How to Add Watermark in Word (Step-by-Step Guide)

A watermark is a faint text or image placed behind the content of a document. It is commonly used to show CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT, SAMPLE, or a company logo. Microsoft Word makes it very easy to add, customize, and remove watermarks.

In this complete guide, you will learn how to add watermark in Word using text, images, and custom settings—explained step by step for beginners and professionals.

What Is a Watermark in Microsoft Word?

A watermark is a light background element that appears on every page of a document. It helps to:

• Protect documents from misuse

• Indicate document status (Draft, Confidential)

• Add branding (company logo)

• Prevent unauthorized copying

Watermarks do not interfere with the main text and are visible in print and PDF formats.

How to Add Watermark in Word (Using Built-in Option)

Works for:

• Word 2010

• Word 2013

• Word 2016

• Word 2019

• Word 2021

• Microsoft Word 365

Step-by-Step Method

1. Open your document in Microsoft Word

2. Click on the Design tab (or Page Layout in older versions)

3. Click Watermark

4. Choose a predefined watermark like:

   • Confidential

   • Draft

   • Sample

5. The watermark is instantly added to all pages

✅ This is the fastest way to add a watermark in Word.

How to Add a Custom Text Watermark in Word

If you want your own text (name, brand, or message), follow these steps:

Steps:

1. Go to Design → Watermark

2. Click Custom Watermark

3. Select Text Watermark

4. Enter your text (example: “Property of ABC Ltd.”)

5. Choose:

   • Font

   • Size

   • Color

   • Layout (Diagonal or Horizontal)

6. Click OK

🎯 Your custom text watermark will appear on every page.

How to Add Image or Logo Watermark in Word

Want to add a logo watermark? This is perfect for businesses and institutions.

Steps:

1. Go to Design → Watermark

2. Click Custom Watermark

3. Select Picture Watermark

4. Click Select Picture

5. Choose image from:

   • Computer

   • Online

6. Adjust:

   • Scale

   • Washout (recommended ON)

7. Click OK

📌 Tip: Use a transparent PNG logo for best results.

How to Add Watermark in Word for a Single Page Only

By default, Word applies watermarks to all pages. To add it to only one page, follow this advanced method:

Steps:

1. Insert a Section Break

   • Layout → Breaks → Next Page

2. Double-click the header area

3. Disable Link to Previous

4. Add watermark normally

5. It will apply only to that section

⚠️ This is useful for legal or academic documents.

How to Remove or Change a Watermark in Word

Remove Watermark:

1. Go to Design → Watermark

2. Click Remove Watermark

Edit Watermark:

• Remove the old watermark

• Add a new one with updated settings

How to Add Watermark in Word Online (Free Version)

Microsoft Word Online has limited watermark support, but you can do this:

Workaround Method:

1. Insert a Text Box

2. Type your watermark text

3. Rotate and fade the text

4. Send it behind content

5. Copy and paste on all pages

🔔 For professional work, desktop Word is recommended.

Common Problems and Solutions

Watermark Not Showing?

• Switch to Print Layout

• Check Header & Footer view

• Ensure background printing is enabled

Watermark Too Dark?

• Enable Washout

• Use light gray color

• Reduce image contrast

FAQs – How to Add Watermark in Word

Can I add watermark in Word mobile app?

❌ No. Watermarks can only be added using desktop Word.

Will watermark appear in PDF?

✅ Yes, if you save or export the document as PDF.

Can watermark be removed by others?

⚠️ Yes, unless document is protected or converted to PDF.

Is watermark visible while printing?

✅ Yes, unless background printing is disabled.

Best Practices for Professional Watermarks

• Use light colors

• Avoid covering important text

• Use diagonal layout for security

• Keep font simple and readable

• Test print before final use

Conclusion

Now you know how to add watermark in Word using built-in options, custom text, images, and advanced techniques. Whether you are creating legal documents, academic files, or business reports, watermarks help protect and brand your content effectively.

If you follow this guide step by step, you can confidently add, edit, or remove watermarks in any version of Microsoft Word.