How to do Text Wrapping in Google Docs

how to do text wrapping in google docs
by David Harris // January 20  

You may encounter images, tables, or shapes that disrupt the text flow when working on Google Docs documents. The problem lies in how text interacts with these graphics. Proper text wrapping is essential for creating visually appealing and easy-to-read documents.

What is Text Wrapping?

Text wrapping is a formatting feature that allows text to flow around images or other elements in a document. In Google Docs, this function ensures that your text is readable and well-organized.

Quick Solution to Text Wrapping in Google Docs

To wrap text in Google Docs, follow these simple steps:

  1. Insert an Image: Click on “Insert” from the top menu, then choose “Image” and select the source (Upload from computer, Drive, etc.)
  2. Select/Choose the Image: Click on the image you just inserted to highlight it.
  3. Choose Text Wrapping Option: A toolbar will pop up near the image. Click on the “Text wrapping” icon, which resembles an overlapping square and lines.
  4. Select Wrapping Style: You will see several options – Inline, Wrap text, and Break text. Choose “Wrap text” to have the text surround your image.
  5. Adjust Image and Text: If needed, drag the image to reposition it or adjust the text flow by clicking and dragging the blue handles around the image.

Step-by-Step Guide to Wrapping Text

  1. Open Google Docs: Start by opening your document in Google Docs.
  2. Insert an Image:
    • Click “Insert” in the top menu.
    • Hover over “Image” and choose how to upload your image.
  3. Select and Highlight the Image: After inserting, click on the image to ensure it’s selected.
  4. Open Text Wrapping Options: Look for the toolbar below the image.
  5. Choose ‘Wrap Text’:
    • Click on the text wrapping icon.
    • You can choose from “Wrap Text,” “Break Text,” or “Inline.”
  6. Customize the Wrapping: Adjust any margins if necessary by dragging the blue sliders around the image after selecting “Wrap Text.”
  7. Final Adjustments: Click on the text around the image to make any additional changes, ensuring the document looks clean and organized.

Example of Text Wrapping in Action

Imagine you’re creating a school project report that includes pictures of your experiments alongside your descriptions. If you placed the images inline, your text would be choppy and harder to read. Instead, using text wrapping, your experiment images seamlessly blend with the words explaining each step, making it easier for your classmates to follow along.

For instance, after uploading a photo of a melting ice cube experiment, you can choose “Wrap text,” allowing your explanation to flow directly next to the image. This approach creates a visually appealing layout and engages the reader more effectively.

Pros and Cons of Text Wrapping

Pros:

  1. Improved Visual Appeal: Proper text wrapping enhances the clarity and aesthetics of your document, making it look more professional and polished.
  2. Enhanced Readability: When text flows around images, readers can absorb information more easily, keeping their attention engaged.
  3. Flexibility in Layout: Text wrapping allows you to create a layout that accommodates more images and elements without cluttering the document.

Cons:

  1. Disruption of Text Flow: Text wrapping can lead to awkward spacing and interrupted flow if not used carefully.
  2. Potential for Overlapping: Images may overlap with text if they’re not sized properly or correctly placed, which might confuse readers.
  3. Inconsistency Across Devices: Sometimes, text wrapping settings can render differently on various devices, potentially leading to formatting issues.

Best Practices for Effective Text Wrapping

  1. Use Appropriate Image Sizes: Ensure your images fit well within your text. Oversized images can push text to strange areas of the document.
  2. Balance Image Content: Use high-quality images that reinforce your text. Avoid overly complex graphics that may distract from your main point.
  3. Maintain Margins: Adjust the margins after wrapping to ensure no part of the text is too close to the image, enhancing legibility.
  4. Preview the Document: Use Google Docs’ preview function to see how the text wrapping appears on different screen sizes. Adjust as needed.
  5. Test Formatting: After wrapping text around images, “print preview” a document to ensure it looks good on paper.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  1. Failing to Adjust Alignment: When you wrap text around an image, ensure the alignment options are set correctly. Left-aligned text may look out of place compared to images centered in the document.
  2. Ignoring Readability: Always prioritize readability. Avoid wrapping too closely around images that might distract or confuse your reader.
  3. Neglecting Alt Text: Make sure to add alternative text to your pictures. This approach is particularly important for accessibility and improves SEO if your document is shared online.
  4. Not Saving Changes: Always remember to save your document after making adjustments. Google Docs usually auto-saves, but it’s good practice to check.

Real-World Application Example

Let’s say you’re a teacher preparing a lesson plan on environmental science. You want to include images of different ecosystems to illustrate points. By inserting the image of a rainforest and choosing “Wrap Text,” you can succinctly describe the rainforest’s importance right next to the image. This approach helps your students connect text and visuals, promoting a better understanding of the material.

