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Can't resize images in Word using sizing handles on the pictures

Debra Heckmann 0 Reputation points
2026-03-20T19:06:14.2466667+00:00

I used to be able to quickly resize objects inserted into Word docs by dragging the sizing handles in the corners of the objects to make them larger and smaller. In the last few days I cannot do this with new documents. Hovering over the corner of the image does not bring up the double arrow that allowed me to resize. I am still able to resize older documents that I had previously sized.

I have tried some suggestions such as switching text wrapping to square or in front of object, but this does not work.

Ideas?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | Other | Windows
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  1. John Korchok 232.4K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-03-20T20:07:57.8733333+00:00

    If the bot's suggestions do not help, please try running an Office Repair. The Online Repair option is more thorough.

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  2. Debra Heckmann 0 Reputation points
    2026-03-20T19:14:14.94+00:00

    I cannot resize images by dragging the corners on a new document. The same image was resizable on an older document and is resizable on the new document only by using the resizing option on the ribbon.

    Is there a different setting that is preventing my object from being resized by dragging on the new document?

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  3. Debra Heckmann 0 Reputation points
    2026-03-20T19:10:04.03+00:00

    I am able to resize the objects in the newer documents by the size controls on the ribbon. So the new objects are able to be resized.

    The mouse method of dragging to resize does not work. Is it still possible to resize by dragging with the mouse?

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  4. AI answer

    2026-03-20T19:06:27.9233333+00:00

    In recent Word versions on Windows, pictures and other objects are still resized either with the sizing handles or via the Size controls on the ribbon. If dragging the handles no longer works in new documents but still works in older ones, use the ribbon-based methods to confirm the objects can still be resized and to work around the issue:

    1. Click once on the picture or object so that it is selected.
    2. On the ribbon, go to the tab that appears for that object:
      • For pictures: Picture Tools Format (or Picture Format)
      • For shapes/WordArt/other objects: Drawing Tools Format (or Shape Format)
    3. In the Size group on the right side of the ribbon, type new values into Height and Width to resize the object.
      • If Height and Width are not visible, click the small down arrow in the Size group to expand it.
    4. If height and width cannot be changed independently, unlock the aspect ratio:
      1. In the Size group, click the dialog box launcher (small arrow in the corner).
      2. In the dialog, clear the Lock aspect ratio check box, then adjust Height and Width.

    If precise proportional resizing is needed instead of dragging:

    1. Select the picture or object.
    2. On Shape Format, Picture Tools Format, or Drawing Tools Format, in the Size group, click the dialog box launcher.
    3. Under Scale, either:
      • Leave Lock aspect ratio selected to keep the original proportions, or
      • Clear Lock aspect ratio to change height and width independently.
    4. Enter the desired Scale percentage for Height or Width.

    These steps confirm that the objects themselves are still resizable and provide a reliable way to resize them even if the mouse-based sizing handles are not responding as expected.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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