Quick answer: For a consistent row of pictures in desktop Word, select each picture and enter the same Width under Picture Format > Size while keeping Lock aspect ratio on. If every picture must have the same width and height, crop them to a common aspect ratio first; forcing two dimensions on unlike photos can stretch the content.
Give pictures the same width without distortion
- Click the first picture in the document. The Picture Format tab appears.
- In the Size group, enter the target width. If needed, open the Size dialog and confirm Lock aspect ratio is selected so height changes proportionally.
- Repeat that width for the other pictures, or select multiple pictures when Word permits and set their width together.
- Review the layout and text wrapping. A picture that is In Line with Text behaves differently from a floating picture when you position it.
Pictures with different original proportions will have different heights after this method. That is expected and keeps circles round and people undistorted.
Make width and height identical
If identical rectangular frames are required, use Picture Format > Crop > Aspect Ratio to give each picture the same shape, adjust what part remains visible, and then set the same dimensions. Cropping removes the outer portion from view. If the full content of every image must remain visible, accept varying height, add padding outside the image, or use a frame that can contain it without distortion.
Word can unlock the aspect ratio and accept independent height and width values, but that may visibly stretch a photo. Check the preview before using it. Our guide to fitting a picture on a page covers page margins and printable area.
Example: make three photos into matching frames
Suppose one photo is square, one is wide, and one is tall. Giving all three a width of 3 inches preserves their contents, but their heights will differ. If the layout requires three identical 3-by-2-inch frames, select each photo, choose Picture Format > Crop > Aspect Ratio > 3:2, and position the crop so the important subject stays visible. Then enter the same Width and Height in the Size group. The crop sets the common shape; the size fields set the common measurements.
If the size boxes or multi-selection do not behave as expected
Click the picture itself so Picture Format appears. On a narrow ribbon, expand the Size group to find Height and Width. Microsoft allows Shift-selecting multiple objects, but Word may not let you select several pictures together when they have different text-wrapping modes. Set each picture to a suitable wrapping mode or resize one at a time. Keep Lock aspect ratio on when setting a shared width; turn it off only when you intentionally need independent dimensions and have checked for distortion.
After resizing, inspect captions, surrounding paragraphs, and Print Preview. If a crop hides meaningful content, use a consistent frame with padding or accept different heights instead of cutting off the subject.
Why the layout may shift
Large images can push text onto another page. Check wrapping, captions, and the final print layout after resizing. Do not group images merely to make them all the same size; grouping can change their placement and is unnecessary when you can enter a shared dimension.
Microsoft’s guidance: change picture size and crop a picture.
Matt has been writing about Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft products since the days of Windows XP. He spends much of his time writing for sites like WindowBrain.com