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
To add a drop shadow in Word, select the picture, open Picture Format (or Picture Tools > Format in some versions), then choose Picture Effects > Shadow and pick a preset. You can fine-tune it in Shadow Options, or remove it later with No Shadow.
Add a shadow to a picture
-
Click the picture in your document. If the picture-formatting tab is not visible, click the picture again so Word selects it.
-
Open Picture Format. Some versions label this tab Picture Tools > Format.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Choose Picture Effects, point to Shadow, and select a preset. Move the pointer over the choices to preview their appearance.
Microsoft’s instructions cover Word for Microsoft 365 on Windows and Mac, as well as Word 2024, 2021, 2019, and 2016. Ribbon labels can vary by version. Microsoft’s picture-effects instructions show the available route.
Customize the shadow
For more control than a preset provides, open Picture Effects > Shadow, choose the options at the bottom of the menu, and select Shadow Options. Use the controls shown there to adjust the effect to suit the picture and document.
If you want a shadow without other decorative formatting, choose it from the specific Picture Effects > Shadow menu. A broader picture-style preset may combine a shadow with a border or other styling.
Remove the shadow without changing other formatting
Select the picture, then choose Picture Effects > Shadow > No Shadow. This removes the shadow specifically. Resetting a picture can also remove a picture style, but may clear other formatting you want to keep. Microsoft’s picture-border guidance discusses resetting picture formatting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the picture-formatting controls are missing
-
Make sure the picture itself is selected; the picture-formatting tab appears when Word has selected an image.
-
If the document is in Compatibility Mode and the picture-formatting tab still does not appear, save it in a modern format such as .docx, then try again.
-
Check the tab name used by your Word version: it may say Picture Format or Picture Tools > Format.
Recommended Free Tools
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
These steps are documented for desktop Word on Windows and Mac. The cited instructions do not establish that Word for the web or mobile exposes the same controls, so the ribbon route may not apply there.
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.
