There is no doubt that Microsoft Word is probably the most widely used software package for creating and distributing content. But apart from the written word, the ability to embed images into a Word doc is obviously important in order to convey the message. True, there are dedicated tools that you can use for this (such as Snag It), but in this article, we examine ways in which you can do this directly from Windows 10 or 11.
The Techniques
Here is the list:
- Using the Print Screen Button:
This is the easiest and most direct way in which to insert an image into your Word doc. To do this, go to the image you want to copy, and select the “Print Screen” button on your keyboard. From here, you can save the image in a separate directory, or simply hover your mouse over that part of the document in which you want to place the image. All you have to do then is select the “Paste” option when you right click on your mouse. This is illustrated in the diagram below:
(SOURCE: 1).
- Using the Windows and Print Screen Keys:
If you need to take an image of your desktop, all you have to do is first press on the Windows icon key on your keyboard followed by the “Print Screen” button. It is recommended that you do the former first, then the latter. You can then either save the image or insert it directly into a document by following the mouse technique in #1. This is illustrated in the diagram below:
(SOURCE: 1).
- The Alt and Print Screen Keys:
If you only want to embed an image of the active desktop in your environment, all you have to do is first hold down on the “Alt” key, followed in succession by the “Print Screen” Key. From here, you can either save the image, or embed it into your Word document by following mouse technique in #1. This is illustrated in the diagram below:
- Using the Snipping Tool In Windows 10:
If you want to have a more professional image created, then it is recommended that you make use of what is known as the “Snipping Tool”. To launch this, press down on the following keys in this sequence:
-
- Windows Key
- Shift Key
- “S” Key
This is illustrated in the diagram below:
(SOURCE: 1).
The following matrix describes the functionalities of this tool:
| Mode | Functionality |
| Rectangular | Create an image that is a rectangle in shape. |
| Free Form | Use your mouse to create an image. |
| Window | Select a certain image from your desktop. |
| Full Screen | Take an entire image of your desktop. |
Once you have “snipped” your image, you can simply paste the image that is in the clipboard.
- Using the Snipping Tool In Windows 11:
Windows 11 also comes with snipping features, but in comparison to the one in Windows 10, it has been upgraded. To launch the snipping tool, follow the exact same steps in #4, but this time, you will see a GUI that looks like this:
(SOURCE: 1).
To start either creating or editing your image, click on the icon to the left of the top bar, as it is pointed out in the illustration.
You can also download the snipping tool from the Microsoft Apps Store and store it on your system.
Conclusions
Once you have your image, there are many other ways in which you can further manipulate it to best convey the meaning of your content. To see these techniques, click on the link below:
As always, if you have questions or need further help, please contact us today.
Sources
