Where Is Clipart in Word 2016: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Jeffrey Jun 02, 2026
Finding and Using Free Borders for Word 2013 and Earlier
Finding and Using Free Borders for Word 2013 and Earlier

Locating the clipart library in Word 2016 requires a specific workflow, as the interface differs significantly from earlier versions of Microsoft Office. The familiar gallery of free images that users once accessed via a simple dropdown is no longer present in the default ribbon. Instead, Microsoft has shifted the responsibility for illustrations towards online sources and third-party integrations. Consequently, finding static, locally stored clipart involves navigating through specific insertion menus rather than a dedicated panel. This change reflects the software's evolution towards cloud-based content and away from the dated Microsoft Clip Organizer.

Finding and Using Free Borders for Word 2013 and Earlier
Finding and Using Free Borders for Word 2013 and Earlier

Understanding the Demise of the Old Clipboard

How to create labels with clipart in Word
How to create labels with clipart in Word

Users searching for a "Clip Art task pane" in Word 2016 will be disappointed, as it has been entirely removed. The shift began with Office 2013 and was solidified in the 2016 suite to encourage the use of Bing Images and professional stock photography. The built-in organizational tool that managed the local installation of Microsoft's image library was discontinued. This means that the path that once led to "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Document Media\Clip Art" is no longer functional for importing assets directly into your document. While the files might still exist on your hard drive, there is no native button to access them within the Word 2016 interface.

Inserting Images via the Icons Menu

an image of a document with the word w on it and a blue arrow pointing up
an image of a document with the word w on it and a blue arrow pointing up

To add basic symbols and decorative elements, you must utilize the Icons feature, which serves as a partial replacement for specific categories of clipart. This menu houses a collection of modern SVG icons related to business, technology, and common concepts. To access these, place your cursor where you want the image and navigate to the Insert tab. Click the Icons button, which opens a task pane. Here, you can search for terms like "warning," "checkmark," or "phone" to find vector-based graphics that scale perfectly without losing quality.

Searching the Icons Library

two pictures with words that say where, what and which
two pictures with words that say where, what and which
  • Navigate to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.
  • Locate and click the Icons button in the Illustrations group.
  • A search pane will appear; type a keyword relevant to your topic.
  • Browse the results and click an icon to insert it directly into your document.
  • Use the green handles to resize while maintaining the aspect ratio.

Leveraging Online Pictures

For a broader selection of graphics, the Online Pictures feature connects you directly to the Bing Image Search engine and Office stock photo services. This is the closest equivalent to the old clipart experience, offering millions of images royalty-free for use in your document. It is important to note that the results are dynamic and pulled from the internet, requiring an active connection. This method is ideal for finding photographs and artist-rendered illustrations rather than the flat, colorful vectors traditionally associated with clipart.

a poster showing different types of housing and communities
a poster showing different types of housing and communities

Steps to Access Online Sources

  1. Select the Insert tab.
  2. Click on Pictures and choose Online Pictures from the dropdown.
  3. Enter a search term in the provided dialogue box.
  4. Filter results by 'Creative Commons' licenses if you require free usage rights.
  5. Click the image to insert it, or drag it into the document canvas.

Adding Local Clipart Files Manually

Create Your Own Graphics in Microsoft Word
Create Your Own Graphics in Microsoft Word

If you have a specific collection of WMF or PNG clipart files saved on your computer, you can still incorporate them into your Word 2016 document. This process treats the image like any other picture file rather than utilizing a dedicated library. You simply need to save the graphic to a location you can easily find, such as your Documents folder, and then insert it using the standard file browser. This method gives you full control over the image source but requires manual organization on your part.

Exploring Alternative Solutions

Microsoft Word Icon Vector, Microsoft, Azure, Word PNG and Vector with Transparent Background for Free Download
Microsoft Word Icon Vector, Microsoft, Azure, Word PNG and Vector with Transparent Background for Free Download
Justo Rodríguez Orta - Avanzado - Bloque 1
Justo Rodríguez Orta - Avanzado - Bloque 1
an orange cartoon character holding a pencil
an orange cartoon character holding a pencil
an illustrated map of highway and streets in the united states, with instructions on how to get there
an illustrated map of highway and streets in the united states, with instructions on how to get there
an illustrated book with pictures of people in different places and words on the page that describe them
an illustrated book with pictures of people in different places and words on the page that describe them
an illustrated poster with many different types of people and their names in english or spanish
an illustrated poster with many different types of people and their names in english or spanish
a comic strip with people talking to each other
a comic strip with people talking to each other
Digital Clipart
Digital Clipart
Clip Art - Sight Words - First Grade - From - English Unite
Clip Art - Sight Words - First Grade - From - English Unite
an image of different types of office supplies
an image of different types of office supplies
an image of different types of vehicles in the computer screen shot, including cars and motorcycles
an image of different types of vehicles in the computer screen shot, including cars and motorcycles
the words where's the food written in black on a blue background with an image of
the words where's the food written in black on a blue background with an image of
four different types of cards with words on them and pictures in the middle one says there is
four different types of cards with words on them and pictures in the middle one says there is
Client Challenge
Client Challenge
Visual Dictionary For Beginners, Printable Picture Dictionary, Downloadable Picture Dictionary, Dictionary With Pictures, Downloadable Picture Dictionary For Kids, Visual Dictionary For Kids, Esl Picture Dictionary Activity, Picture Dictionary For Adults, Multi-lingual Picture Dictionary
Visual Dictionary For Beginners, Printable Picture Dictionary, Downloadable Picture Dictionary, Dictionary With Pictures, Downloadable Picture Dictionary For Kids, Visual Dictionary For Kids, Esl Picture Dictionary Activity, Picture Dictionary For Adults, Multi-lingual Picture Dictionary
an illustrated book with pictures of people in the classroom
an illustrated book with pictures of people in the classroom
the park and playgrounds are illustrated in this children's book, which is filled with lots of information
the park and playgrounds are illustrated in this children's book, which is filled with lots of information
Free Cute Kids Clipart For Teachers - Make Breaks
Free Cute Kids Clipart For Teachers - Make Breaks
an info poster showing different types of cars and trucks on the road, with information about them
an info poster showing different types of cars and trucks on the road, with information about them
FAMILIES CLIPART - 47px Image #15
FAMILIES CLIPART - 47px Image #15

For users who miss the structure of the old Microsoft Clip Organizer, there are third-party solutions available. Some websites offer downloadable clipart packs that you can install locally, and these can be imported using the "Picture" command under the Insert tab. Furthermore, modern versions of Windows include a separate "Emoji & Symbols" panel (activated via Ctrl+Cmd+Space on Mac or Character Map on Windows) that provides a vast array of symbols and glyphs. While not integrated directly into the Word ribbon, these resources can be copied and pasted into your text effectively.