Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated August 11, 2018)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Deborah had some problems with an AutoShape (a block arrow) placed behind the text of a table with rows of fixed width. When Deborah would try to nudge the arrow into position, the text would jump around, even after setting the Wrapping Style for the AutoShape to Behind Text.
The first thing to check, of course, is that the wrapping style didn't somehow get inadvertently changed. Select the block arrow, then choose Format | AutoShape | Layout | Behind Text. If this is the setting that was already made, then the next thing to check is where the AutoShape is anchored. Follow these steps:
Figure 1. The Advanced Layout dialog box.
At this point you should still see the object anchor, but a little padlock appears next to it to indicate that it is locked. Now you should be able to adjust the positioning of the block arrow itself without your text jumping around.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1649) 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: Stop Graphics and Text from Jumping Around.
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