WD2000: Object Moves to New Location When Applying Layout Formatting (209649)

SYMPTOMS

When you insert an object (such as an AutoShape or an image) into a document containing multiple columns, and then you apply layout formatting to the AutoShape, you may have unexpected results.

For example, if you have two columns in a document, and you drag an object to the right column, and then you format the object using alignment features (such as Wrapping style, Horizontal or Vertical position, Alignment (Left), or relative to Column), you may find that the object moves to the left column.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if an object, which is anchored to a paragraph that continues from the left column into the right column, is moved to a location in the right column (within the same paragraph), and then the object is formatted using alignment features. The object will be aligned according to the location of the beginning of the paragraph, which is in the left column.

However, if the object anchor is moved to a new paragraph in the right column, and then the object is formatted using alignment features, the object will stay in the right column.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, use one of the following methods:

Drag the object to the desired location using the mouse.

-or-
Drag the object to a new paragraph in the right column, and then format the object using alignment features.

REFERENCES

For more information about Shape Positioning, click Microsoft Word Help on the Help menu, type shape positioning in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topics returned.