How to Write on Pictures in Word

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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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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-1.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-2.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll find this above the document in the menu toolbar or along the top of your screen.
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  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-3.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll find this option in the Text group. A menu will dropdown.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-4.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll see this at the bottom of the menu that drops down.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-5.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-6.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don't deselect the text box yet.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-7.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll find this above the document in the menu toolbar or along the top of your screen.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-8.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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 .
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-9.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-10.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-11.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you don't see the pencil icon above the document, you may already be in editing mode.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-12.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll see this on the right of the options menu.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-13.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll open up a list of toolbar options.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-14.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll see the Insert menu options.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-15.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-16.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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 .
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-17.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A menu will pop up.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-18.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your cursor will appear in the text box. You'll first need to delete what's already in the text box. [3]
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-19.jpg\/aid11245967-v4-728px-Write-on-Pictures-in-Word-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll see this in the upper left corner of the app.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-gb/article/add-text-on-top-of-a-photo-24ec392b-4c0d-4ec2-82a1-ce8da4e4f5da
      2. ↑ https://www.digitalcitizen.life/add-edit-pictures-shapes-word/
      3. ↑ https://www.digitalcitizen.life/insert-edit-text-boxes-links-comments-microsoft-word-android

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the picture in Word.
      2. Insert a new text box from the Insert tab.
      3. Type in your text.
      4. Drag and drop the new text box over the picture.
      5. Group the picture and text box.

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