Document Editing Problems

How to Remove a White Background from an Image in Microsoft Word

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to remove a solid white background from an image so it can be seamlessly overlaid onto another image within a document.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Layering two images in a document, such as placing a chair over a rug, where the top image needs a transparent background.
Observed behavior: The top image currently has an opaque white background that blocks the underlying image, preventing a clean layered effect.

Before you start

Ensure that your image has good contrast between the subject and the white background. Note that saving images with transparent backgrounds requires using formats like PNG, as standard JPEG files do not support transparency.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Remove Background Tool

This is the best method for images where the background is complex or if the main subject shares colors with the background.

Microsoft Word includes a dedicated background removal tool that intelligently attempts to isolate the main subject. You can manually refine its selection to ensure perfect results.

Select the Image

Click on the image (e.g., the chair) in your Word document to select it. This will reveal the Picture Format tab on the top ribbon.

Open Remove Background

Navigate to the Picture Format tab and click on the 'Remove Background' button located on the far left of the ribbon.

Refine the Selection

Word will highlight the areas it plans to remove in magenta. Use the 'Mark Areas to Keep' and 'Mark Areas to Remove' tools to draw lines over sections you want to adjust.

Apply the Changes

Once the subject is accurately isolated, click 'Keep Changes' in the ribbon to finalize the transparent background.

Solution 2

Use the Set Transparent Color Feature

Ideal for simpler images with a completely solid, uniform white background.

Edit Images Easily with WPS Office

Remove Image Backgrounds Seamlessly in WPS Writer

WPS Office offers powerful built-in picture editing tools, including the Set Transparent Color feature, allowing you to easily layer images and create professional documents without needing a separate photo editor.

1. Insert the Image: Open your document in WPS Writer, go to the Insert tab, and add your image.
2. Select Picture Tools: Click on the inserted image to open the Picture Tools tab on the top ribbon.
3. Choose Transparent Color: Click the 'Color' dropdown button and select the 'Set Transparent Color' option.
4. Apply to Background: Click directly on the white background of the image to make it instantly transparent.

Built-in transparent color tool for instant solid background removalAdvanced text wrapping and image layering optionsFully compatible with Microsoft Word .docx formatsLightweight, fast, and completely free to use

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did parts of my main image disappear when I used Set Transparent Color?

The Set Transparent Color tool removes all pixels of the exact color you clicked. If your main subject contains the same shade of white as the background, those areas will also become transparent. In this case, use the 'Remove Background' tool instead for better control.

Can I save my edited image with a transparent background as a JPEG?

No, the JPEG format does not support transparency. If you need to save the image with its new transparent background outside of your document, you must save it as a PNG file.

What if the built-in Word background removal tool isn't accurate enough?

If Word's built-in tools struggle to perfectly isolate the subject, it is recommended to use a dedicated image-editing application like Photoshop, Snagit, or a free online background remover before inserting the final image into your document.

How do I layer the transparent image over another picture?

After making the background transparent, select the image and click the 'Layout Options' icon that appears next to it. Choose a text wrapping style like 'In Front of Text' or 'Tight', which will allow you to drag and position the image freely over the background image.

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