ARCHIVED: In Microsoft Word, what is a watermark, and how do I create one?

A watermark is a low-contrast image that appears on a page underneath overlying text. To create a watermark in Word, follow the appropriate steps below:

Word 2007

While viewing a document in Print Layout, from the Page Layout tab, choose Watermark (found in the "Page Background" section) and then Custom Watermark. This opens a window where you can choose a picture or text and format it as you wish for use as a watermark.

Word 2002 or 2003

While viewing a document in either Normal, Print Layout, or Outline view, from the Format menu, choose Background, and then Printed Watermark.... This opens a window where you can choose a picture or text and format it as you wish for use as a watermark.

Word 97, 98, 2000, 2001, v.X, 2004, or 2008

1. From the View menu, select Header and Footer.
2. To create a text box where you will place the watermark image, from the Insert menu, select Text Box. The cursor will resemble a plus sign (+), which you can use to draw a box of the desired size and shape.
3. Click inside the text box you just created. The borders of the box should become highlighted. From the Format menu, select Text Box....
4. Click the Colors and Lines tab. In the "Line" section next to "Color:", select No Line. This will remove the border placed around the text box.
5. In Word 2000, 2001, v.X, 2004, or 2008, click the Layout tab, and then click the Behind text box.

   In Word 97 and 98, click the Wrapping tab, and then in the "Wrapping style" section, click the box for None.

6. Click OK to close the text box formatting window.
7. From the Insert menu, select Picture, and then From File.... The Insert Picture dialog box will appear.
8. Choose the desired picture file. The dialog box will provide a preview of most images. You may need to browse for your desired picture.
9. Click the image if you need to resize it. Notice the dark squares on the corners and sides of the box. Place your cursor over one of these boxes until it turns into a two-headed arrow. Then drag the mouse until the box is reshaped to the size you wish.
10. To "screen back" the picture so that text will be visible over it, click the image, and then from the Format menu, select Picture.... Click the Picture tab in the window that appears, and then in the "Image Control" section, next to "Color:", select Watermark or Washout. Click the OK button to apply the change.