Document Editing Problems

How to Remove Object Anchors in Word Without Deleting Text

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to remove or hide the anchor symbols attached to floating objects like text boxes and shapes without deleting the associated text or the objects themselves.

How to Remove Object Anchors in Word Without Deleting Text

Product: Word Processing
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Adjusting document formatting and layout where visible object anchors are distracting or causing unwanted layout shifts.
Observed behavior: Object anchors remain visible or attached to paragraphs even when standard formatting marks are hidden, and manually deleting the anchor deletes the whole object.

Before you start

Ensure you have selected the specific object (like a shape, image, or text box) that is causing the anchor to appear. Remember that object anchors only show up when floating layout options are used.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the Object's Text Wrapping to In Line with Text

This is the most effective way to completely remove the floating anchor without deleting your text or the object itself.

Object anchors are explicitly designed to bind floating objects to a specific paragraph. By changing the object to act as standard text, the anchor is removed entirely.

Select the object

Click on the text box, shape, or image to select it. A bounding box will appear around your selection.

Open layout options

Look for the 'Layout Options' or 'Text Wrapping' icon that appears immediately next to the selected object, or navigate to the 'Format' tab on the top ribbon.

Apply in-line wrapping

Choose the 'In Line with Text' option. The object will now act like a standard text character, and the floating anchor symbol will be permanently removed.

Change the Object's Text Wrapping to In Line with Text

Layout Shift Warning: Changing the wrapping style might shift your object's position. You may need to use spaces, indents, or borderless tables to reposition it accurately.

Solution 2

Hide Object Anchors in Display Options

If you need the object to remain floating but just want to hide the distracting anchor symbol, you can adjust your application's display settings.

Solution 3

Toggle Off Paragraph and Formatting Marks

A quick fix to hide object anchors is to toggle off the global formatting marks visibility from the home ribbon.

Seamless Document Formatting

Effortlessly Manage Images and Objects in WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides an intuitive and highly compatible interface for managing text boxes, shapes, and images. You can easily adjust text wrapping and manage object anchors just like in Microsoft Word, all for free.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing the anchored objects.
2. Select the object: Click on the image, text box, or shape to highlight it and bring up the quick menu.
3. Change text wrapping: Click the 'Wrap Text' icon next to the object and select 'In line with text' to instantly remove the anchor.
4. Hide anchors globally: Alternatively, click 'Menu' > 'Options' > 'View' and uncheck 'Object anchors' to simply hide them from view while keeping the objects floating.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx, .doc).Intuitive text wrapping options to easily manage object anchors and document layouts.Lightweight software that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and Linux.Free and user-friendly interface for seamless document editing without layout frustrations.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does an anchor symbol appear when I insert a text box?

The anchor symbol indicates that a floating object (like a text box or image) is mathematically attached to a specific paragraph. If that paragraph moves to another page, the anchored object moves with it to maintain relative positioning.

Will deleting the anchor symbol delete my text box?

Yes. If you highlight and press 'Delete' or 'Backspace' on the anchor symbol itself, the attached object (text box, image, or shape) will also be permanently deleted. To safely remove the anchor without losing the object, change its text wrapping format to 'In Line with Text'.

How do I stop shapes from jumping around in my document?

Shapes often jump around because their anchors are moving with the edited text. To fix this, change the shape's wrap style to 'In Line with Text', or use a standard table with invisible borders to strictly control the exact positioning of your page elements.

Can I lock an object anchor to a specific place on the page?

Yes, you can lock the anchor to prevent accidental shifts. Right-click the floating object, select 'More Layout Options', navigate to the 'Position' tab, and check the 'Lock anchor' box. This keeps the anchor tied to its current paragraph even if you add text above it.

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