How to add a watermark to a Word document in Office

Do you need to add a watermark to a document in Office? Here are two ways to complete the steps, and the instructions to remove it.

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In Microsoft Office (like in many other suites of apps), a watermark is a semitransparent text or image you can place in the background. Usually, you use them to highlight something important about the document. For example, you can use it to remind the user that the content is confidential or draft. You may insert a watermark to make sure the user knows that the content should not be copied. Or other times, you may want to add a washout mark to include the company’s logo in the file.

Regardless of the reason, whether you have the version ofOffice from Microsoft 365, Office 2019, or an older version, the desktop version of Microsoft Word includes the ability to insert a watermark on any document. The feature allows you to insert predefined styles or create custom watermarks using text and images.

In this Windows 10 guide, we will walk you through the steps to add or remove (and create custom) a watermark to a Microsoft Word document in Office.

How to add simple watermark to a Word document

How to add simple watermark to a Word document

To add a watermark to a Word document using a predefined template, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the watermark will be applied to the document.

How to add custom watermark to a Word document

How to add custom watermark to a Word document

In Microsoft Office, you can also insert custom watermarks using images and text.

Using image

To set a custom image as a watermark in Word, use these steps:

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After you complete the steps, the custom image you selected will appear as the document’s watermark.

Using text

To set custom text as a watermark in Word, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the text you entered will be displayed as the watermark for the Microsoft Word document.

While the ability to add watermarks is available in previous versions of Microsoft Office, you should consider switching to Microsoft 365. The subscription-based service provides a free upgrade of the most popular office app. You also get many other benefits, such as sharing the apps with other family members and friends, and services like Microsoft Teams, Family Safety, Microsoft Editor, and 1TB of OneDrive storage.

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) gives you full access to all the apps and perks. You can also install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other apps on up to five devices, and depending on the subscription, you can share the account with up to six people.

How to edit watermark on a Word document

After adding a watermark to the document, you can also adjust the look and feel of the element. Here’s how:

After you complete the steps, the changes will be reflected in the document.

How to create and save custom watermark in Word

You can also create custom watermarks that you can save and use in other documents.

To create and save a custom watermark in Word, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the watermark will save, and you will be able to reuse it in future documents.

How to remove watermark to a Word document

To remove a watermark from a Word document, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the image or text will no longer appear as the watermark.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.