Adding a watermark to a document makes it difficult for others to reproduce or use the copy without permission. It is a thin logo or text that sits in the background of a document. You must add a watermark to a Word document to ensure that no one can duplicate it without explicit permissions.
Using a watermark also adds context and demonstrates the importance of the document. Also, you don’t need any special software to create a watermark and add it to your document. We will show you how to add a watermark in Microsoft Word.
Why Use a Watermark in a Document?
Whether you’re sharing a job offer or a new client conversation with someone, it makes sense to place a watermark to show how important that document is. Some professions require watermarking of documents to prevent unfair use. You can use a watermark to add a creative flair to your documents.
Microsoft Word includes a lot of features and you can use some tricks to increase your productivity. Such a built-in feature allows you to add a watermark to your documents in Word.
A simple example would be for a student to use the watermark option to prevent their work from being copied by others.
The following methods will show you how to apply watermarks to an entire document or a single page.
1. Using the Default Watermark Option
The first method involves using the default watermark options that Microsoft Word provides to its users. This method applies a watermark to the entire document, which may be a common case scenario for most users.
Note: We use Microsoft Word 2013 for the steps that remain the same for all modern versions of MS Word.
Stage 1: Open Microsoft Word on your computer and select a new or existing document.
Step 2: Click the Design tab from the top toolbar and select the Watermark option.
Stage 3: A number of default watermark styles will be displayed, such as Copy, Confidential, Draft, and Urgent. Click on any of the options according to your preference.
Step 4: For our case we will choose the default Hidden watermark. Just click on the watermark and it will be applied to all pages of the Microsoft Word document.
You can also add a custom image or text as a watermark to a Microsoft Word document. All you have to do is click the Custom Watermark option.
A new window titled Printed Watermark will open. From here, you can choose to upload an image or enter text to use as a watermark.
Microsoft Word users can change the font, size, color, layout, make it semi-transparent, etc.
2. Using the WordArt or Image Option
This method allows the user to apply a watermark to a single page. This method can be useful if you want to share a document containing some private information available to you.
There are two options for adding a watermark to a single page. You can go for the WordArt option or the Image option, both of which are discussed below.
Using WordArt
Stage 1: Select Insert from the menu bar and choose WordArt.
Step 2: Select the style you want from the list of options that appear.
Stage 3: Now type the text you want to create as a watermark. You can also change the font, style, size of the text, etc. according to your preference. you can choose.
Step 5: From the floating menu called Layout Options, choose the wrap-behind-text option. This will place the created WordArt behind the text body of the document.
Step 6: Use the link above the WordArt text box to rotate the text.
Step 7: To get the original look of a watermark, you need to right-click the WordArt text and select the Format Format option.
Step 8: A new sidebar will open on the right. Select the Text Options tab and select Text and Fill Outline. Simply use the Transparency slider to adjust the WordArt’s opacity.
Using the Picture
Stage 1: To add an image as a watermark, select Insert from the top menu and select Image.
Step 2: Tap the Layout Options button and choose to wrap behind the text option.
Stage 3: Rotate the text, place it where you want to place it. To format the picture, click the top menu bar and click the Format tab. Choose the color option and choose the effect to be applied to the picture according to your liking.
Use Watermarks for Private and Professional Works
Users can add some professionalism to their documents using any of the methods mentioned above or you can also use the watermark option for personal use.
