How to Place Text Beside an Image in OneNote for Windows 10
Question details
The user wants to type text directly next to an inserted image or icon within their notes.
- Product
- OneNote for Windows 10
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Formatting document layout to have small images or icons sit side-by-side with explanatory text.
- Observed behavior
- After inserting an image, OneNote automatically moves the cursor to the next line, preventing the user from typing directly beside the image.
OneNote for Windows 10 does not have a native text-wrapping feature. Images are treated as distinct blocks that occupy the entire line, but you can use specific layout workarounds to achieve the desired result.
Set the Image as a Page Background
By setting the image as a background element, you can freely click anywhere on the page to create text containers directly over or beside it.
This is the most effective workaround within OneNote natively. Once an image is set as the background, it locks into place and allows text boxes to be dragged and positioned right next to it.
Open your OneNote page, go to the 'Insert' tab, and add your desired image or icon to the page.
Right-click on the inserted image and select 'Set Picture as Background' from the context menu.
Double-click on the blank space right beside the image. This will create a new text container where you can freely type your text.
Combine Image and Text Before Inserting
Create the layout in a word processor that supports text-wrapping and paste the final combined format into OneNote.
Submit a Feature Request
Since this is a known limitation in the Windows 10 app version of OneNote, submitting feedback helps developers prioritize future updates.
Experience Seamless Text and Image Layouts with WPS Office
Frustrated by layout limitations in note-taking apps? Switch to WPS Office, a powerful, free suite that gives you complete control over document formatting, including advanced text wrapping around images. It's lightweight, easy to use, and fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats.
- 1. Insert an image in WPS Writer: Open a document, go to the 'Insert' tab, and select 'Picture' to add your image.
- 2. Apply Text Wrapping: Click the image, select the 'Wrap Text' icon that appears, and choose 'Tight' or 'Square'.
- 3. Type beside the image: Your text will now automatically flow and align beautifully next to your image.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wrap text around an image natively in OneNote for Windows 10?
No, OneNote for Windows 10 does not have a native 'wrap text' feature like traditional word processors. Images act as standalone blocks, so text will naturally be forced above or below the image.
Does OneNote 2016 or the desktop version allow typing next to pictures?
The desktop versions of OneNote offer slightly more flexibility by letting you drag text containers closer to images, but they still lack a true text-wrapping feature. Setting the picture as a background remains the most reliable method across all versions.
How do I move an image after setting it as a background?
To regain the ability to move or resize an image, simply right-click the image (which is now acting as the page background) and uncheck 'Set Picture as Background'. It will turn back into a standard image block.
