Using the Online Pictures Feature in Word 2016 (Requires Internet)

How to Insert Clipart in Word 2016 Offline?

In Word 2016, the traditional built-in offline clipart gallery that was common in older versions of Microsoft Word (like Word 2010 or earlier) is no longer available. Microsoft transitioned its image and illustration features to primarily use online sources. Therefore, the standard method for inserting what was formerly known as clipart requires an internet connection.

The main feature used to insert images and illustrations in Word 2016 is called "Online Pictures." As the name suggests, this relies on connecting to online services to search for images.

The most common way to add illustrations similar to clipart in Word 2016 is through the "Online Pictures" tool. This feature allows you to search vast online libraries.

Here are the steps to use this feature, as applicable to Word 2016 and 2013:

1. Click the Insert tab on the Word ribbon.
2. From the "Illustrations" group, click Online Pictures.
3. A dialog box will pop up, presenting options to search sources such as Office.com or Bing Images.
4. In one of the search boxes provided, type a keyword describing the type of clip art or image you are looking for (for example, you could type potato).
5. Press Enter to perform the search.
6. Browse the results, select the image you wish to insert, and click Insert.

Important Note: This entire process is dependent on having an active internet connection to search and download images from online sources like Office.com or Bing. It is not an offline method.

Why There's No Built-in Offline Clipart Gallery

Starting with Word 2013 and continuing in Word 2016, Microsoft moved away from bundling a large, static collection of clipart files directly within the software installation. Instead, they opted for a more dynamic approach using online search, providing access to a continuously updated and much larger library of images and illustrations from various sources.

Inserting Images Offline in Word 2016

While you cannot access a built-in clipart gallery or the "Online Pictures" feature while offline, you can still insert images into your document if the image files are already saved on your computer or a local network drive.

To insert an image file you already possess offline:

1. Ensure the image file (e.g., JPG, PNG, GIF) is saved locally on your device.
2. Open your Word 2016 document.
3. Click the Insert tab on the ribbon.
4. From the "Illustrations" group, click Pictures (not Online Pictures).
5. Use the dialog box that appears to navigate to the folder where your image file is saved on your computer.
6. Select the image file and click Insert.

This method allows you to add graphics to your document without an internet connection, but it requires you to source and save the images yourself beforehand, as you won't be browsing a library from within Word.