How to Add a Watermark to a Page in Microsoft Word

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Last Updated: March 18, 2023 Tested

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This wikiHow teaches you how to add a watermark to a Microsoft Word document.

1

Create or open a Microsoft Word document.

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

2

Go to the Design toolbar.

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This opens your Design tools.

3

Open the Watermark tool.

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

4

Customize the watermark.

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Use the settings in the dialog box to design your watermark. 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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The watermark now appears behind the text and images in your Word document.

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.

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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.

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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.

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How to Add a Watermark to a Page in Microsoft Word

Steps

Create or open a Microsoft Word document.

Go to the Design toolbar.

Open the Watermark tool.

Customize the watermark.

Save your watermark.

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