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: Problems Pasting Large Pictures.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 19, 2020)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
If you paste a large picture into a document (or resize a small picture so it is larger), the picture may disappear from where you think it should be on the screen. Don't panic; the picture is still there—it is just off the screen at the moment.
A common default setting for pictures is "Move with text" and word-wrap is set to "Above and Below." The picture is attached to a paragraph mark, and when you inserted the picture (or resized it), the paragraph mark and picture pushed to the next page. When this happens, some people panic and think the best solution is to undo the paste/resize.
The picture is still selected, even if you don't see it. Here's an easy way to see the picture again: Click Format | Picture and set the word wrap to None. At this point everything jumps back to where it belongs because the text now flows "through" the picture. This makes it easy to decide if you want to move the picture to the next page manually or keep it where it is.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (3817) 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: Problems Pasting Large Pictures.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
You may have a lot of linked images in a document, and then one day need to change the links if the location of the ...
Discover MoreDo you struggle with getting your graphics and surrounding text to appear just the way you want it? Here are some ...
Discover MoreRotating graphics in Word is not always straight-forward, but it can be done. The tools on the Drawing toolbar allow you ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2020-10-03 18:01:54
Patricia Brenes
When I paste a picture from Excel it's usually too big. Can I set figures so that they have a fixed size when I paste them? A
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