Aligning two images in Microsoft Word is a straightforward process once you know the right steps. You need to select both images and then use the alignment tools available on the formatting tabs.
Steps to Align Two Images in Word
Here's how you can align two images next to or relative to each other in your Word document:
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Select Both Images: The first crucial step is to select both images simultaneously.
- Click on the first image.
- Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.
- While holding Shift, click on the second image. Both images should now show selection handles around them.
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Access Formatting Tools: With both images selected, Word will display contextual tabs on the Ribbon.
- Look for the Shape Format tab or the Picture Format tab. One of these tabs will appear depending on the type of objects you selected (though for images, Picture Format is most common). Click on the relevant tab.
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Find the Align Option: On the selected formatting tab, locate the "Align" button.
- Select Align within the 'Arrange' group.
- Note: As mentioned in the reference, if you don't see "Align" directly on the Shape Format or Picture Format tab, look for the Arrange group and then choose Align from the dropdown menu.
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Choose Your Alignment: A dropdown menu will appear with various alignment options.
- Select the desired alignment (e.g., Align Left, Align Center, Align Right, Align Top, Align Middle, Align Bottom). Word will align the selected images based on the chosen option.
Available Alignment Options
Here are the common alignment options you'll find:
- Align Left: Aligns the left edges of the selected images.
- Align Center: Centers the selected images horizontally relative to each other.
- Align Right: Aligns the right edges of the selected images.
- Align Top: Aligns the top edges of the selected images.
- Align Middle: Centers the selected images vertically relative to each other.
- Align Bottom: Aligns the bottom edges of the selected images.
- Distribute Horizontally: Spreads the selected images evenly across the horizontal space between the outermost images.
- Distribute Vertically: Spreads the selected images evenly across the vertical space between the outermost images.
You can also choose whether to Align to Page or Align to Margin from the same Align dropdown menu. By default, it often aligns the objects relative to each other or the nearest container.
Quick Reference Table
| Step | Action | Key/Menu Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Select Objects | Click first image, then Shift-click second image. | Hold Shift |
| 2. Open Format Tab | With objects selected, find the tab. | Shape Format or Picture Format |
| 3. Find Align | Locate the Align button. | Align button (or Arrange > Align) |
| 4. Choose Alignment | Select the desired horizontal or vertical alignment from the dropdown. | Align dropdown menu |
By following these steps, you can accurately position two images relative to each other within your Word document. Remember to select both images first before looking for the format tabs and the alignment options.
