Editing Wrap Points

When you insert a picture in Word, it defines a series of "wrap points" around the picture. By default there are four wrap points that surround the perimeter of the picture, forming a rectangle. When you wrap text around the picture, the wrap points define how close the text can come to the picture.

If you want, you can create custom wrapping of text by editing the wrap points so they more closely reflect exactly what you want. Simply follow these steps if you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007:

1. Insert your picture as you normally would, and make sure it is selected.
2. Make sure the Picture toolbar is displayed. If it is not, use the Toolbars option from the View menu to display it.
3. Click on the Text Wrapping tool on the Picture toolbar. Word displays a list of wrapping options.
4. Choose the last option in the list, Edit Wrap Points. Word displays the wrap points around the picture. They are small black boxes. Each of the wrap points is connected with a small dashed red line.
5. Move existing wrap points by clicking and dragging them to a new position.
6. Add new wrap points by clicking on the dashed red line at the position where you want a wrap point and dragging the new wrap point to the desired position.
7. Remove an existing wrap point by holding down the Ctrl key as you click on the wrap point.
8. When done adjusting wrap points, click anywhere outside the picture. The wrap points disappear, and your text follows the texture you defined when you edited the points.

If you are using Word 2007, then the steps you follow are different:

1. Insert your picture as you normally would, and make sure it is selected.
2. Make sure the Format tab of the ribbon is displayed. (This tab is visible only if the picture is selected.)
3. Click on the Text Wrapping tool in the Arrange group. Word displays a list of wrapping options.
4. Choose Edit Wrap Points option. Word displays the wrap points around the picture. They are small black boxes. Each of the wrap points is connected with a small dashed red line.
5. Move existing wrap points by clicking and dragging them to a new position.
6. Add new wrap points by holding down the Ctrl key as you click on the dashed red line at the position where you want a wrap point. You can then drag the new wrap point to the desired position.
7. Remove an existing wrap point by holding down the Ctrl key as you click on the wrap point.
8. When done adjusting wrap points, click anywhere outside the picture. The wrap points disappear, and your text follows the texture you defined when you edited the points.