Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Turning on Picture Placeholders.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 11, 2025)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
If you are working with a document that has quite a few graphics, and you don't have the latest and greatest fast computer, you have probably noticed that Word slows down quite a bit when displaying the graphics. This can be particularly distracting, especially if your graphics are quite detailed.
You can speed up the display of your document by using picture placeholders. This results in Word displaying boxes where your graphics would normally appear. This means that Word does not have to redisplay the complete graphic, and therefore your display will be much faster. To turn on picture placeholders, follow these steps:
Figure 1. The View tab of the Options dialog box.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (395) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Turning on Picture Placeholders.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2021 or Microsoft 365. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word Step by Step today!
You can add all sorts of drawing objects to a document. Once placed, you can then rotate them to your heart's content. ...
Discover MoreIf you insert a large picture in your document and your text jumps all around and the picture seems to disappear, don't ...
Discover MoreNothing beats a screen shot when you are trying to convey information about using the computer. With just a couple of ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here:
Comments