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How to Add Watermarks in Word?

This guide will walk you through the process of adding watermarks to your Word documents 1-888-624-55609
What is a watermark in Microsoft Word?
A watermark is a faded or semi-transparent image or text that appears behind the content of a document. It is commonly used for branding, marking a document's status (e.g., "Confidential," "Draft"), or as a decorative element. In Word, watermarks are inserted behind the main text so that they don’t interfere with the content.
Why should I use a watermark in Word?
Watermarks serve several purposes:
• Branding: Display your company logo or name subtly behind the content.
• Confidentiality: Mark a document as "Confidential," "Draft," or "Top Secret."
• Protection: Prevent others from claiming the document as their own by adding a visible brand or copyright mark.
• Design: Add creative watermarks to make your document stand out.
How do I add a watermark to a Word document?
Adding a watermark in Microsoft Word is simple:
• Go to the "Design" tab: In Word 2013 and later, find the "Design" tab in the top menu.
• Click "Watermark": This option is located in the "Page Background" section.
• Choose a preset watermark: You can select from default watermarks such as "Confidential," "Draft," etc.
• Customize your watermark: To create a custom watermark, click "Custom Watermark" and select either "Text" or "Picture."
How do I add a text watermark?
To add a text watermark:
• Click on "Custom Watermark" in the Watermark menu.
• Choose the "Text Watermark" option.
• In the Text field, type the text you want to appear as the watermark (e.g., "Confidential").
• Choose the font, size, color, and orientation (diagonal or horizontal) for your watermark.
• Click Apply to insert the watermark into your document.
How do I add an image watermark?
To add an image watermark:
• Go to "Custom Watermark" in the Watermark menu.
• Select "Picture Watermark".
• Click Select Picture and browse for the image you want to use.
• You can adjust the image’s scale and transparency by selecting the appropriate options in the Picture Watermark settings.
• Click Apply to insert the watermark.
Can I change the transparency of my watermark?
Yes, you can adjust the transparency of an image watermark. When you add a picture watermark, there is a transparency slider you can use to make the image more transparent or opaque. For text watermarks, transparency is automatically applied, but the opacity can be adjusted indirectly by modifying the font and color.
How do I remove a watermark from a Word document?
To remove a watermark:
• Go to the "Design" tab.
• Click Watermark.
• Select Remove Watermark. This will eliminate the watermark from the entire document.
Can I apply a watermark to specific pages only?
Yes, you can apply a watermark to specific pages. To do this, you need to use Section Breaks:
• Insert a section break in the document (found under the "Layout" tab, under "Breaks").
• After the section break, click on the header or footer of that section.
• You can now add a watermark specifically to that section.
Can I apply different watermarks to different sections of my document?
Yes, if you use section breaks to separate your document, you can apply different watermarks to each section. Simply unlink the headers/footers between sections, and you’ll be able to customize the watermark for each part of your document.
Can I change the font or size of a text watermark?
Yes, you can customize the font and size of a text watermark. When creating a custom text watermark, you can select the font, font size, and even the color. Adjust the size to ensure the watermark looks good on the page without overwhelming the content.
Can I change the orientation of a text watermark?
Yes, you can change the orientation of a text watermark. In the "Custom Watermark" section, there is an option to choose between horizontal and diagonal orientations. Select the orientation that fits your design preferences.
How can I ensure that my watermark stays behind text?
By default, the watermark is inserted into the header or footer and is set to appear behind the text. To make sure it stays behind the content:

  1. Right-click on the watermark.
  2. Select "Wrap Text" and choose "Behind Text" from the options.
    How do I add a watermark in Word 2013/2016/2019/2021?
    The process for adding a watermark in Word 2013 and later is the same:
    • Go to the Design tab.
    • Click Watermark in the Page Background section.
    • Select a preset watermark or choose Custom Watermark to create your own.
    What is the best format for an image watermark?
    The best image format for a watermark is PNG, as it supports transparency. JPEG images are also commonly used but will not have transparent backgrounds, which may not be suitable for certain watermark designs. Ensure the image’s resolution is high enough to look good in print.
    Can I use a watermark in Word 365 (Microsoft 365)?
    Yes, Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) includes the same watermark options available in the standalone versions of Word. You can follow the same steps to insert text or image watermarks in your documents.
    Can I add multiple watermarks in a Word document?
    While Word only allows one watermark per section by default, you can add different watermarks to different sections by inserting section breaks. Each section can have its own header or footer with a distinct watermark.
    How do I apply a watermark to a PDF document using Word?
    While Word doesn’t let you directly add a watermark to a PDF, you can follow these steps:
    • Open the PDF in Word (Word will convert it to an editable document).
    • Add the watermark as usual.
    • Save the document back as a PDF.
    How do I print a document with a watermark?
    To print a document with a watermark, simply click File > Print as usual. The watermark will appear on the printed document, provided that your printer supports printing background graphics. Check the "Print background colors and images" option in your print settings if necessary.
    How do I add a watermark in Word if my background is colored?
    If your document has a colored background, watermarks will still appear as normal, but you may need to adjust the transparency or the contrast of the watermark to ensure it stands out against the background. This is especially important if you're using a colored image as the watermark.
    Can I create custom watermarks in Word?
    Yes, Word allows you to create custom watermarks. You can use both text and images to create a watermark tailored to your needs. In the "Custom Watermark" dialog, you can choose the font, color, size, orientation, and even insert your own logo as an image watermark.
    Adding a watermark to your Word document is a straightforward process that can enhance its security, branding, or visual appeal. Whether you want to include text, images, or customized watermarks, Microsoft Word provides a range of options to suit your needs. By following the instructions and understanding the frequently asked questions, you can make the most of this feature in your Word documents.