Suddenly (Nov. 2025) when I insert a photo into a Pages document, I cannot move or resize it. Instead, the photo appears within a rectangle with thin blue borders, the content of the photo being within these borders and much smaller than the area of the rectangle (huge margins on the right and the left). I can neither resize nor move the image.
(If this is a change that came with the latest update, it’s a terrible idea.)
Eureka! I think I just solved it.
In Pages go to Settings
Scroll down until you see the toggle to “Optimize Media for Older Devices”
Turn it on.
I just did that and my photos work normally again.
Hope it helps you too.
Louise
Eureka! I think I just solved it.
In Pages go to Settings
Scroll down until you see the toggle to “Optimize Media for Older Devices”
Turn it on.
I just did that and my photos work normally again.
Hope it helps you too.
Louise
Re: Cannot move or resize inserted photos in Pages
Can you drag any blue (or corner) dot to resize the image ?
(Try tapping a "locked" item to unlock it, so you can move / re-size it).
Apple supports "How to" articles:
See how to: Add an image in Pages on iPad - Apple Support
and
How to: Resize, rotate, and flip objects in Pages on iPad - Apple Support
or
Position and align objects in Pages on iPad - Apple Support
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Else: Wondering which iPad model, iPadOS version, and Pages version you are using ?
ie: Keeping all updated to the newest compatible versions often side-steps issues from arising.
If all are already up-to-date: Try restarting your iPad, and check whether that restored order to Pages.
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Trouble-shooting:
If you have installed unnecessary third-party (non-Apple) apps like virus-checkers, ad-blockers, cleaners, browser-extensions, and the like, (even VPN) these can interfere and cause trouble-some issues. Try turning them off, and see whether that makes a difference. (If you wish: use the uninstallers from their developers).
Any third-party apps you find necessary need to be kept updated in order to remain compatible with iPadOS.
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If needed: Pages support website: (info. / support / contact options etc.) Pages - Official Apple Support
Wondering just how you add the image ...
Apple's linked article: Add an image in Pages on iPad - Apple Support
Eg: says:
on your iPad.
in the toolbar.You can also copy an image from another document or application."
or you may be adding to a "placeholder" ?
"Most document templates have media placeholders that you can replace with your own images or video. Media placeholders have an icon 
in the lower-right corner.
To add your own media (eg: a photo), tap the icon in the corner of the placeholder and select a replacement."
brbo, I have an iPad Pro (11-inch screen) with ios 18.7.1
I restarted my ipad before replying to you and created a new Pages document, inserted photos, and it’s exactly the same deal. (Actually, I often restart or soft boot my ipad) I also turned off my VPN.
No, I cannot click on the rectangle/photo and manipulate it in any way except to delete it. I used to insert photos and resize them and move with with no problems whatsoever. I’ve done that a lot. But now inserted photos are all in these blue triangles with huge R and L margins.
Any ideas?
Can we escalate this somehow? This same thing has happened to me and I have had to trash several documents and use actual paper (gasp!) instead.
The solutions I followed to this issue do not work. Have you had any luck to work around this?
Thank you kindly for sharing your findings and solution, Louise. Hope it works for AKWW also (umm .. we don't know which iPadOS update is actually in use there.)
I see my Mac also has that setting option, as well as one for "Optimise media for iPad and iPhone". (Likely for those who sync. their files.)
Your solution may indeed help others who come here looking for a solution. Cheers!
Cannot move or resize inserted photos in Pages
