How to Make Word Images Use Fix Position on Page by Default
Question details
The user wants inserted images in Word to default to 'Fix Position on Page' rather than 'Move with Text.'
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Inserting images into a Word document and needing them to remain in fixed positions regardless of text edits.
- Observed behavior
- Word defaults to 'Move with Text' (or 'In Line with Text') and does not include a built-in UI setting to universally change this default behavior to 'Fix Position on Page'.
Before proceeding, note that Word does not offer a simple toggle to make 'Fix Position on Page' the default for all newly inserted images. You will need to either adjust images manually after applying text wrapping or use a VBA macro for batch automation.
Manually Set Image to Fix Position on Page
Since there is no built-in default setting, you must manually disable the 'Move object with text' option for individual images.
This method ensures that your selected image stays anchored to a specific spot on the page, regardless of how much text is added or deleted around it. Note that this positioning option cannot be applied if the image wrapping style is set to 'In Line with Text'.
Select the inserted image, click the Layout Options icon that appears next to it, and choose a text wrapping style other than 'In Line with Text' (such as 'Square', 'Tight', or 'Behind Text').
Right-click the image and select 'Size & Position' from the context menu.
Navigate to the 'Position' tab in the layout dialog box, clear the 'Move object with text' checkbox under the Options section, and click 'OK'.
Use a VBA Macro to Automate Image Positioning
If you frequently need multiple images to stay fixed on the page, you can use a VBA macro to apply this setting to all shapes at once.
Manage Document Formatting Easily with WPS Office
If you are frustrated by the limitations of Word's image positioning defaults, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with intuitive image layout controls, a familiar user interface, and zero subscription fees.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free office suite.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the simple installation steps and open the WPS Writer application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set 'In Line with Text' images to a fixed position?
No, the 'Fix Position on Page' setting is only available when a text wrapping style (like Square, Tight, or Through) is applied. An 'In Line with Text' image is treated like a large text character and will always move with the paragraph it is in.
Why do my images move when I add new text above them?
By default, Word sets images with text wrapping to 'Move object with text'. This links the image to the specific paragraph it was anchored to. Disabling this setting forces the image to stay fixed relative to the page margin instead of the text.
Does changing the default Picture Insert option fix this issue?
No. While you can change the default wrap text style (e.g., from In Line to Square) via Word Options > Advanced, Word still does not provide a setting to change the default 'Move with text' vs 'Fix position on page' behavior for new insertions.
