How to Insert a Watermark in Microsoft Word

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A step-by-step guide to protecting ownership of your work
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This wikiHow teaches you how to add a watermark to a Microsoft Word document.

Adding a Watermark in Microsoft Word

  1. Create or open a Word Document and click on the Design tab.
  2. Click Watermark on the Toolbar.
  3. Design your watermark using the settings in the dialog box.
  4. Click Ok to apply the watermark to the document.
1

Create or open a Microsoft Word document.

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  1. Alternatively, open Word first, and then create a new document or choose an existing one to work on.
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2

Go to the Design toolbar.

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  1. This opens your Design tools.
3

Open the Watermark tool.

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  1. You'll see it in the "Page Background" area toolbar in the upper-right part of the window.
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4

Customize the watermark.

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  1. You can choose one of the sample watermarks, such as Confidential, Do Not Copy, or Sample for a fast, easy watermarking option, or click Custom watermark... at the bottom of the menu to choose any of these custom options:
    • Click Picture watermark to use an image. Select a photo and customize the size by selecting an option from the Scale menu. Leave "Washout" checked to make the image more transparent.
    • Click Text watermark to add a text watermark to the background of your document. You can choose a preset word/phrase or type your own text.
      • Click the Font: drop-down to choose a font face.
      • Click the Size: drop-down to adjust the size of the font or allow Word to adjust the size automatically.
      • Check the box next to "Semitransparent" for a more transparent text effect.
      • Click on either Horizontal or Diagonal to set the orientation of the watermark.
5

Save your watermark.

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  1. The watermark now appears behind the text and images in your Word document.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Why is it under the text?
    Community Answer
    Because that's just how Word's watermarks default on the page.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 14
  • Question
    How can I add a watermark on each page of my report?
    Community Answer
    If you go to the "Design" tab, you will find a "Watermark" option all the way to the right. Choose from featured watermarks, get some from Office.com, add your own custom watermark, or remove a watermark.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 12
  • Question
    How do I move a watermark picture to place it where I want on the page?
    Community Answer
    Click "Picture". Click the button that says "Add watermark". Move your watermark with your clicker.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 8
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Create or open a Word document.
      2. Click on Design .
      3. Click on Watermark .
      4. Customize the watermark.
      5. Click on OK

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