Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated January 6, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365
When you create objects in a document using the drawing tools available in Word, each object is drawn on its own layer. This means all objects are independent and can be moved on top of other objects. However, there may be times when you actually want an object to be under another object. You can do this by following these steps:
If the Send to Back to Bring to Front options are grayed out (step 3), the most likely culprit is that the image is inline, which means it is on the same layer as the text in your document. You can only arrange the layering on objects that are not inline.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (5992) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Sending Drawing Objects to the Back or Front.
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