You can keep everything tidy with careful alignment and margin adjustments, ensuring the lesson plan is informative and visually engaging.

Actionable Tips for Using Text Wrapping

  • Experiment with Different Styles: Try wrapping styles (Wrap text vs. Break text) to see which layout best suits your document’s needs.
  • Keep Visuals Relevant: Only use images that add context or value to your text. Unnecessary graphics can create clutter.
  • Stay Consistent: Maintain a uniform style throughout your document. If you’re using wrapping for one image, use it for all similar cases to create a cohesive look.
  • Check Accessibility: If your document will be shared with others, ensure all photos have appropriate descriptions for accessibility purposes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Text Wrapping in Google Docs

Text wrapping in Google Docs can help your document look polished and organized. However, you might face a few hiccups along the way. Here are some common scenarios and how to fix them:

1. Images Overlapping with Text

Scenario: You’ve added an image to your document, but the text is smothering rather than wrapping around it. The picture looks lost in the layout.

Solution: To fix this, click on the image. A small menu will appear/show up at the bottom. Select the “Wrap text” option. You can adjust the margin by dragging the blue handle around the image. These handles let you control how close the text comes to the image, making your document appear well-designed.

2. Text Not Wrapping Properly Around Shapes

Scenario: You’ve inserted a shape (like a square or a circle) and found that the text doesn’t seem to wrap around it like you expected.

Solution: Click on the shape to select it. Go to “Format” in the top menu, then select “Text wrapping” and choose “Wrap.” You can control how the text flows around the shape, like images, by adjusting the margin settings. Ensure there’s enough space so the text doesn’t crowd the shape.

3. Paragraphs Running into the Image

Scenario: Your text seems inching against the image, making it hard to read. It feels cramped.

Solution: Click on the image and select “Wrap text.” Next, adjust the margins by dragging the blue arrows. For example, try increasing the left margin if your image is on the left side and the text is running into it. This approach will create more space and improve readability.

4. Images Not Appearing

Scenario: You uploaded an image, but it’s not showing up. You’re confused because you can still see the placeholder.

Solution: Sometimes, images can take a moment to load, especially with slow internet. If the image still doesn’t appear, try clicking “Insert” from the menu, then “Image” and selecting the photo again. If the issue/problem persists, check your internet connection or try refreshing the page.

5. Text Overlapping with Page Numbers or Headers

Scenario: You notice that the text in your document is overlapping with headers or page numbers, making it hard to read.

Solution: Go to “File”> “Page setup” to check your margins. If the margins are too small, increase them. Also, ensure that your text wrapping settings for images or shapes in the header and footer are set to “Wrap text” or “Break text” to eliminate unwanted overlaps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Do Text Wrapping In Google Docs

Q. What is text wrapping in Google Docs?
A. Text wrapping in Google Docs controls how text flows around images or other objects in your document.

Q. How do I wrap text around an image?
A. Click on the image, then select the “Wrap text” option from the toolbar below the picture.

Q. Can I change the text wrapping option after inserting an image?
A. Yes! Just click on the image to choose different wrapping options in the toolbar.

Q. What are the different text wrapping options in Google Docs?
A. The options are “In line,” “Wrap text,” and “Break text.” Each option changes how the text interacts with the image.

Q. What does the “In line” option do?
A. The “In line” option makes the image act like a text character, meaning the text will not wrap around it.

Q. How does “Wrap text” work?
A. “Wrap text” allows the text to flow around the image, creating a more integrated look in your document.

Q. What does “Break text” do?
A. The “Break text” option places the image on its line, pushing the text above and below it, with no wrapping on the sides.

Q. Can I move an image after I have set the text wrapping?
A. Yes! Click and drag the image/picture to reposition it. The text will adjust according to the wrapping option you’ve selected.

Q. How can I adjust the margin between text and an image?
A. Click on the image, then look for the “Margin” settings in the toolbar or the sidebar menu to increase or decrease space between the text and the image.

Q. Is there a way to reset text wrapping settings?
A. Yes! Select the image and return to the text wrapping options in the toolbar to choose a different setting or revert to the default.

Conclusion

Mastering text wrapping in Google Docs can greatly enhance the look and readability of your documents. You can create a polished and professional Google Docs document using the features discussed—such as adjusting text around images, changing wrap options, and fine-tuning spacing. You can make your text and pictures work together beautifully with a little practice. So experiment with these tools to elevate your writing and make it stand out!

Disclaimer: This article provides guidance on text wrapping in Google Docs, a valuable skill for document creation. To understand comprehensively, visit Google Docs Support and Google Workspace Learning Center. By following these tips and exploring official resources, users can enhance their productivity and document design skills, making the most of Google Docs’ features.

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.