Office Settings & Configuration

How to Lock a Picture in Excel When the Format Option Is Missing

Khadija Khan Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to lock an image in an Excel spreadsheet to prevent it from moving or resizing, but the 'Format' option is missing from the right-click context menu.

How to Lock a Picture in Excel When the Format Option Is Missing

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to fix the position and size of an inserted image within an Excel worksheet.
Observed behavior: The 'Format' or 'Format Picture' option does not appear when right-clicking the picture, preventing access to the object's protection and property settings.

Before you start

Verify that your picture is fully selected by single-clicking it, and ensure you are using the desktop application, as Excel for the Web has limited image formatting options.

Solution 1Recommended

Access Picture Properties Using Shortcuts or the Ribbon

Use alternative methods to access the Format Picture pane when the right-click menu option is unavailable.

If the right-click menu does not display the Format option, you can force the Format Picture pane to open using built-in keyboard shortcuts or the top Ribbon menu.

Select the picture

Click on the image you want to lock so that the sizing handles appear around its edges.

Open the Format Picture pane

Press the Ctrl + 1 keys simultaneously on your keyboard. Alternatively, navigate to the 'Picture Format' tab on the Ribbon and click 'Format Picture'.

Adjust property settings

In the Format Picture pane on the right, click the 'Size & Properties' icon. Expand the 'Properties' section.

Lock the picture to cells

Select 'Do not move or size with cells' and ensure the 'Locked' checkbox is ticked.

Access Picture Properties Using Shortcuts or the Ribbon

Locking Requires Sheet Protection: Checking the 'Locked' box will not immediately freeze the picture. You must enforce the lock by protecting the worksheet in the next step.

Solution 2

Enforce the Picture Lock with Sheet Protection

Activate worksheet protection to make the picture's 'Locked' property take effect.

Solution 3

Switch to the Desktop Version of Excel

Open your workbook in the desktop app if you are using Excel for the Web, which lacks advanced picture formatting.

Efficient Spreadsheet Management

Lock Pictures Effortlessly with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Office provides a highly intuitive desktop experience for managing, formatting, and locking pictures in your spreadsheets. With a familiar interface and robust tools, you can easily secure objects without worrying about missing menu options.

1. Insert and Select Picture: Open your spreadsheet in WPS Office, insert your image via the Insert tab, and click to select it.
2. Open Object Properties: Right-click the image and select 'Format Object', or simply press Ctrl+1 on your keyboard to instantly open the right-side properties pane.
3. Adjust Properties: Navigate to the Size & Properties tab, expand the Properties section, and choose 'Do not move or size with cells'.
4. Protect the Sheet: Go to the Review tab, click 'Protect Sheet', and ensure objects are protected to enforce the image lock.

Easily apply 'Do not move or size with cells' with a few simple clicksFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsLightweight, fast, and completely free to downloadFamiliar ribbon interface makes formatting objects simple and straightforward

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Format option missing when I right-click an image in Excel?

You might be using Excel for the Web, which has limited image formatting capabilities compared to the desktop app. Alternatively, the picture may not be fully selected. Using the desktop version and ensuring the picture's sizing handles are visible usually restores this option.

What does the 'Do not move or size with cells' option do?

This property ensures that when you resize, add, or delete the rows and columns around the picture, the picture's dimensions and exact position on the worksheet remain unchanged.

Why can I still move my picture after checking the 'Locked' box?

The 'Locked' property for pictures and cells only takes effect when the worksheet itself is protected. You must navigate to the Review tab and click 'Protect Sheet' to enforce the lock and prevent the image from being moved.

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