Wrapping text around other text in a Microsoft Word document is a handy technique to make your document look professional and organized. In just a few simple clicks, you can align your text with images or other elements in your document, giving it a polished appearance. Hereโs a quick overview of how to do it: First, insert the text you want to wrap around. Then, select the text, go to the โLayoutโ tab, and choose the โWrap Textโ option. From there, you can pick the wrapping style that suits your needs.
Step by Step Tutorial to Wrap Text Around Text in Microsoft Word
Before you start wrapping text around text, itโs important to know what youโre aiming for. Do you want your text to flow around an image? Or maybe you want it to curve around another block of text? Understanding the end goal will help you choose the right wrapping style and position your text correctly.
Step 1: Insert the text you want to wrap around
Insert the text box or shape that you want your main text to wrap around.
To insert a text box, go to the โInsertโ tab, click on โText Boxโ, and choose a style. If itโs a shape youโre after, click on โShapesโ and select the one you want. Position your text box or shape where you want the main text to wrap around it.
Step 2: Select the text or object
Click on the text box, shape, or image that you want your text to wrap around.
Once youโve inserted your object, make sure itโs selected. Youโll know itโs selected when you see the outline and handles around it. If itโs not selected, just click on it.
Step 3: Go to the โLayoutโ tab
Navigate to the โLayoutโ or โFormatโ tab on the Word ribbon.
The โLayoutโ tab is where all the magic happens for text wrapping. If youโre using an older version of Word, it might be labeled as โFormatโ.
Step 4: Choose โWrap Textโ option
In the โArrangeโ group, click on โWrap Textโ and choose the wrapping style you prefer.
There are several wrapping styles to choose from, such as Square, Tight, Through, Top and Bottom, Behind Text, and In Front of Text. Hover over each option to get a preview of how it will look.
After you choose a wrapping style, your text will instantly wrap around the selected object in the style youโve chosen. If youโre not happy with how it looks, just go back to the โWrap Textโ option and try out a different style.
What happens after you complete the action
Once you wrap your text around another text, youโll notice that your document looks more dynamic and visually appealing. Your readersโ eyes will flow smoothly from text to image and back, which can help keep their attention focused on your content.
Tips for Wrapping Text Around Text in Microsoft Word
- Always experiment with different wrapping styles to see which one looks best with your content.
- Use the โPositionโ option under the โWrap Textโ dropdown to fine-tune the placement of your text or object.
- Make sure thereโs enough contrast between the text and its background to maintain readability.
- If the text doesnโt wrap the way you want, try adjusting the size of the text box or shape.
- Remember that you can always undo your actions by pressing Ctrl + Z if you donโt like the changes youโve made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wrap text around text in a circle shape?
Yes, you can wrap text around a circular shape by inserting a circle from the โShapesโ option and choosing a โTightโ or โThroughโ wrapping style.
What if I want to wrap text around an image?
The process is the same! Just insert your image and follow the steps above to wrap your text around it.
How do I move the text box or shape after wrapping text around it?
Click on the text box or shape to select it, and then drag it to the desired position. The text will adjust automatically.
Can I wrap text in a way that it forms a custom shape?
While Word doesnโt offer a direct way to do this, you can create a custom shape, add text to it, and then adjust the wrapping of surrounding text.
What do I do if the text isnโt wrapping as expected?
Make sure the text box or shape isnโt set to โIn Line with Textโ as this will prevent wrapping. Choose another option like โSquareโ or โTightโ for better results.
Summary
- Insert the object you want to wrap text around.
- Select the object.
- Navigate to the โLayoutโ tab.
- Choose your preferred wrapping style.
Conclusion
Wrapping text around text in a Microsoft Word document can seem intimidating at first, but itโs quite straightforward once you get the hang of it. By following the steps outlined in this article, youโll be able to create engaging and visually appealing documents that draw your reader in. Remember, practice makes perfect, so donโt be afraid to experiment with different wrapping styles and positions to find what works best for your content.
And always keep your audience in mindโno matter how fancy your document looks, readability should always be your top priority. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your Word documents transform from plain to professional in just a few clicks.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelorโs and Masterโs degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.