WD: Copying Object in Text Box Copies Entire Text Box

ID: Q141010

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1
• Microsoft Word for Windows NT, version 6.0
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a

SYMPTOMS

When you copy an object that is inside a text box, the text box is also copied.

This behavior differs in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or Word 98 Macintosh Edition in that you can copy an object that is placed inside a text box and not copy the text box.

CAUSE

When there is a single object in a text box, selecting and copying it copies the entire text box and its contents. In Word versions 6.x and 7.x, this behavior is by design.

RESOLUTION

Method 1: Add an Empty Paragraph to the Text Box

To copy only the object, add an empty paragraph to the text box. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click the object in the text box.

2. Press RETURN (Macintosh), or ENTER (Windows).

3. Click the object.

You can now copy and paste the object without the text box.

Method 2: Upgrade Your Version of Word

You can upgrade your version of Word to Word 97 for Windows or Word 98 Macintosh Edition. In these versions of Word, copying the object does not copy the text box.

Additional query words: copied text box copy textbox object picture wordart word art

Keywords          : kbgraphic wordnt ntword macword word6 word7 word95 
Version           : WINDOWS:6.0,6.0a,6.0c,7.0,7.0a; MACINTOSH:6.0,6.0.1,6.0.1a
Platform          : MACINTOSH WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: January 21, 1999