Batch insertion of pictures

[James41]

I need to insert a jpeg into a Word document and then format the picture using the layout menu so that I can move the picture and resize, crop etc. That is easy enough in itself.
My query relates to trying to automate the process, or at least cut it short, when I have many pictures to insert into a long document - basically one per page.
I have tried writing a macro with no success as it can't cope with a mouse click selection from another menu list to select each picture at the appropriate stage.
Can anybody recommend a way around this process please? It takes ages when each insertion is at least three key strokes and then more with layout format,cropping and picture adjustment.
many thanks,
James