Printing Problems

How to Print One Image in Its Original Position in Word 2019

Nimra Malik Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to print a single selected image from a document while retaining its exact original spatial layout on the page.

How to Print One Image in Its Original Position in Word 2019

Product: Microsoft Word 2019
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Printing a specific scanned postcard image from a document where multiple images are currently arranged in rows using spaces.
Observed behavior: When selecting and printing just one image, the application automatically moves the printed image to the top-left corner of the page instead of preserving its original position.

Before you start

Before modifying the layout options of your images, save a backup copy of your document to easily restore your original image spacing if needed.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Table Layout and Hidden Text Formatting

By placing images inside a table and hiding the ones you don't want to print, you force the document to preserve the layout structure.

Using spaces to arrange images is highly unstable and prone to layout shifts. A table provides rigid boundaries that keep images locked in their exact coordinates. Hiding unwanted images ensures the structural space is maintained without printing the other elements.

Create a Table Layout

Go to the 'Insert' tab and click 'Table' to draw a grid that matches your postcard arrangement (e.g., 2 columns and 3 rows).

Set Image Text Wrapping

Cut and paste each image into its own table cell. Select an image, go to 'Picture Format', click 'Wrap Text', and choose 'In Line with Text'.

Hide Unwanted Images

Select the images you do not want to print. Press 'Ctrl + D' to open the Font dialog box, check the 'Hidden' checkbox under Effects, and click 'OK'.

Print the Document

Press 'Ctrl + P' to open the Print menu. Verify in the print preview that only the targeted image is visible in its correct position, then click 'Print'.

Use a Table Layout and Hidden Text Formatting

Check Print Settings: Ensure that 'Print hidden text' is unchecked in your Word Options (File > Options > Display > Printing options) so the hidden images do not accidentally print.

Solution 2

Temporarily Adjust Image Brightness

If you cannot use hidden formatting, you can temporarily make the other images completely white so they do not consume ink when printed.

Easily Manage Image Layouts and Printing with WPS Office

WPS Writer offers an intuitive layout system that makes organizing, hiding, and printing specific document elements incredibly simple. Its robust table structuring ensures your images never shift unexpectedly.

1. Arrange with Tables: Open your document in WPS Writer. Go to 'Insert' > 'Table' to create a structured grid for your scanned images.
2. Set to In Line: Place your images into the cells. Click the 'Wrap Text' icon next to the selected image and choose 'In Line with Text'.
3. Apply Hidden Effect: Select the images to skip, right-click and choose 'Font', then check 'Hidden' to make them invisible for printing.
4. Print the Final Layout: Go to 'Menu' > 'Print'. The hidden objects will maintain the layout space without printing, leaving your single image perfectly positioned.

Precise table and layout controls for stable image positioning.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx, .doc).Quick formatting tools to easily hide text or objects before printing.Lightweight software with an intuitive, user-friendly interface.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my selected image move to the top-left when printing?

When you select a single image and choose 'Print Selection', Word treats the image as a standalone object and defaults to placing it at the top-left margin of the page, completely ignoring its layout coordinates from the main document.

How can I hide multiple images at the same time?

You can hold down the 'Ctrl' key and click on each image to select multiple items simultaneously. Once selected, press 'Ctrl + D' to open the Font menu and apply the 'Hidden' attribute to all of them at once.

Is it better to use spaces or tables for arranging multiple images?

It is always recommended to use tables. Formatting with spaces or tabs relies on hidden text characters that can shift drastically depending on printer margins, fonts, or software versions. Tables lock content into specific, rigid dimensions.

Document & File Issues