Office Settings & Configuration

How to Set Square Text Wrapping as the Default in Word 2021

Phi Hung Vo Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to configure Microsoft Word 2021 so that all newly inserted images automatically use the Square text wrapping style.

How to Set Square Text Wrapping as the Default in Word 2021

Product: Microsoft Word 2021
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Inserting multiple images into a document and needing the text to wrap around them automatically without manual adjustment for each image.
Observed behavior: Word inserts pictures as 'In Line with Text' by default, requiring users to manually change the layout to 'Square' for every inserted image.

Before you start

Ensure you have Microsoft Word 2021 open. This setting will apply to all future documents you create or edit on this device, saving you time when adding multiple images.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Default Picture Wrapping via Word Options

Adjust the advanced settings in Microsoft Word to permanently change the default picture pasting behavior to Square wrapping.

By modifying the Advanced settings in Word, you can dictate exactly how new images behave when pasted or inserted. This avoids the repetitive task of changing the layout manually.

Open Word Options

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the Word ribbon, then select 'Options' located at the bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Advanced Settings

In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Advanced' from the left-hand navigation pane.

Locate Paste Settings

Scroll down the right pane until you find the section labeled 'Cut, copy, and paste'.

Change the Default Wrapping Style

Find the 'Insert/paste pictures as' dropdown menu. Click on it and change the selection from 'In line with text' to 'Square'.

Save Changes

Click 'OK' at the bottom of the window to apply your changes. Any new pictures you insert will now automatically use Square wrapping.

Change Default Picture Wrapping via Word Options

Setting Applied: This configuration remains active across Word 2021 until you manually change it back in the Options menu.

Seamless Document Formatting

Easily Manage Image Wrapping and Layouts in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface for managing image layouts and text wrapping. You can seamlessly insert images, customize default wrapping styles, and enjoy a lightweight word processing experience.

1. Open Settings: Launch WPS Writer, click on the 'Menu' icon in the top-left corner, and select 'Options'.
2. Navigate to Edit Settings: In the Options window, click on 'Edit' in the left-hand menu.
3. Set Default Wrapping: Find the 'Insert/paste picture as' dropdown option, select your preferred wrapping style (such as Square), and click 'OK'.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats and image layouts.Free and lightweight alternative for everyday word processing tasks.Intuitive settings menu for effortlessly adjusting default picture pasting behaviors.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply Square wrapping to an existing image in Word?

Yes. Select the existing image, click the 'Layout Options' icon that appears near its top-right corner, and choose the 'Square' icon under the 'With Text Wrapping' section.

Will changing this setting affect documents I share with others?

No, this setting only changes how new images are inserted on your local application. The saved layout of the document itself is preserved, so recipients will see the images exactly where you placed them.

Why is 'In Line with Text' the default setting?

'In Line with Text' treats the image like a large text character within a paragraph. This helps prevent unexpected formatting shifts and keeps the image securely anchored to the text it was inserted alongside.

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