Adding images to documents in Google Docs can make them more visually appealing and easier to understand. However, by default, images are placed inline with the text. This can make positioning images difficult and result in awkward layouts. Fortunately, Google Docs provides options to wrap text around images to create more polished document designs.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to change the text wrapping of images in Google Docs to control how text interacts with the images. We’ll cover the different text wrapping options and how to adjust them.
Benefits of Changing the Text Wrapping
Here are some of the benefits of customizing the text wrapping in Google Docs:
- Creates more visually appealing layouts
- Makes documents easier to read and understand
- Allows flexible positioning of images
- Reduces awkward gaps in text
- Optimizes use of space on the page
Step 1: Insert an Image
Start by inserting an image if you haven’t already. To do this:
- Place your cursor where you want the image to be inserted
- Click Insert > Image in the top menu
- Select an image from your computer or Google Drive to insert
You can also search for images on the web directly within Docs.
Step 2: Select the Image
Once your image is inserted, click on it to select it. This will make the image options toolbar appear.
Step 3: Open the Image Options Sidebar
In the image options toolbar, click the Image options icon (it looks like a square with a corner folded over).
This will open the image options sidebar on the right side of your document.
Step 4: Go to the Text Wrapping Section
In the sidebar, click on the Text wrapping section. This is where you’ll change how text interacts with the image.
Step 5: Choose a Text Wrapping Setting
Google Docs provides four text wrapping options:
- In line – Positions the image inline with text, like any other character.
- Wrap text – Wraps text tightly around the image.
- Break text – Text will not wrap around the image.
- Behind text – Places image behind text so text appears on top.
Select the option you want to use. Wrap text is the best for most situations.
Step 6: Preview and Adjust Wrapping
Once you’ve chosen a text wrapping setting, you can preview how it looks. Try typing additional text next to the image to see how it interacts.
If needed, you can further customize the wrapping:
- Adjust margins around the image
- Move the image to control wrap points
- Resize the image
- Change the text wrapping alignment
Experiment until you get the layout you desire.
Step 7: Repeat for Other Images
To wrap text around other images in your document, simply repeat the process for each one.
The settings apply on an image-by-image basis, so you can customize the wrapping for each individual image.
Extra Tips for Text Wrapping
Here are some additional tips for working with text wrapping in Google Docs:
- Double click on wrap points (the green squares) to jump between them
- Hold Shift while resizing an image to retain proportions
- Use images as visual separators between sections
- Wrap text tightly around groups of related images
- Set wrapping to “In line” for simpler pages
Wrap Up
The ability to change the text wrapping is an invaluable tool in Google Docs for creating professional, visually appealing documents. It takes layout and positioning to the next level compared to inline images.
By following the steps in this guide and experimenting with the different options, you can produce perfectly formatted documents tailored to your specific needs.
For more tips to boost your productivity with Google Docs, check out our blog or YouTube channel.
