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Why can't I insert a png file as an object in word

David Mullins 21 Reputation points
2022-08-15T23:41:34.333+00:00

I am inserting images into a technical document. I want them to be linked objects so I don't have to manually replace each one if I have to edit it. I am editing/creating them in Windows Paint. If I save them as a .jpg and insert as an object, it works fine. If I save them as a .png and try to insert them as an object, I just get the following:

231207-image.png

I already checked the image wrap in inline with text, I am in print layout mode, and the display images options in settings are correct.

TIA!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For business | Windows
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  1. John Korchok 231.4K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2022-08-16T23:51:34.813+00:00

    You don't need to insert graphics as objects in order to use linking. Instead, choose Insert>Pictures>This Device. In the dialog that opens, note that the Insert button is actually a dropdown. Change Insert to Link to File. Select the graphic and insert it into your document. Now you can edit the graphics and they will be updated the next time you open the Word file.

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  1. Emi Zhang-MSFT 30,191 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2022-08-16T07:09:15.56+00:00

    Hi @David Mullins ,
    I can reproduce this behavior in Word. I inserted the Picture .png and .jpg file format and checked the option: link to file.
    231260-image.png

    I suggest you go to File- Account and provide the detail information about the Office:
    231401-image.png

    If the response is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.
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  2. Stefan Blom 338.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2022-08-16T23:27:24.923+00:00

    Which program is the default for image files on your system? If it is a Microsoft Store app rather than a desktop app, that may be part of the issue.

    That said, you should report this via the feedback facility in Word.

  3. David Mullins 21 Reputation points
    2022-08-16T21:50:11.117+00:00

    Thank you! Here is my version info:

    231660-image.png

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  4. David Mullins 21 Reputation points
    2022-08-16T00:03:25.533+00:00

    Update, I inserted one more jpg just fine and now it is doing the same thing to jpgs as well.

    It is an existing document .docx with maybe 15 or so images, none larger than half a page.

    Saved, closed, and re-opened Word and now the last jpg I did is not displaying, either.

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