Why can't I drag a picture?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bert Coules
  • Start date Start date
B

Bert Coules

This seems to be such a simple question that I'm surprised I can't find the
answer online anywhere. Many apologies if it *is* out there somewhere.

If I open a new blank document and then insert a jpg image (say into the top
left-hand corner) why can't I then move the image around the blank page by
clicking-and-dragging? The various documentation and help files I've looked
at all seem to take this ability for granted.

I'm using Word 2000 under Windows ME.

Many thanks for any help, even it it's only to tell me what an idiot I am
for overlooking something blindingly obvious.

Bert
 
This is indeed a FAQ. Beginning in Word 2000, pictures are by default
inserted "In Line with Text" (in the text layer). That means they behave
like large font characters. Click on the picture to display the Picture
toolbar. Click on the Text Wrapping button (dog icon) and choose some other
wrapping style (such as Square, Tight, or Behind Text). This puts the
picture in the drawing layer, and you will be able to drag it freely.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

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all may benefit.
 
Suzanne,

Many thanks for that; it works a treat. However...

While I was waiting to find out how to move the picture, I created a couple
of text-box captions on top of it (or do I mean within it?). Unfortunately,
when I drag the picture, the text-boxes don't move with it. I assumed that
I could just drag the text-boxes back into position - but although the boxes
move, the text itself disappears, seemingly never to return.

Apologies if this is also something elementary, but I'm afraid it has me
stumped...

Bert
 
The problem may be in the Text Wrapping Option.
By default the Option is "In line with text". That means the picture is like
a symbol. You cannot drag it anywhere. It is fixed in that position. You can
manipulate the picture as text - you can center it in the page and so on...
In order to move the picture free, you need to change the wrapping options
to something else. Try Square. When that option i applied, you will see
around the picture some handles, and when you hover the mouse-pointer on the
picture, it will change to "MOVE", like the plus sign with arrows.
Who to go to the text wrapping options?
There are several ways:
1. Click the picture. The picture toolbar should display automatically. If
it does not, righ-click the empty space by the toolbars, and check "Picture"
Then click the button, which looks like dog. The screen tip should read
"Text wrapping".
Then choose either Square, Tight, or something else, different from "In line
with text".
2. Right-Click the picture. Select Format Picture, then the Layout tab.
Choose the text wrapping you need.
3. Click the Format menu, and Picture. Proceed as in 1. or 2.

There is a way to change the default text wrapping option. You can do that
by selecting Tools -> Options -> Edit Tab -> Insert/Paste Pictures As: and
choose what option you want.

I hope that will help you.
 
Unless you group the text boxes and the picture, they will not stay
together. I'm at a loss to understand how the text in them vanished unless
you accidentally resized them too small for the text or perhaps
inadvertently pressed, say, Ctrl+0 (which would add 12 pts Space Before). Do
the text boxes show an overflow?

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

Email cannot be acknowledged; please post all follow-ups to the newsgroup so
all may benefit.
 
Suzanne,

Thanks once again for the reply.
Unless you group the text boxes and the picture, they will not stay
together.
Click to expand...

Ah, I'm not familiar with grouping. I'll look into that.
I'm at a loss to understand how the text in them vanished unless
you accidentally resized them too small for the text...
Click to expand...

No, I was careful not to change anything. It's a very curious effect. Just
to add to the curiosity, I've discovered that I can copy-and-paste the text
boxes onto the relocated picture with no problem. I just can't drag them.

Bert
http://www.bertcoules.co.uk
 
It could be that the problem with the text boxes is one of order. If they
are behind the picture, you would need to bring them to the front (or
forward, anyway).

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

Email cannot be acknowledged; please post all follow-ups to the newsgroup so
all may benefit.
 
Suzanne,
It could be that the problem with the text boxes is one of order. If they
are behind the picture, you would need to bring them to the front (or
forward, anyway).
Click to expand...

That does sound very possible. In fact, it explains everything, doesn't it?
I hate to keep asking questions, but just how is this "bringing them to the
front" achieved?

Bert
http://www.bertcoules.co.uk
 
Actually, if they're entirely hidden, you can't bring them to the front
because you can't select them. You have to select the top object (the
picture) and send it to the back (or backward) instead. When you right-click
on it, the shortcut menu should show Order. Click on that and choose the
appropriate action.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

Email cannot be acknowledged; please post all follow-ups to the newsgroup so
all may benefit.
 
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