How to Lock an Image in Microsoft Word

Adding images to your Microsoft Word documents can help you illustrate points, showcase data, or just make your pages look more professional. But if you’ve ever accidentally moved or resized an image while editing, you know how frustrating it can be. Locking an image in place is the solution.

Here’s how to do it—no complicated jargon, just the facts.

Why Lock an Image?

When you lock an image, you prevent it from shifting around as you edit text. This is especially useful for resumes, reports, flyers, or any document where layout matters.

Method 1: Use the “Behind Text” Layout

1. Insert Your Image
   Go to Insert > Pictures and choose your image.
2. Select the Image
   Click on the image to highlight it.
3. Set the Layout
   Go to Picture Format > Wrap Text > Behind Text.
4. Move the Image Into Place
   Drag the image to where you want it. Now, as you edit text, the image won’t get nudged around as easily. However, it can still be moved manually if you click on it.

Note: This method doesn’t fully lock the image, but it keeps it from interfering with your text.

Method 2: Group with a Text Box

To make it even harder to move by accident, group your image with a text box:

1. Insert a Text Box
   Go to Insert > Text Box and draw one over the image.
2. Place the Image and Text Box Together
   Arrange them as needed.
3. Select Both
   Hold down Ctrl and click both the image and the text box.
4. Group Them
   Right-click and choose Group > Group.

Now, both move as one unit. It’s harder to accidentally shift just the image.

Method 3: Protect the Document (Best for Forms)

For the highest level of control, you can restrict editing on the document:

1. Go to the Review Tab
   Click Review > Restrict Editing.
2. Set Formatting Restrictions
   In the pane, check Allow only this type of editing in the document and set it to No changes (Read only).
3. Select Exceptions for Editable Areas
   You can highlight text you still want to edit.
4. Start Enforcement
   Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection, and set a password.

Now, all images (and most of the document) are locked from editing.

Quick Tips

• There’s No “Lock Image” Button: Word doesn’t have a one-click “lock image” feature. You have to use workarounds like the ones above.
• Save a Copy: Before locking or grouping, save a backup in case you want to make changes later.
• Consistency Matters: If your document has many images, use the same method for all of them.

Wrapping Up

Locking images in Word isn’t as simple as flipping a switch, but with these steps, you can keep your images where you want them. Less frustration, more control—so you can focus on your writing, not wrestling with the layout.

Have a question or need help with another Word feature? Drop it in the comments!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!