To overlap pictures in desktop Word, both pictures need a text-wrapping option other than In Line with Text. Position them as floating objects, enable Allow overlap if Word keeps them apart, and adjust which picture is in front. Choose a wrapping style that does not accidentally cover important text.
Position two pictures on top of each other
- Choose Insert > Pictures and add both images.
- Select the first picture, open its Layout Options, and choose a floating style such as Square or In Front of Text. Repeat for the second picture. An inline image behaves like a text character and cannot be moved freely.
- Drag one image over the other. If Word prevents the overlap, select a picture and choose Layout Options > See more > Position, then check Allow overlap. Repeat for the other image.
- Use Picture Format > Bring Forward or Send Backward to choose the visible layer. Review the page in print preview.
If you cannot select the picture behind another
Open Home > Select > Selection Pane and choose the hidden picture there. You can then change its position or layer. If the pictures move when text is edited, inspect each picture’s Move with text or Fix position on page option and its anchor.
Keep the arrangement together
When both pictures have floating wrapping, you can select them together and group them if your version supports it. Grouping helps move the composition as one object; our grouping guide covers that step. Check readability before sharing: overlapping images can obscure text and may reflow on another device.
Word for the web has more limited controls for moving pictures that were positioned in desktop Word. Open the file in desktop Word when the required layout options are missing.
Source: Microsoft Support: Wrap text and move pictures in Word.
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