Terrible layout tools Microsoft 365

Question

The current Microsoft 365 is infuriating. All the simple layout tools and processes are buried in complex set of steps in changed menus. It is as if the40+ years experience I have with computers and software has been burned to a cinder. Plus microsoft has disabled earlier versions of Word and Publisher making it impossible to get simple work done. I'm actually contemplating printing on paper, cutting out and gluing a layout together.

I want to format a photo so the text wraps around it and the 365 program has the menu choices but it does NOT WORK. The text does not wrap around the photo except for one line then leaves huge white space until down way past the photo.

I want the older version of word back. I don't like the online only 365 version.

Answer 1

If you are using the command Picture>Wrap Text>Left Square Bracket, you are using Word for the web, which is a limited version that runs in a web browser. If your Microsoft 365 version is Basic, then that's all you can use.

If your version is a Personal or Family plan, then you're entitled to download and install the desktop software, which is much more capable.

Answer 2

I am not using 'free' word. It is part of the Microsoft 365 suite that includes word and I pay a fee every year for it.

I several times selected Picture>Wrap Text>Left Square Bracket --- to NOT have inline with text and it didn't work.

None-the-less I am glad to hear I can probably find 2003 word or 2010 Publisher. This is what I need as the Microsoft 365 operates in a very strange manner compared to the other programs. Thank you for taking the time to look at this.

Answer 3

Older versions of Word and Publisher have not been disabled. I have Word 2003 and Publisher 2010 installed and they are both working fine.

Word for the web is a free version that only has a fraction of the capabilities in the desktop software.

Your description of the text in relationship to the photo means that the photo is inline with text. Text cannot wrap around it. Select the photo, then choose Picture>Wrap Text>Left Square Bracket. Then move the photo to your preferred position.