How to Create a Background for a 2007 MS Word Document

The process for creating a document background in Microsoft Word 2007 differs a bit from creating a background in previous versions of MS Word. Document backgrounds may be created using the Custom Watermark function in MS Word 2007. In previous versions, document backgrounds could only be applied in a few views, and the backgrounds were not included with the printed documents. Backgrounds now may be created from graphic images or with text, and the background images and text will print with the document. Using the Watermark function in MS Word 2007, the document background will be printable and viewable on screen in all Word modes.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button, and then click the Microsoft Office program folder.

2. Click the Microsoft Word 2007 program link.

3. Open the document that will contain the background.

4. Click the "Page Layout" link from the top navigation bar.

5. Click the down arrow next to the "Watermark" selection on the navigation ribbon.

6. Click the "Custom Watermark" link near the bottom of the dialog box.

7. Click the radio button next to the "Picture Watermark" selection to use a graphic image for the document background.

8. Click "Select Picture" to bring up the file navigation pane.

9. Navigate to the desired graphic image to use for the background.

10. Uncheck the checkbox next to the "Wash Out" option to retain the colors of the graphic. Leave the checkbox checked to make the image opaque.

11. Click the drop-down box labeled "Scale" to decrease or increase the size of the background graphic.

12. Click "OK" to apply the background.

13. Save the document once the background is in place.

Tips & Warnings

• To use text for the background instead of an image, click the radio button next to the "Text Watermark" option in the Watermark dialog box.

References

• Microsoft Support: Picture a Watermark in Your Word Document

Resources

• Microsoft Download Center: Watermark Demo