Be able to wrap text around a table, chart or image including above, below, square and tight

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ICT 0417 – Layout: Wrapping Text Around Objects

13 Layout – Wrapping Text Around a Table, Chart or Image

Learning Objective

Be able to wrap text around a table, chart or image using the four wrap styles:

  • Above
  • Below
  • Square
  • Tight

What Is Text Wrapping?

Text wrapping determines how the surrounding paragraph flows when a non‑text object (table, chart or picture) is inserted into a document. The wrap style tells the word‑processor where the text may appear in relation to the object.

Wrap Styles Explained

Wrap Style How Text Appears Typical Use
Above All text is placed above the object; the object starts a new line. When the object should act as a heading or title.
Below All text is placed below the object; the object ends the current line. When the object is a captioned figure that follows a paragraph.
Square Text flows on both sides of the object, forming a rectangular “square” margin. Standard newspaper‑style layout where the object occupies a block of space.
Tight Text follows the exact outline of the object, ignoring empty background. When the object has an irregular shape (e.g., a circular chart) and you want the text to hug the shape.

Step‑by‑Step Procedure (Word‑Processor Independent)

  1. Select the object (table, chart or image) you wish to wrap.
  2. Open the Layout or Format menu and choose Wrap Text.
  3. Pick one of the four options: Above, Below, Square or Tight.
  4. If Square or Tight is chosen, you may adjust the distance between the object and the surrounding text (usually in points or millimetres).
  5. Click OK to apply the setting.
  6. Check the document view to ensure the text flows as intended; adjust the object’s position if necessary.

Practical Tips

  • Use Above or Below for full‑width objects such as large tables or charts that should not interrupt the paragraph flow.
  • Choose Square for most standard layouts; it gives a clean rectangular margin.
  • Reserve Tight for decorative or irregularly shaped images where you want the text to follow the contour.
  • Always preview the document in “Print Layout” view to see the final appearance.
  • If the text appears too cramped, increase the wrap distance (e.g., from 5 pt to 10 pt).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Forgetting to deselect the object: After setting a wrap style, click elsewhere before typing new text; otherwise the new text may inherit the previous wrap setting.
  • Using “Tight” on a rectangular object: This can create large gaps of white space; prefer “Square” for rectangles.
  • Not adjusting wrap distance: Default distances may be too small for readability, especially on printed work.

Assessment Checklist

  1. Can you insert a table, chart or image into a document?
  2. Can you apply each of the four wrap styles correctly?
  3. Can you modify the wrap distance and verify the result?
  4. Can you explain when each wrap style is most appropriate?
Suggested diagram: A page showing the same image with the four wrap styles (Above, Below, Square, Tight) displayed side‑by‑side for visual comparison.