logo
search
File Format & Compatibility

How to Prevent Images from Being Cut Off in Word EPUB Exports

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to ensure that large inline images in a Word document are not cropped or cut off when the file is exported to EPUB format.

Product
Word
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Preparing an ebook with multiple inline images for EPUB export and worrying about formatting issues when images exceed the document width.
Observed behavior
Setting images to 100% scale in Word causes them to extend beyond the document's page width, prompting concerns that they will be permanently cropped in the final EPUB output.
Before you start

Before finalizing your document for publishing, ensure you have an EPUB reader installed (such as Calibre or Thorium Reader) so you can accurately test how your images render in a reflowable layout.

Solution 1Recommended

Test EPUB Output and Utilize Reflowable Layouts

Since EPUB files use reflowable layouts that automatically resize images based on the viewing device, a display size of 100% in Word does not guarantee it will be cropped in the ebook.

The 100% value in Word represents the physical display size, not the actual pixel resolution or quality. Because standard EPUB is a reflowable format, the e-reader software determines the final display size of your images.

An image wider than the Word page cannot be fully viewed at 100% within the software's print layout, but this does not dictate the EPUB output. You should export the file and test it rather than relying solely on Word's preview.

1
Export the document

Export your Microsoft Word document to EPUB format using your preferred conversion tool or publishing platform.

2
Open in an EPUB reader

Open the resulting EPUB file in a dedicated ebook reader app or device.

3
Test scaling

Check the images on different simulated screen sizes within the reader to ensure they scale down automatically without being cropped or distorted.

Image Aspect Ratio: Always ensure your images have their aspect ratio locked in Word so they scale proportionally on e-readers without vertical or horizontal distortion.

Manage Ebook Images and Layouts Seamlessly with WPS Office

WPS Writer provides exceptional handling of high-resolution inline images for ebook creation. With robust formatting tools and a highly compatible layout engine, you can easily prepare your document for publishing without worrying about unexpected cropping.

  1. 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open your ebook manuscript.
  2. 2. Access picture tools: Click on any large image in your document to automatically reveal the 'Picture Tools' tab on the ribbon.
  3. 3. Adjust image size: Use the 'Compress Pictures' or dimension input boxes to scale the image proportionally to fit within the page bounds.
  4. 4. Export your file: Go to 'Menu' > 'Export to PDF' or save it as a .docx file ready for your favorite EPUB conversion software.
Easily adjust, crop, and lock image aspect ratios to prevent distortion.Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats, ensuring your layouts remain intact.Built-in tools to compress or retain high-resolution image quality depending on publisher requirements.Lightweight and free alternative for professional ebook drafting and document preparation.
QA img-9

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my images extend beyond the page margin in Word when set to 100%?

This happens when the image's physical size or PPI (pixels-per-inch) settings dictate a width larger than the document's page setup. Setting an image to 100% scale reveals its true physical print dimensions, which often exceed standard 8.5x11 inch page widths.

Does changing the DPI inside Word improve my image quality for EPUB?

No, changing the DPI or scaling the image inside Word does not add missing pixels or improve the actual detail of the original image file. It only affects how the image is scaled visually on the document page.

Will my images be cut off if I read the EPUB on a smaller device like a smartphone?

Typically, no. Standard EPUB files are reflowable, meaning the e-reader software on the smartphone will automatically detect the screen width and shrink large images proportionally to fit without cropping them.