A watermark placed in a document is used to inform other people that it is a draft document, contains confidential information, or that the document should not be copied. Watermarks can be used for other purposes as well, often in the business world.

To add a watermark in a Microsoft Word document, follow the steps below for your version of Microsoft Word.

How to add a watermark in Word 2013 and 2016

  • Open Microsoft Word and create a new document or open an existing document.

  • In the Ribbon menu at the top of the program window, click the Design tab.

  • In the Page Background section, click the Watermark option.

  • How to add a watermark in Word 2013 and 2016.

  • How to add a watermark in Word 2007 and 2010.

  • How to add a watermark in Word 2003 and earlier.

  • How to remove a watermark in Word.

  • In the drop-down window that appears, find the watermark you want to add and click that watermark option.

If you want to create a watermark, follow the steps below.

  • In the drop-down window that appears after clicking the Watermark option on the Design tab, select the Custom Watermark option in the drop-down window.

  • In the Printed Watermark window, select the Picture watermark or Text watermark option.

  • If Picture watermark is selected, find the picture you want to use as a watermark, then click OK.

  • If Text watermark is selected, enter the watermark text, and select the font, size, and color of the text. Click OK to add the custom text watermark.

How to add a watermark in Word 2007 and 2010

  • Open Microsoft Word and create a new document or open an existing document.

  • In the Ribbon menu at the top of the program window, click the Page Layout tab.

  • Click the Watermark option.

  • In the drop-down window that appears, find the watermark you want to add and click that watermark option.

  • In the drop-down window that appears after clicking the Watermark option on the Design tab, select the Custom Watermark option in the drop-down window.

  • In the Printed Watermark window, select either the Picture watermark or Text watermark option.

  • If Picture watermark is selected, find the picture you want to use as a watermark, then click OK.

  • If Text watermark is selected, enter the watermark text, and the font, size, and color of the text. Click OK to add the custom text watermark.

How to add a watermark in Word 2003 and earlier

  • Open Microsoft Word and create a new document or open an existing document.
  • In the menu bar at the top of the program window, click the Format menu.
  • In the Format menu, click Background, then select Printed Watermark.
  • In the Printed Watermark window, select either the Picture watermark or Text watermark option.
  • If Picture watermark is selected, find the picture you want to use as a watermark, then click OK.
  • If Text watermark is selected, enter the watermark text, and the font, size, and color of the text. Click OK to add the custom text watermark.

How to remove a watermark in Word

  • Open the Microsoft Word document containing the watermark you want to delete.
  • In the Ribbon menu at the top of the program window, click the Design tab.
  • Click the Watermark option.
  • In the drop-down window that appears, click Remove Watermark.
  • How to add or remove a text box in Microsoft Word.
  • Microsoft Word help and support.