Wrapping Text Around a Graphical Object in PageMaker

When designing a publication in Adobe PageMaker, adding images or graphics helps make the layout more appealing. But when text and graphics overlap, it can look messy. That’s where text wrapping comes in. Wrapping text around a graphical object allows your text to flow smoothly without blocking or covering your images. It’s a simple yet powerful feature that can make your design look clean and professional.

What is Text Wrapping?

Text wrapping means controlling how text flows around an image, shape, or graphic. It lets you position an object anywhere on the page while allowing text to adjust automatically around it. Instead of cutting through the graphic, the text gently curves or stays clear of the image, giving your publication a neat look.

Steps to Wrap Text Around a Graphic in PageMaker

Follow these easy steps to wrap text around an image or graphic object in Adobe PageMaker:

1. Select the Object

Click on the graphic or image you want to apply text wrapping to. Make sure the object is selected properly before moving forward.

2. Open the Text Wrap Option

Go to the top menu bar and click Element → Text Wrap. A dialog box will appear with different wrapping options.

3. Choose the Wrap Style

In the dialog box, you’ll see three main text flow icons:

• Leftmost icon: Moves the text to the next column or page, skipping over the graphic entirely.
• Middle icon: Allows text to continue on the same page but jumps over the graphic.
• Rightmost icon: Creates a rectangular wrap so that text flows evenly around all sides of the image.

Pick the one that best fits your design style and layout needs.

4. Set the Text Flow Option

After choosing your wrap style, select how the text should flow around your graphic. You can experiment with the different flow options to see which looks best in your publication.

5. Adjust the Standoff Values

Now it’s time to give your graphic some breathing space. The standoff value controls the distance between the text and the edges of the graphic. You can enter specific measurements for each side of the image. Increasing this space prevents the text from sticking too close to the graphic, keeping it visually balanced.

6. Use the Layer Option (Optional)

If you’re working with multiple layers, you can check the Wrap Text on Same Layer Only box. This means only text on the same layer as the image will wrap around it, while other layers remain unaffected.

7. Click OK

Once you’ve set everything, click OK to apply the text wrap. You’ll instantly see the text adjust around your graphic based on your chosen settings.

Why Text Wrapping is Important

Text wrapping adds both structure and style to your document. It improves readability and helps create a professional-looking layout. Whether you’re designing a magazine or a company newsletter, proper text wrapping ensures your content looks polished and easy to follow.

• Improves Visual Flow: Keeps text and graphics organized.
• Enhances Readability: Text doesn’t overlap or hide behind images.
• Professional Design: Gives a clean, creative appearance to your publication.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Placing text too close to the image without standoff spacing.
• Using text wrap inconsistently on multiple pages.
• Overlapping graphics that confuse text flow.
• Forgetting to check how wrapping appears in print preview.

Practical Example

Imagine you’re creating a newsletter about environmental awareness. You insert a photo of a tree beside a paragraph. Instead of pushing the text to another column, you apply the middle wrap option so that the text nicely curves around the image. It looks cleaner and more engaging—without any awkward blank space.

5 FAQs on Wrapping Text Around a Graphic in PageMaker

1. What does text wrapping mean in PageMaker?

It means arranging text so that it flows neatly around an image or graphic without covering it.

2. How do I open the Text Wrap dialog box?

Click on the object, go to the top menu, and choose Element → Text Wrap.

3. What is a standoff value?

The standoff value sets how much space there is between the text and the edges of the graphic.

4. Can I wrap text around objects on different layers?

Yes, but if you select “Wrap Text on Same Layer Only,” text from other layers won’t be affected.

5. Which text wrap option should I choose?

It depends on your layout. For most designs, the middle or rightmost wrap works best for smooth text flow.

Conclusion

Wrapping text around graphics in Adobe PageMaker is an essential skill for every beginner. It helps you design visually appealing documents that look professional and balanced. With a few simple steps—selecting the object, choosing a wrap style, setting standoff values—you can make your text and graphics work together beautifully. Practice these options, and soon your layouts will look polished and print-ready.