Document Editing Problems

How to Select and Group Images, Shapes, and Text Boxes in Word

Elise Williams Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to select and group a JPEG image, shapes, and labels because objects positioned behind text are unselectable with normal cursor clicks.

How to Select and Group Images, Shapes, and Text Boxes in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to group multiple graphic elements (an image, shapes, and text boxes) into a single movable object after an Office update.
Observed behavior: Objects placed behind text cannot be easily selected individually, preventing the user from grouping them together, and simply changing text wrapping does not resolve the selection issue.

Before you start

Ensure your document is in Print Layout view and that all objects you want to group are located on the same page.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Select Objects Tool

The Select Objects tool alters your cursor to prioritize graphic elements over text, allowing you to drag a selection box around multiple items easily.

When Word objects are set to 'Behind Text', regular mouse clicks will often select the text layer instead of the object. Activating the Select Objects tool temporarily disables text selection so you can interact freely with background images and shapes.

Activate the Select Tool

Go to the Home tab on the top ribbon. Look for the Editing group on the far right side, click the 'Select' dropdown, and choose 'Select Objects'.

Highlight Your Elements

Click and drag your mouse pointer to draw a selection box completely around the JPEG image, shapes, and text boxes you want to combine.

Apply the Group Command

Once all items are highlighted, right-click on one of the selected objects, hover over 'Group' in the context menu, and click 'Group'.

Exit Selection Mode: After grouping your objects, press the ESC key on your keyboard to turn off the Select Objects tool and return to standard text-editing mode.

Solution 2

Select Objects via the Selection Pane

The Selection Pane displays a list of all visual elements on the current page, allowing you to select and manage complex or hidden layers without clicking directly on the document canvas.

Efficient Document Editing

Group Images and Shapes Effortlessly in WPS Office

WPS Office Writer offers a highly intuitive interface for selecting, arranging, and grouping multiple drawing objects, ensuring that you can easily format complex documents without layout frustrations.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing document containing the image and shapes.
2. Select the Objects: Hold the Ctrl or Shift key and click on each image, shape, and text box you wish to group, or drag a selection box around them.
3. Group the Items: Right-click on any of the selected elements, choose 'Group' from the dropdown menu, and click 'Group' to combine them into one object.

Easily select objects behind text and group them with a single click.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word file formats (.docx, .doc).Advanced layout management tools for images, shapes, and text boxes.Free, lightweight, and fast Office suite for everyday document editing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Group option grayed out when I try to group a picture and a shape?

The Group option is usually disabled if the objects have incompatible text wrapping styles. For example, if a picture is set to 'In Line with Text', it cannot be grouped with a floating shape. Ensure all objects you wish to group are set to a floating wrap style such as 'Square', 'Tight', or 'Behind Text'.

How do I edit text inside a text box after it has been grouped with an image?

You do not need to ungroup the items to edit the text. Simply click once to select the entire grouped object, then click a second time directly on the text box. This selects the individual element within the group, allowing you to edit the text immediately.

Can I group objects that are on different pages?

No, Word only allows you to select and group objects located on the same page. If you need to group elements from different pages, you must first move them onto the same page, group them, and then move the unified object to your desired location.