Whether you’re marking a document as confidential, a draft, or branding it with your company logo, knowing how to insert watermark in Word is a great skill. Watermarks add a subtle yet effective layer of professionalism and security to any Word document.
This guide will walk you through the different ways to insert both text and image watermarks using Microsoft Word on Windows, macOS, and Word Online.
Why Use a Watermark in Word?
Here are a few common reasons to insert watermarks in Word:
- ✅ Label documents as “Draft” or “Confidential”
- ✅ Add copyright or ownership marks
- ✅ Embed branding or logos
- ✅ Prevent unauthorized distribution
- ✅ Create custom page backgrounds
A watermark is usually placed behind the text and does not interfere with readability.
How to Insert a Text Watermark in Word (Windows)
Follow these easy steps:
- Open your Word document
- Go to the Design tab
- Click Watermark on the right side of the ribbon
- Choose from built-in options like “Confidential,” “Do Not Copy,” or “Draft”
- To create your own, click Custom Watermark
- Select Text watermark
- Type your custom text, select font, size, color, and layout (diagonal or horizontal)
- Click OK
🎯 The watermark will now appear on every page.
How to Insert a Picture Watermark in Word
To use an image like a company logo as a watermark:
- Go to Design > Watermark > Custom Watermark
- Select Picture watermark
- Click Select Picture and upload your image
- Choose Scale and decide if you want to washout the image
- Click OK
📷 Perfect for adding professional branding.
How to Insert Watermark in Word on Mac
- Open your document
- Click Design in the top menu
- Select Watermark
- Choose a pre-made watermark or click Custom Watermark
- Add text or picture watermark as needed
- Apply changes and close the dialog
💻 Works the same on macOS with slight UI differences.
How to Insert Watermark in Word Online
Word Online has limited watermark support, but here’s a workaround:
- Open Word Online
- Insert a Text Box or Image in the Header/Footer section
- Format the object behind the text and reduce opacity
- Copy it to all pages manually (if needed)
🌐 Tip: For better results, switch to the desktop app.
Editing and Removing a Watermark
✅ To Edit:
- Double-click the Header/Footer area
- Click on the watermark text or image
- Make edits as needed
❌ To Remove:
- Go to Design > Watermark > Remove Watermark
🧼 It’s as easy to remove as it is to insert!
Tips for Effective Watermark Design
- Use light gray or semi-transparent colors for readability
- Avoid overly large or distracting images
- Always preview before printing
- Apply watermarks only to final or distributed versions
- Use custom watermarks to reflect your brand or purpose
🎨 Subtle and professional watermarks make your documents stand out.
FAQs: Insert Watermark in Word
Can I insert a watermark on only one page?
Yes. Use section breaks to isolate the page, then insert the watermark in its header/footer only.
Can I use a logo as a watermark in Word?
Absolutely! Use Picture Watermark and upload your logo image.
Why doesn’t my watermark appear in Print Layout?
Make sure you are viewing the document in Print Layout view, not Web Layout.
How do I change the watermark after inserting it?
Double-click the header area and then select the watermark to edit or replace it.
Does Word Online support watermark features?
Limited. You can simulate a watermark using text boxes or images in the header/footer.
Can I remove watermarks from a downloaded document?
Yes, just go to Design > Watermark > Remove Watermark.
Conclusion: Insert Watermark in Word Like a Pro
Adding a watermark can enhance the look, feel, and security of your documents. Now that you know how to insert watermark in Word, you can easily add text or image watermarks for branding, privacy, or labeling purposes. Whether using a draft notice or your company logo, a watermark helps communicate document status clearly and professionally.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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