Getting Rid of the Layout Options Context Menu

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 18, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365

Arvilla works with text boxes frequently and the Layout Options pop-up is a chronic nuisance for her. She cannot work with it hovering directly over a shape she needs to copy or move, so she is constantly hitting the Esc key. If her cursor moves into some undefined space, the Layout Options pop-up is back. She wonders how to eradicate this pest.

Word tries to be as helpful as possible, and it can seem a bit overbearing at times. If you find this type of help obtrusive, you can turn it off by following these steps:

Display the Word Options dialog box. (In Word 2007 click the Office button and then click Word Options. In Word 2010 or a later version display the File tab of the ribbon and then click Options.)
Click General at the left side of the screen. (This option may be selected by default.) (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The General tab of the Word Options dialog box.

Clear the Show Mini Toolbar on Selection check box.
Click on OK.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (7640) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. Learn more about Allen...

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What is four more than 4?

2025-04-10 18:31:04

Ken Argent

Hello,
I have read that the layout options icon that shows up beside an inserted shape cannot be turned off in word 2019. I'm trying to find out the definitive answer. Nothing I have tried has worked. I have unchecked the "Show Mini Toolbar on selection" even restarted my computer and still nothing. Boy I hate this box.
(see Figure 1 below)
Couldn't insert picture The Chose File was over top of some lettering below the Source box.

Ken Argent
Edmonton, Alberta

Figure 1.

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