iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Word can give several pictures the same dimensions, but the correct method depends on what you mean by “same size.” You can force every image to the same height and width, preserve each image’s proportions while matching only one dimension, or create identical-looking frames by cropping the pictures first.
The steps below apply mainly to the desktop versions of Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2024, Word 2021, Word 2019, and Word 2016, including their Mac versions. Word for the web has fewer picture-size and cropping controls, so open the document in the desktop app when you need precise dimensions.
Choose the result you want
| Goal | Best method | Possible drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Every picture must have exactly the same height and width | Select them all and enter both values in Picture Format > Size | Pictures with different proportions may look stretched or squashed |
| Pictures should keep their original proportions | Keep Lock aspect ratio enabled and change only height or width | The pictures may not end up with identical overall dimensions |
| Pictures should appear in matching frames without distortion | Use Crop > Fill, then set the frame dimensions | Word removes some of the image edges |
| The whole image must remain visible in a matching frame | Use Crop > Fit, then set the frame dimensions | Empty space may appear around some pictures |
Make several pictures exactly the same size
This is the quickest approach when every selected picture should measure, for example, 2 inches high by 3 inches wide.
Recommended Free Tools
- Insert the pictures into the document and select the first one.
- Hold Shift and select each additional picture. The current Word-specific Microsoft instructions use Shift for multi-selection. If Shift does not add the pictures in your Word build, try holding Ctrl instead; Microsoft’s broader Office instructions use Ctrl.
- Select the Picture Format tab on the ribbon. This tab appears only when a picture is selected.
- In the Size group, enter the required measurement in Height, then enter the measurement in Width. For example, type
2in Height and3in Width. - Press Enter after each value. Word applies the dimensions to all selected pictures.
If the ribbon is narrow, the Height and Width boxes may be hidden. Select the down arrow in the Size group to display them.
#1 Best Overall
- Professional Grade: Prepare to be amazed at the vibrant and detailed prints of our photo paper 8.5 x 11
- Buy In Bulk & Save: Each pack of photo paper 8.5 x 11 glossy contains 100 sheets, providing sample supply for your photo printing projects
- Brilliant Quality: Every sheet of our photo paper guarantees a spectacular print
- Ready to Print: Our glossy photo paper 8.5 x 11 is compatible with any inkjet printer
- Satisfaction Guarantee: We are committed to your satisfaction; If our photo printer paper does not meet your expectations, we promise to make it right
How to force both dimensions
Word normally preserves a picture’s proportions. As a result, changing Height may automatically change Width, or vice versa. To force all selected pictures to use exactly the same geometric dimensions:
- Keep the pictures selected.
- On Picture Format, select the small dialog box launcher in the bottom-right corner of the Size group.
- In the layout dialog, clear Lock aspect ratio.
- Enter the required Height and Width values.
- Select OK.
For example, setting every picture to 2 by 2 inches makes them identical in size, but a wide landscape photo may become visibly distorted when forced into a square.
Keep the pictures’ proportions
Use this method when distortion is unacceptable. Select all the pictures, open Picture Format > Size, and change only one dimension. Leave Lock aspect ratio selected.
For example, if you set every picture’s width to 3 inches, Word calculates a separate height for each image based on its original proportions. A landscape image will be shorter than a portrait image. The widths match, but the pictures will not have identical height and width values.
For percentage-based controls, use this path:
- Select the picture or pictures.
- Open Picture Format > Size, then select the dialog box launcher.
- Use the Scale controls to set the Height and Width percentages.
- Keep Lock aspect ratio selected if the proportions must be preserved.
Another current Word path is Picture Format > Position > More Layout Options > Size. The Scale section there also includes percentage values and the Lock aspect ratio option.
Make pictures look the same without stretching them
When photos have different shapes, simply entering the same Height and Width values is usually the wrong solution. It changes the shape of the image itself. Instead, make every picture fit the same frame by cropping each one.
Rank #2
- Create affordable photo projects with a bright, glossy finish
- Customize photos with easy-to-use editing tools and print from your phone with HP Smart app
- Handle durable, quick-dry photos right from the printer
- Make memories last with photos that resist fading for decades when printed with Original HP Ink
Use Crop > Fill for a full frame
Fill makes the picture cover the entire target frame while preserving its proportions. Word may cut off parts of the top, bottom, or sides.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Select a picture.
- Open Picture Format > Crop.
- Select Fill.
- Drag the picture inside the frame to choose which part remains visible.
- Drag the black crop handles if you need to adjust the crop.
- Select Crop again to apply it.
- Enter the same Height and Width values in the Size group.
Repeat the process for the other pictures. If you select multiple pictures before cropping, Word can crop them at the same time, although each picture may need individual repositioning within its frame.
Use Crop > Fit to show the whole image
Fit keeps the entire picture visible inside the chosen frame. Because the image and frame may have different proportions, Word can leave blank space along two sides.
- Select the picture or pictures.
- Select Picture Format > Crop > Fit.
- Reposition the picture within the frame if necessary.
- Adjust the black crop handles, then select Crop.
