How to Add a Watermark to a Word Document

Watermarks can be added to your Word documents for a variety of reasons. You can add a picture watermark to create your own custom stationery. Add your logo as a watermark to give documents some flair and personalization. A watermark can protect your document, note which stage of revision it represents (such as first draft) or help you to differentiate between originals and photocopies. For example, you can insert a color watermark so that, when a black-and-white copy is made, it will be easy to distinguish between the original and the duplicate.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Word 2003

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Word by double-clicking the Word shortcut icon on your desktop, or by clicking "Start," pointing to "Programs" or "All Programs" and then finding Word in your Programs list. Open a new, blank document or an existing document to which you want to add a watermark.

2. Click "Format" on your toolbar. Point to "Background" and then click "Printed Watermark." The "Printed Watermark" dialog box will open.

3. Decide whether you want to use a picture or text as your watermark.

4. Add a picture watermark by clicking the "Picture Watermark" radio button. Click the "Select Picture" button, and your "Insert Picture" box will open. Navigate to the picture you want to use and click on it to select it. Click the "Insert" button. For best results, leave the "Scale" option set at "Auto" and leave the check box for "Washout" selected. Click "Apply" and "OK."

5. Add a text watermark by clicking the "Text Watermark" radio button. Choose from the text provided in the drop-down menu, or type your own desired text into the "Text" field. Select the font style, size and color you want. Choose from diagonal layout or horizontal layout. For best results, leave the check box for "Semitransparent" selected. Click "Apply" and "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• If your watermark is too light, go back to the "Printed Watermark" dialog and de-select "Washout" or "Semitransparent," then click "Apply."

Resources

• Make a Desktop Shortcut to Your Most Recent Document