How to Write on Pictures in Word

Last Updated: June 7, 2024

This wikiHow will show you how to use Microsoft Word to add text to an image on your computer, phone, or tablet. The Microsoft Word app is freely available for Androids, iPhones, and iPads, but you'll need to purchase the app from Microsoft if you're using a Windows or macOS.

Things You Should Know

If you’re using a computer, use a text box with no fill and no outline to overlay text on an image.
If you’re using the mobile Word app, insert a text box with no fill and no outline. Move the text box onto the image and edit the text.
Make sure to tap the checkmark on mobile app Word documents to save your work!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Computer

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You can do this by clicking Open from the File tab, or by right-clicking the file icon in your file browser and choosing Word from the "Open with…" dialog.
You'll find this above the document in the menu toolbar or along the top of your screen.

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You'll find this option in the Text group. A menu will dropdown.
You'll see this at the bottom of the menu that drops down.
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Enter your text. You'll see your text entered into a moveable object.
- You can highlight your text and change the font size, color, and style before continuing.
Don't deselect the text box yet.
You'll find this above the document in the menu toolbar or along the top of your screen.
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Format your text box in "Shape Styles." You'll want to make sure your text is not hidden by other elements.
- Click Shape Fill and select No fill .
- Click Shape Outline and select No outline .
You can do this by clicking the picture to select it, then pressing and holding Ctrl (PC) or ⌘ Cmd (Mac) and clicking the text box to select it as well. Under the Format tab, click Group . ^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Phone or Tablet

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This app icon looks like a blue page with white writing on it, and you can find this app on your home screen, in the app drawer, or by searching. To open your project in Word, you'll need to tap Open from the File tab. ^{[2]
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If you don't see the pencil icon above the document, you may already be in editing mode.
You'll see this on the right of the options menu.
You'll open up a list of toolbar options.
You'll see the Insert menu options.
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Tap Text Box . You might have to scroll down to see this option.
- After you tap this, you'll see a text box with dummy text inserted on your page.
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Format your text box. After you've inserted your text box, you'll notice the main menu shifts to Shape . You'll want to edit this text box from this menu.
- From Fill , choose ' No fill .
- From Outline , choose No outline .
A menu will pop up.
Your cursor will appear in the text box. You'll first need to delete what's already in the text box. ^{[3]
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You'll see this in the upper left corner of the app.