- Set the same Height and Width values for the frames.
Use Fill for thumbnail grids, profile-photo layouts, and other designs where a consistent filled rectangle matters. Use Fit for documents where showing the complete photograph is more important than having an edge-to-edge frame.
Fix the problem when Word will not let you select several pictures
The most common cause is the picture’s text-wrapping setting. Pictures inserted with In Line with Text behave like large characters in a paragraph. Word can make it difficult to select several inline pictures together, which also interferes with multi-picture cropping.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallChange each picture to a floating layout:
- Select the picture.
- Select the Layout Options icon beside it.
- Select See more.
- Open the Text Wrapping tab.
- Choose an option other than In line with text, such as Square, Tight, Through, Top and Bottom, Behind Text, or In Front of Text.
After changing the wrapping, try selecting the pictures again with Shift. If that fails, try Ctrl. Floating pictures have anchors, so they can also move in relation to their surrounding paragraph. If an image keeps moving when text changes, open Layout Options > See more and use Lock anchor where appropriate.
Rank #3
- Photo Paper Package: 36 sheets of glossy photo paper, 8.5×11 inch, industry standard 180gsm/48lb, single-sided printing and blank back side for recording or writing something; compatible with inkjet printers and dye ink
- Glossy Finish: our glossy photo paper features its a reflective finish, that adds a professional and attractive touch and makes every picture look like a work of art; the printed photos and graphics are so outstanding
- Leave Vivid Colors: thanks to the good ink absorption of the picture paper, the printed photos come out vibrant colors and sharp details that truly come to life; remain beautiful landscapes and impressive moments forever
- Instant Dry: due to the advanced super cast coating, the ink on prints dry quickly without smearing and jamming; plus, the prints retain their vibrant color over time; makes your memories and designs shine in their full glory
- Wide Application: perfect for printing photos to record important and sweet moments, and also ideal for printing detailed graphics, various greeting cards, posters, chip bags, flyers, brochures, calendars, baby book
Resize and align the pictures
Matching dimensions does not automatically place the pictures in a neat row or column. After resizing:
- Select the pictures. In some Word builds, hold Ctrl while selecting floating objects.
- Open Picture Format.
- Select Align.
- Choose an option such as Align Top, Align Bottom, or Align Center.
Position commands may be unavailable while the pictures are inline. Change the text wrapping first, then use the alignment controls.
Word for the web: what is missing
Word for the web can handle basic picture editing, but it does not expose the full desktop Word Size controls. It also does not provide the desktop application’s crop-to-shape capability. If you need exact Height and Width entries, multi-picture formatting, or more advanced cropping, select Open in Word and use the desktop application.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Word for the web retains layout settings that were applied in desktop Word, so you can prepare the pictures in the desktop app and continue editing the document online.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Reduce file size after resizing
Reducing the displayed dimensions of a picture does not necessarily remove the original high-resolution image data from the document. To compress the embedded images:
- Select a picture.
- Open Picture Format > Compress Pictures.
- Clear Apply only to this picture if the compression should affect every picture.
- Choose an appropriate resolution and confirm.
Microsoft says a Default resolution of 150 ppi or lower is sufficient in most cases when reducing document size. In Windows desktop Word, additional image settings are available at File > Options > Advanced > Image Size and Quality, including Discard editing data, Do not compress images in file, and the default resolution.
Rank #4
- Excellent photo results with vibrant colors.
- Pack of 50 Sheets
Be careful with Delete cropped areas of pictures. It permanently removes the hidden portions outside a crop, so the original crop cannot later be restored from that document.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →FAQ
How do I make all pictures the same size in Word without distortion?
Use Picture Format > Crop > Fill or Crop > Fit first, then enter the same Height and Width values. This creates matching frames while preserving each picture’s proportions. Entering identical dimensions with Lock aspect ratio turned off can distort the images.
Why does Word change the width when I enter a height?
Lock aspect ratio is enabled. Word is preserving the picture’s proportions. Leave it enabled when you want to avoid distortion, or clear it in the Size dialog if both dimensions must be forced to exact values.
Should I hold Shift or Ctrl to select multiple pictures?
Microsoft’s current Word-specific instructions say to hold Shift, while a broader Office support page says Ctrl. Try Shift first for Word; if it does not add the next picture in your build, try Ctrl.
Can I make pictures the same size in Word for the web?
Word for the web has fewer precise Size controls than desktop Word. Select Open in Word and use the desktop app when you need exact Height and Width values or advanced cropping.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What is the difference between resizing and cropping?
Resizing changes the picture’s displayed dimensions. Cropping hides or removes part of the picture. Use cropping when you need a consistent frame without stretching photos that have different proportions.
The Bottom Line
For identical geometric dimensions, select the pictures, open Picture Format > Size, clear Lock aspect ratio if necessary, and enter both Height and Width. For a professional result with mixed portrait and landscape images, use Crop > Fill or Crop > Fit first so every picture occupies the same frame without distortion. If multi-selection fails, change pictures from In Line with Text to a floating wrapping option.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
