How To Insert Clip Art In Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Published on November 10, 2025

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Clip art, those charming and sometimes cheesy images, used to be a staple of Microsoft Word documents. While dedicated clip art libraries have largely been replaced by online image sources, the desire to add visual flair to your documents remains. This guide will walk you through the process of inserting various types of images, including what many still refer to as “clip art,” into your Word documents, offering options for both modern versions of Word and older versions that still feature the classic clip art browser.

This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the different methods of adding images to your Word documents, ensuring you can find the perfect visual to enhance your writing. Whether you’re using a subscription-based version of Microsoft 365 or an older, standalone version of Word, you’ll discover the right way to insert clip art and other images.

What are the Steps to Insert Clip Art in Word?

Inserting Images from Your Computer

Open your Microsoft Word document.
Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon.
Click on the “Pictures” dropdown menu.
Select “This Device…”
Browse to the location of your image file.
Select the image and click “Insert.”

Inserting Online Pictures

Open your Microsoft Word document.
Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon.
Click on the “Pictures” dropdown menu.
Select “Online Pictures…”
Use the search bar to find images using keywords.
Browse the results and select the image you want to insert.
Click “Insert.”

Using the Icon Feature

Open your Microsoft Word document.
Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon.
Click on the “Icons” button.
Browse the available icons or use the search bar to find specific icons.
Select the icon you want to insert.
Click “Insert.”

Inserting Shapes

Open your Microsoft Word document.
Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon.
Click on the “Shapes” button.
Choose a shape from the dropdown menu.
Click and drag on the document to draw the shape.
Format the shape using the “Shape Format” tab.

Inserting 3D Models

Open your Microsoft Word document.
Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon.
Click on the “3D Models” dropdown menu.
Select “From Online Sources…” or “From a File…”
If selecting “From Online Sources,” browse the available models or use the search bar.
Select the 3D model you want to insert.
Click “Insert.”

Inserting Clip Art in Older Versions of Word (2010 and Earlier)

Open your Microsoft Word document.
Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon.
Look for the “Clip Art” button (it may be directly visible or within a “Media” group).
Click on the “Clip Art” button to open the Clip Art task pane.
Enter keywords in the “Search for” field.
Select the desired media type (clip art, photos, movies, or all media types) in the “Results should be” dropdown menu.
Click “Go.”
Click on the desired clip art image to insert it into your document.

Tips for Working with Images in Word

Image Size: Adjust the size of the image by clicking and dragging the corner handles.
Text Wrapping: Control how text flows around the image by selecting the image and using the “Wrap Text” options under the “Picture Format” tab.
Positioning: Drag the image to the desired location in the document. Use the “Position” options under the “Picture Format” tab for more precise placement.
Formatting: Use the “Picture Format” tab to apply various styles, corrections, color adjustments, and artistic effects to your images.
Accessibility: Add alternative text (alt text) to images for screen readers to describe the image to visually impaired users. Right-click the image, select “Edit Alt Text,” and enter a descriptive text.

Understanding Image File Formats

File Format	Description
JPEG	A widely used format for photographs, known for its efficient compression, which can reduce file size but may result in some loss of image quality.
PNG	A lossless format that preserves image quality, making it suitable for images with sharp lines, text, and graphics. PNG also supports transparency.
GIF	A format commonly used for animated images and simple graphics. GIF supports transparency and is limited to 256 colors.
TIFF	A high-quality format often used for professional photography and archiving. TIFF files are typically larger than JPEG or PNG files but offer greater flexibility in editing and printing.
SVG	A vector-based format that uses mathematical equations to define images. SVG images can be scaled without losing quality, making them ideal for logos, icons, and illustrations.
BMP	A raster graphics image file format used to store digital images. BMP files are uncompressed, resulting in large file sizes.
EMF/WMF	Windows Metafile formats used to store vector graphics and raster images. EMF is an enhanced version of WMF, offering better support for graphics and color.

Adding Visuals to Your Word Documents

Inserting images into your Word documents is a simple process that can significantly enhance the visual appeal and clarity of your work. By following these steps, you can easily add images from your computer, online sources, icons, shapes, and even 3D models, making your documents more engaging and informative.

FAQ

How do I insert a picture from my computer into Word? Click on the “Insert” tab, then “Pictures,” and select “This Device…” Browse to the image file and click “Insert.”

Can I still use Clip Art in newer versions of Word? While the dedicated Clip Art library is gone, you can use the “Online Pictures” feature to find similar images.

How do I resize an image in Word? Click on the image and drag the corner handles to adjust its size.

How do I make text wrap around an image in Word? Select the image, go to the “Picture Format” tab, and use the “Wrap Text” options to control how text flows around the image.

What is the best image format to use in Word? PNG is generally a good choice for graphics and images with text, while JPEG is suitable for photographs.