Word 2016 Embedded Objects

Question

I am trying to add alternative text to an embedded file in word. The object is listed as a Packager Shell Object, and the format menu does not appear when I select the object. Right-clicking does not prompt the format menu, and there is no way to format the object or add alternative text.

I tried reembedding the object but had the same result. This seems to be a recent change in Word, because I have been able to consistently add alternative text to embedded files in the past. Has anyone else encountered this or come up with a workaround? Running the accessibility checker still flags these files as objects requiring alternative text.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Thanks for the link, Eileen. I was able to isolate the issue: when embedded files are in a table, the "Picture" option does not appear in the right-click menu. I was able to move the embedded file out of the table, and the Picture option then came up.

Answer 2

We appreciate you for taking time in sharing the steps you have taken to resolve the issue, April. It is possible that there are changes being made regarding the menu of the embedded files on the last update. To get more information on what are the changes or new features being cascaded on your Office apps, you may click on this link. For Word application, you can check on this article. 

In addition, if there are any other features or changes you would like to request from Word, I'd suggest posting your feedback to our Word's UserVoice forum. You may create a new post or upvote any existing requests. Please proceed here. 

If you have additional questions, please let me know by replying to this thread. This way, I'll get notified and respond back to you as soon as I can.

Answer 3

Hi Eileen, I've been able to resolve this issue by selecting "Picture" from the right-click menu, which gives me a tab to edit Alt Text.

I would like to point out that t his is a recent change to the menu for embedded files. Can you confirm that a recent update of Microsoft changed this functionality, and where we can go to be alerted of similar changes in the future? This change has put a 2-day delay on my document. 

Thank you.

Answer 4

Hi Eileen, this has happened with multiple files with embedded files. The embedded files are identified as either Packager Shell Objects or Worksheet Object. Neither type of object brings up the Formatting menu in the ribbon or add alternative text.

Before I take the steps you suggest, can you confirm that in the latest version of Word, embedded files should be opening up the Format menu in the ribbon, and should bring up a "Format Object" option in the right-click menu? Is there anyone who can test this to verify they are able to do this?

Answer 5

Hi April, 

To isolate your concern, we'd like to know if this issue with embedded objects only happens to a certain file. Have you also tried to add an alternative text to a different object? If so, did you still have the same issue? 

In the meantime, I'd recommend installing the latest Office updates. Keeping your Office application up-to-date ensures that you'll get new and improved features, latest security updates and fixes too. 

Once you have already installed all latest updates, you may try opening Word in safe mode to check if a certain add-in is causing the issue. If the issue still persists when you launch Word in safe mode, you can try to repair Office. For more information, go to Repair an Office application. 

If you continue to have this issue even after performing the above steps, please reply to this thread. The system will notify me so I can get back to you and provide you with more answers.  

If this resolves your issue, please indicate “Yes”, so that other learners can benefit, and please take our short survey to let us know if your support experience has been great or how we can improve.