How to Fix Word Showing {Embed Paint:Picture} Instead of Images
Question details
Users see text field codes instead of actual embedded images within their documents.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening, viewing, or editing a document that contains embedded pictures or drawings.
- Observed behavior
- The application displays raw field codes, such as {Embed Paint:Picture}, rather than rendering the visible images.
Ensure your document is set to 'Print Layout' view, as certain views like 'Draft' or 'Web Layout' can change how images are displayed or hide them entirely.
Toggle Field Codes Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Use a simple keyboard shortcut to switch Word from displaying underlying field codes back to displaying the actual image results.
Microsoft Word uses field codes as placeholders for data that might change, including embedded objects. If you accidentally trigger the shortcut to show field codes, all images will turn into text strings wrapped in brackets.
Click anywhere inside your Word document and press the 'Alt' and 'F9' keys simultaneously to toggle off field codes.
If you are using a laptop with dual-function F-keys, you may need to press and hold 'Fn' + 'Alt' + 'F9' to successfully trigger the command.
Adjust Word Display and Advanced Settings
Configure Word's internal display options to ensure picture placeholders are disabled and drawings are set to print and show on screen.
View Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with confusing field codes and hidden images in Microsoft Word? Try WPS Office, a free and lightweight alternative that flawlessly opens Word documents and displays your embedded pictures exactly as intended.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free desktop application.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document to view your images properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my pictures suddenly turn into code in Word?
This usually happens because the 'Show field codes instead of their values' setting was accidentally activated. Pressing the Alt + F9 keyboard shortcut is the most common reason this mode gets toggled on unexpectedly.
What is a picture placeholder in Word?
A picture placeholder is a performance setting in Word that replaces high-resolution images with empty outline boxes. This helps the document scroll faster on slower computers, but prevents you from seeing the actual image until disabled.
Will my document print the images or the field codes?
If field codes like {Embed Paint:Picture} are actively displayed on your screen, they may print as raw code instead of the image. Always toggle them back to images using Alt + F9 before sending the document to the printer.
