Formatting Issues

How to Stop Images and Text Boxes from Moving in Word

Steve K Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent images and text boxes from jumping, moving, or resizing when clicked in a document, and wants to resolve an erroneous subscription activation prompt.

How to Stop Images and Text Boxes from Moving in Word

Product: Microsoft Word 2019 / Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing a document layout that contains multiple overlaid images and text boxes.
Observed behavior: Images and text boxes unexpectedly move, resize, or become hard to select. Layout Options become inaccessible, and Microsoft 365 incorrectly displays a 'Buy Microsoft 365' message.

Before you start

Before adjusting your image anchors, ensure your document is in Print Layout view (go to View > Print Layout) so you can accurately see how images and text boxes are positioned relative to the page margins.

Solution 1Recommended

Lock the Position of Images and Text Boxes

Adjust the Wrap Text settings to lock the object's anchor, preventing it from jumping around when you edit or click near it.

By default, images in Word are anchored to paragraphs. If the anchor isn't locked, moving text can cause your carefully placed graphics to shift unexpectedly.

Access Layout Options

Right-click the moving image or text box and select Wrap Text, then click on More Layout Options.

Adjust Position Settings

In the Layout dialog box, navigate to the Position tab.

Lock the Anchor

Under the Options section at the bottom, check the boxes for 'Lock anchor' and 'Move object with text', then click OK.

Lock the Position of Images and Text Boxes

Precise Resizing: If corner handles make the image too large, right-click the image, select 'Size and Position', and manually type in the exact height and width you need.

Solution 2

Access Layout Options Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Use this method if the Layout Options button is unresponsive or difficult to click with your mouse.

Solution 3

Resolve the Microsoft 365 Activation Prompt

Fix the erroneous 'Buy Microsoft 365' message by refreshing your account login credentials.

Effortless Document Formatting

Easily Manage Image and Text Layouts with WPS Writer

Stop struggling with jumping images and unresponsive layout buttons. WPS Writer offers an intuitive layout system that allows you to easily lock text boxes and pictures in place, ensuring your document formatting stays exactly as you intended.

1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document.
2. Select the Image: Click on the image or text box you want to lock in place.
3. Open Layout Settings: Click the Layout Options icon floating next to the image and choose 'More Layout Options'.
4. Lock the Position: Navigate to the Position tab, check 'Lock anchor', and click OK.

Free to use with full-featured word processing capabilitiesHighly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats and layoutsIntuitive drag-and-drop formatting with precise object lockingLightweight software with no annoying subscription prompts

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my text boxes move down when I press Enter?

By default, text boxes and images are anchored to the paragraph where they were inserted. If you press Enter to add new lines above that paragraph, the anchor (and the object) moves down. To fix this, change the layout options to lock the anchor to the page instead of the text.

What does 'In Line with Text' mean?

The 'In Line with Text' setting treats an image or text box exactly like a large text character. It sits on the text baseline and moves naturally as you type. While it prevents unexpected floating, it restricts you from freely dragging the object around the page.

How do I select an image that is stuck behind text?

Go to the Home tab on the ribbon, click the Select dropdown in the Editing group, and choose 'Select Objects'. Your cursor will change to a pointer arrow, allowing you to easily click and select images that are hidden behind your document's text.

Why is the Layout Options button greyed out?

The Layout Options button can become unavailable if your document is opened in Compatibility Mode for an older version of Word, or if you have selected multiple objects with conflicting wrap settings at the same time. Try saving the document in the newest .docx format.

Document & File Issues