How to Add a Watermark to a Document in Google Docs

Working from home has created a new workflow for most people. Sharing sensitive documents and transferring files between employees online has become somewhat stressful. Most companies use Google Docs as it is web-based and comes with superior collaboration and sharing capabilities. If you’re sharing private or confidential documents, it’s always recommended to add a company logo or other warning as a watermark to a Google Docs document.

Whether you’re demanding the exclusivity of a document or trying to make it look a little better, there are many reasons to add something authoritative or eye-catching to Google Docs.

Unlike Microsoft Word, there is no official solution for adding a watermark in Google Docs. But there is a workaround you can try instead.

In this post, we will show you how to add a watermark to a document in Google Docs. If you need to use the same watermark often, create a custom Google Docs template from it.

Use Google Drawing

Google Drawing is an integral part of Google Docs. It helps you create charts, diagrams, and basic images that you can use in other Google apps.

First, you need to have a company logo or image that you want to use as a watermark. Now follow the steps below.

Stage 1: Visit Google Drawing on the web. I know you can also access Google Drawing from Google Docs. But here you have to use the Google Drawing web app to make the necessary adjustments to a watermark image.

Step 2: Tap on Add in the menu bar.

Stage 3: Add an image or text to the Google Drawing canvas.

Step 4: Adjust the image size and position. You can also rotate an image for a more professional look.

Step 5: A Watermark must be transparent so that it does not interfere with other content in the document. Select the picture and tap on Format > Format Options.

Step 6: From there, look for Adjustments. Adjust the Transparency level of your image. You can also adjust the brightness and contrast. Under Format Options, you can edit other aspects of your image.

If you’re using text, I recommend changing the text color to light gray so it lags far behind the document.

Step 7: When you’re done, add a name to your drawing in the Untitled Drawings box in the upper left.

Step 8: Your drawing will automatically save to your Google Drive storage, so return to your Google Docs document at this point.

Place Watermark on Google Docs

Let’s make one thing clear. You cannot place the drawing behind any text. You will need to use it as a header or footer in the document.

Stage 1: Open a blank Google Doc document.

Step 2: Select Header or Footer and press Insert > Headers and Footers.

Stage 3: With your choice of header or footer, press Insert > Drawing > From Drive to insert your drawing.

Step 4: In the Insert Drawing box, select your saved Google Drawings image and then press the Select button to insert it into your document.

Step 5: The drawing will be added to your header or footer at this point. Resize your image using the border resize options, then move your image to a suitable location using your mouse or trackpad.

If you cannot move the drawing, you must select it and click Wrap Text.

Now you will see the added watermark image or text on all Google Docs pages.

Save Document as Template

You won’t want to go through the lengthy process of adding a watermark to a Google Docs document. You can save the document as a template and use it again in the future.

After making the necessary changes, tap on the move folder menu and save the file in a Google Drive folder. Now, remember that this is your main watermark file in Google Docs. You should not make any changes to the original file.

Follow the steps below when you want to use the template to create a quick document.

Stage 1: Visit Google Drive on the web and find the template you want to use.

Step 2: Open the template in Google Docs.

Stage 3: Do not make any changes now as it will corrupt the original private document.

Step 4: Tap on File > Make a copy instead and save it to Google Drive.

Now go ahead and edit the required details in the template and you are ready.

Customize Google Docs Document

Follow the steps above and add a watermark to your Google Docs to indicate their status (draft, confidential, etc.) or personalize them with your company logo. Let us know if you have any questions about the process.

Next: Google Docs is a great tool for creating basic digital documents from scratch. Read the post below to find the top eleven Google Docs templates to boost your productivity.