Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 31, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
Once you place a graphic in your document, you may decide to crop it, to trim the edges of the image. To crop a graphic, follow these steps:
You should realize that cropping a graphic in Word does not make any changes to the actual graphic. Instead, cropping means that you are simply telling Word how much of the original graphic you want displayed. If the graphic is embedded in the document, then cropping it is not a way to reduce file size because the full, complete graphic is still saved with the document. If you want to permanently delete the cropped areas and reduce the image file size, then you will need to use the Compress Pictures tool, in the same Format tab, in the Adjust group.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (8766) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Cropping Graphics.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2013. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word 2013 Step by Step today!
Need to add a graphic watermark to a document? It's not that hard to do but making the watermark permanent can be a bit ...
Discover MoreWhen you insert pictures into a document, the first folder that Word opens up is normally the My Pictures folder. You can ...
Discover MoreNavigating the perplexing world of accessibility requirements can be confusing. This tip provides some guidance on how to ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments