'Open With', and choose WPS Writer. Your formatting will remain intact.
- 3. Print Successfully: Go to Menu > Print. WPS Writer will securely spool all text boxes, images, and visual layouts to your printer directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my pictures disappear only when I try to print in Word?
Word features a specific setting designed to speed up draft printing and save ink by omitting graphical elements. If 'Print drawings created in Word' or 'Drawing objects' is disabled in your preferences, the pictures will show on the screen but not on the printed page.
Does updating my printer driver help with missing text boxes?
Yes. Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can fail to translate complex graphic data sent by Word. Visiting your printer manufacturer's website and installing the latest drivers can often resolve layout and image rendering issues.
Why does exporting to PDF fix Word printing issues?
Exporting a document to PDF 'flattens' the file. This means dynamic Word elements like positioned text boxes and floating images are converted into a fixed visual layout, preventing the printer spooler from misinterpreting or dropping the complex positioning data.
