Formatting Issues

How to Fix Misaligned Images and Text Boxes in Word

Maira Mehtab Oct 15, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where images and text boxes shift and appear misaligned in Microsoft Word on only one specific computer.

How to Fix Misaligned Images and Text Boxes in Word on One Computer

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Viewing or editing a layout-heavy Word document containing images and text boxes on a local PC.
Observed behavior: Images and text boxes are shifted out of place on one computer, whereas they display correctly on other devices.

Before you start

Before attempting application repairs, verify that the affected computer is using the exact same version of Microsoft Office and the identical default printer driver as the computer where the document displays correctly.

Solution 1Recommended

Switch to Print Layout View

Check the active document view, as modes like Web Layout or Draft can cause graphic elements to reposition or hide.

Microsoft Word offers different ways to view documents. If a document opens in Web Layout or Draft view, images and floating text boxes may appear completely misaligned or missing.

Open Document

Open the affected document in Microsoft Word on the computer experiencing the issue.

Navigate to View Tab

Click on the 'View' tab located in the top ribbon menu.

Select Print Layout

In the Views group on the far left, click on 'Print Layout'. This will display the document exactly as it will print, keeping graphics anchored in their proper positions.

Check Page Settings: While in Print Layout, go to the 'Layout' tab and ensure the Margins and Size match the configuration used on the computer where the document looks correct.

Solution 2

Perform an Online Repair for Microsoft Office

If adjusting the view doesn't help, running an Online Repair can fix corrupted Office installation files causing rendering glitches.

Solution 3

Reinstall Microsoft Office

Consider a full reinstallation as a final troubleshooting step if view adjustments and repairs fail to restore accurate formatting.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office to Avoid Word Formatting Shifts

If Microsoft Word continuously struggles with misaligned text boxes and layout rendering issues across different devices, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible environment to edit your documents flawlessly.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer, click 'Open', and select your .docx file to view it with correct, stable formatting.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats, ensuring complex text box and image layouts remain perfectly intact.Free to use with a highly familiar user interface that requires zero learning curve.Lightweight design ensuring fast installation and smooth performance on any Windows PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do text boxes and images shift when opening a Word document on a different computer?

This happens due to differences in local environments, such as a different default printer driver, missing installed fonts, mismatched page margin settings, or the document defaulting to a different view mode like Web Layout.

How can I lock an image or text box in Word so it doesn't move?

Select the image or text box, click the 'Layout Options' icon that appears next to it, choose a text wrapping style (such as Square or Tight), and select 'Fix position on page'. This prevents the object from moving with the surrounding text.

Will running an Online Repair delete my Word documents?

No, performing an Online Repair through the Windows Control Panel only reinstalls and fixes the Microsoft Office application files. It does not delete, alter, or touch your personal documents and saved data.

What is the difference between Quick Repair and Online Repair in Microsoft Office?

Quick Repair attempts to fix issues quickly by replacing corrupted files using localized cache without needing an internet connection. Online Repair downloads entirely fresh files from Microsoft's servers, which takes longer but offers a much more comprehensive fix for complex rendering issues.

Document & File Issues