Document Editing Problems

How to Select Pictures Behind Text in Word Name Badge Labels

Huda Qurayshi Sep 28, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user is unable to select, modify, or delete pictures within a Word name badge template because the image wrapping style is set to Behind Text.

How to Select Pictures Behind Text in Word Name Badge Templates

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Modifying or customizing a name badge template that utilizes background images.
Observed behavior: Pictures configured with Behind Text wrapping cannot be clicked with the standard text cursor, preventing selection, replacement, or deletion.

Before you start

Ensure your document is set to Print Layout view so that you can properly see all graphic elements and wrapping styles.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Select Objects Tool

This is the quickest built-in method to grab elements that are hidden behind the text layer.

By default, the Word cursor is designed to select text. Activating the Select Objects tool temporarily changes the cursor's behavior, allowing it to bypass the text layer and interact directly with images and shapes.

Navigate to the Home Tab

Open your name badge document in Microsoft Word and click on the Home tab located on the top ribbon.

Open the Select Menu

Locate the Editing group on the far right side of the Home ribbon and click the Select button to open the dropdown menu.

Choose Select Objects

Click on 'Select Objects'. Your cursor will change into an arrow pointer. You can now click directly on the picture behind the text to select, move, or delete it.

Turn Off Select Objects: Once you have finished modifying the image, press the ESC key on your keyboard or click 'Select Objects' again to return to the normal text editing cursor.

Solution 2

Use the Selection Pane

Ideal for complex templates where multiple overlapping images, shapes, or text boxes exist.

Edit Name Badges and Floating Objects Easily with WPS Office

WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface for handling complex document layouts, including overlapping images and name badge templates. You can easily manage object layers, select images hidden behind text, and format your documents exactly how you want.

1. Open your Template in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your name badge document.
2. Access the Home Tab: Navigate to the Home tab on the main ribbon interface.
3. Use the Select Tool: Click the 'Select' dropdown menu located in the Editing group on the right side.
4. Enable Select Objects: Choose 'Select Objects' to easily click and modify any images placed behind text.

Easily manage objects behind text using the dedicated Selection tool.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents (.docx) and complex template layouts.Free to download with a familiar, lightweight user interface.Built-in advanced layout options for flawless name badge printing.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my picture get stuck behind text in Word?

When an image's text wrapping is set to 'Behind Text', it is placed on a background layer beneath the text. Word prioritizes selecting the text layer by default, making the image difficult to click unless you use the Select Objects tool.

Can I bring the picture to the front temporarily to edit it?

Yes. Once you select the image using the Select Objects tool or Selection Pane, navigate to the Picture Format tab. Click 'Bring Forward' and choose 'Bring to Front', or temporarily change the text wrapping to 'In Front of Text' while you make edits.

How do I turn off the Select Objects cursor?

You can quickly return to the standard text cursor by pressing the ESC key on your keyboard, or by returning to the Home tab, clicking the Select menu, and unchecking 'Select Objects'.

Document & File Issues