Document Editing Problems

How to Move the Cursor After an Image in Microsoft Word

Olivia Miller Oct 20, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to place the cursor to the right side of an inline image after it has been dragged and dropped into a document.

How to Move the Cursor After an Image in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Adding inline images to a document using the drag-and-drop method and trying to continue typing.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word automatically places the insertion point to the left of the dragged-in image, interrupting the flow of adding multiple images or typing text in sequence.

Before you start

Ensure your Word document is set to 'Print Layout' view so you can clearly see the blinking insertion point relative to your newly inserted images.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Right Arrow Key Shortcut

The fastest and most reliable method to manually move the insertion point past an inline image.

Because Microsoft Word treats inline images as large text characters, dragging and dropping an image places the cursor immediately before it by default. There is no built-in setting to alter this default behavior, so a quick keyboard shortcut is required.

Insert the image

Drag and drop your desired image directly into your Microsoft Word document.

Press the Right Arrow key

Immediately press the Right Arrow key on your keyboard once. This single keystroke will jump the blinking cursor from the left side of the image to the right side.

Continue editing

You can now press Enter to start a new line, begin typing text, or drag and drop your next image into the document in the correct sequential order.

Consistent Behavior Across Versions: This behavior is consistent across all versions of Microsoft Word, including Word 2019 and older legacy versions like Word 2003. Relying on the arrow key is the official workaround.

Solution 2

Change the Image Text Wrapping Style

Change how the image interacts with text so you can freely click anywhere on the page to place your cursor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a setting to automatically place the cursor after an inserted image in Word?

No, all versions of Microsoft Word by default place the cursor to the left of an inline image when it is dragged and dropped. There is no hidden Options setting to change this specific placement behavior.

How do I insert multiple images in a row in Word?

To add images sequentially, drag and drop your first image, press the Right Arrow key once to move the cursor to the right, and then drag and drop your next image. Repeat this process to keep all images in the correct order.

Can I change the default text wrapping for inserted images in Word?

Yes. Go to File > Options > Advanced. Scroll down to the 'Cut, copy, and paste' section, locate 'Insert/paste pictures as', and select a different default wrapping style from the dropdown menu, such as 'Square' or 'Tight'.

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