How to Add Text to a Picture in Word: Computer, Phone, & Tablet

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Use text boxes or Word Art to write on pictures in Word

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: September 26, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Using a Computer (Text Box)
|
• Using a Computer (Word Art)
|
• Using a Phone or Tablet
|
• Video

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This wikiHow guide will teach you how to add text to an image in Microsoft Word on your PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, and iPad. You can add as much text as you'd like and style it however you want by inserting a text box on desktop and mobile, or add shorter, predesigned text using Word Art.

Quick Steps to Write on a Picture in Word

1. Click the Insert tab and select Text Box > Draw Text Box.
2. Type your text.
3. Drag and drop the text box onto the picture.
4. Go to Shape Format > Shape Fill and select No Fill.
5. Click Shape Outline and select No Outline.
6. Move the text to the desired location.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Computer (Text Box)

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1. 1
   Insert a picture in Word. If you haven't already added the picture you want to write on to your document, here's how to do it:

   • Click the Insert tab.
   • Click Pictures.
   • Select the location of your picture.
   • Select the picture to insert it.
2. 
   2
   Click the Insert tab. You'll find this above the document in the menu toolbar or along the top of Word.

   • If you just want to add a word or two, try the Word Art method instead.
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3. 
   3
   Click Text Box. You'll find this option in the toolbar. A menu will expand.
4. 4
   Click Draw Text Box. You'll see this at the bottom of the menu.
5. 
   5
   Enter your text. You'll see your text entered into a movable object.

   • You can highlight your text and change the font size, color, and style before continuing.
   • For now, the text box has a white background. Don't worry, we'll be removing it.
6. 
   6
   Drag and drop the text box over the picture. Don't deselect the text box yet.
7. 
   7
   Click the Shape Format tab. You'll see one of these two options at the top while the text box is selected.
8. 
   8
   Click the Shape Fill menu. You will see this in the toolbar running along the top.
9. 9
   Select No Fill. This removes the white background from your text box so the text appears right on the picture. For now, there's still a box shape, but we'll be removing that next.
10. 10
    Click the Shape Outline menu and select No Outline. This removes the outline of the text box. The text is now on the image without a text box.

    • To edit the text, just click it, then make your changes.
11. 11
    Move the text. If the text isn't exactly where you want it to be, and it probably isn't, you can move it easily. Here's how:

    • Click the text so a box appears around it temporarily.
    • Hover your mouse cursor over one of the sides of the box until the cursor turns into a 4-point arrow.
    • Click and drag the box to the desired location.
    • You can also rotate the text if you'd like. Just click and drag the curved arrow to rotate it in any direction.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Computer (Word Art)

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1. 1
   Insert a picture in Word. If you just want to add a short string of stylized text for emphasis, like a single word, Word Art is a great option. If you haven't already added the picture you want to write on to your document, here's how to do it:

   • Click the Insert tab.
   • Click Pictures.
   • Select the location of your picture.
   • Select the picture to insert it.
2. 
   2
   Click the Insert tab. You'll find this above the document in the menu toolbar or along the top of Word.
3. 3
   Click Word Art. A menu will expand, displaying a bunch of style options for your text.
4. 4
   Select a text design. This creates a temporary text box with "Your text here" inside.
5. 5
   Replace the sample text with your own. Type the word or words you want to appear on the image.
6. 6
   Move the text on top of the picture. To do this:

   • Hover your cursor over any edge of the box around your text until the cursor turns into a 4-point arrow.
   • Drag the text to the desired position.
   • You can also rotate the text if you'd like. Just click and drag the curved arrow to rotate it in any direction.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Phone or Tablet

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1. 1
   Add an image to your document. If you're using an Android, iPhone, or iPad, you can add text to a picture in Word using a text box. Unfortunately, the mobile app does not offer a Word Art option. If you haven't already inserted a picture, here's how to do it:

   • Tablet
     • Tap the location where you want to insert the picture.
     • Tap Insert.
     • Tap Picture.
     • Navigate to your picture and select it.
   • Phone
     • Tap the edit icon (the pencil).
     • Tap the place where you want to insert the picture.
     • Tap + or Insert.
     • Tap the photo icon.
     • Select your image.
2. 2
   Tap the Insert tab.

   • If you're using an iPad or an Android tablet, it will be at the top of the screen.
   • If you have an iPhone or Android phone, tap the three-dot menu •••, tap the Home menu, then select Insert.
3. 
   3
   Tap Insert. You'll see the Insert menu options.
4. 
   4
   Tap Text Box. You might have to scroll down to see this option.

   • After you tap this, a text box with sample text will appear on the page.
5. 
   5
   Format your text box. After you've inserted your text box, you'll notice the menu shifts to Shape. You'll want to edit this text box from this menu.

   • Tap Fill, scroll down, and select No fill.
   • Tap Outline, scroll down, and tap No outline.
6. 
   6
   Tap inside the text box. A menu will pop up.
7. 
   7
   Tap Edit Text. You may have to tap the arrow to see it. A cursor will appear in the text box. You'll first need to delete what's already in the text box.
8. 8
   Add your text. Delete the existing text, then write the text you want to appear on the picture. You can use the options in the menu to change the font size, color, and other details.
9. 
   9
   Tap the checkmark or Done when you're finished. Now you'll be able to place the text on the picture.
10. 10
    Tap the text box to select it. Once selected, you will see a border around it, as well as a 4-point arrow at the bottom.
11. 11
    Drag the box onto the picture. To do this, long-press the 4-point arrow below the text box, then drag it over to the photo. Lift your finger once the text box is where you want it to be.

    • You can use the handles to resize the text box, or tap and drag the curved arrow to rotate the text in any direction.
    • Now that the text is on the picture, you can tap anywhere outside the photo and text to return to your document.
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