How to Add a Watermark in Word (Text or Logo)
A watermark is faint text or an image behind the content of every page. It's a clear way to label a document as a DRAFT, mark it CONFIDENTIAL, or brand it with your logo.
Quick reference
| What you want | How |
|---|---|
| Add a ready-made watermark | Design → Watermark |
| Your own text or logo | Design → Watermark → Custom Watermark… |
| Remove it | Design → Watermark → Remove Watermark |
1. Add a ready-made watermark
1. Go to the Design tab.
2. Click Watermark (far right).
3. Pick one — CONFIDENTIAL, DO NOT COPY, DRAFT, SAMPLE, ASAP or URGENT.
2. Click Watermark (far right).
3. Pick one — CONFIDENTIAL, DO NOT COPY, DRAFT, SAMPLE, ASAP or URGENT.
It appears on every page straight away.
2. Use your own text
1. Design → Watermark → Custom Watermark…
2. Choose Text watermark.
3. Type your text, for example INTERNAL ONLY.
4. Set the font, size, colour and layout (Diagonal or Horizontal).
5. Keep Semitransparent ticked so the text underneath stays readable.
6. Click OK.
2. Choose Text watermark.
3. Type your text, for example INTERNAL ONLY.
4. Set the font, size, colour and layout (Diagonal or Horizontal).
5. Keep Semitransparent ticked so the text underneath stays readable.
6. Click OK.
3. Use your logo as a watermark
1. Design → Watermark → Custom Watermark…
2. Choose Picture watermark → Select Picture…
3. Pick your logo.
4. Set Scale (Auto usually works) and keep Washout ticked so it's faded.
5. Click OK.
2. Choose Picture watermark → Select Picture…
3. Pick your logo.
4. Set Scale (Auto usually works) and keep Washout ticked so it's faded.
5. Click OK.
4. Remove a watermark
Go to Design → Watermark → Remove Watermark.
Still there? Some watermarks are added manually. Double-click the header area, click the watermark itself (the cursor becomes a four-way arrow), and press Delete.
5. Watermark on some pages only
Watermarks live in the header, so they follow the same rules as headers:
1. Insert a section break (Layout → Breaks → Next Page) where the change should start.
2. Double-click the header in the new section and turn off Link to Previous.
3. Add or remove the watermark in that section.
2. Double-click the header in the new section and turn off Link to Previous.
3. Add or remove the watermark in that section.
Troubleshooting
The watermark is too dark to read the text. Use Custom Watermark and make sure Semitransparent or Washout is ticked, or choose a lighter colour.
The watermark doesn't print. Check File → Options → Display → Print background colours and images.
Wrapping up
Design → Watermark is all you need for DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL. Use Custom Watermark to add your own wording or a washed-out logo.
