Formatting Issues

How to Fix Word Text Appearing Above a Text Box in Print Layout

Olivia Miller Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

Text entered into a text box or shape in Microsoft Word displays incorrectly above the box in Print Layout, while appearing correctly in Read Mode or on other computers.

Fix Word Text Appearing Above a Text Box in Print Layout

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Viewing or editing a document containing text boxes or shapes in Print Layout mode.
Observed behavior: The text separates from the text box or shape and appears floating above it in Print Layout, though it renders correctly in Read Mode.

Before you start

Ensure your document is saved and closed before modifying Word's global templates or starting the application in Safe Mode.

Solution 1Recommended

Start Word in Safe Mode to Isolate Add-ins

Running Word in Safe Mode helps determine if a third-party add-in or custom setting is causing the text box display issue.

Safe Mode starts Word with a minimal set of features, temporarily bypassing the Normal template and any installed add-ins. This is a crucial diagnostic step to identify formatting and display glitches.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run window.

Launch Safe Mode

Type 'winword /safe' into the text box and press Enter or click OK.

Test the document

Go to File > Open to load the affected document in Safe Mode, and check if the text box displays correctly in Print Layout.

Start Word in Safe Mode to Isolate Add-ins

Safe Mode Result: If the document displays correctly in Safe Mode, a COM add-in or a corrupted startup item is likely the culprit. You will need to disable your add-ins one by one to find the exact cause.

Solution 2

Rename or Reset the Normal.dotm Template

A corrupted Normal template can cause bizarre formatting glitches. Renaming it forces Word to generate a fresh, default template upon restart.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office to Seamlessly Edit Text Boxes and Shapes

If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with display issues and corrupted templates, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible environment to edit your documents without layout glitches.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free software suite.
2. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the problematic Word document.
3. Edit with ease: View and edit your text boxes flawlessly in Print Layout without rendering errors.

Free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsStable rendering of text boxes, shapes, and complex layouts in Print LayoutFamiliar user interface requires no learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my text box look different in Print Layout compared to Read Mode?

Print Layout relies heavily on your printer drivers, display settings, and the Normal.dotm template to render objects exactly as they will print on paper. Read Mode simplifies the view, which often bypasses rendering glitches caused by corrupted templates or add-ins.

Will I lose my formatting if I rename the Normal.dotm template?

Renaming the Normal template resets your default font, margins, and styles to Word's factory defaults for new documents. However, custom formatting applied directly within your existing saved documents will remain intact.

How can I share a sanitized document for troubleshooting?

Create a copy of your document, replace any sensitive or personal information with placeholder text (like "Lorem Ipsum"), save the file, and upload it to a cloud service like OneDrive or Dropbox to generate a shareable troubleshooting link.

Document & File Issues