Adding a draft watermark to your Word document can be a great way to indicate that your document is a work in progress or not yet final. It’s a simple process that only takes a few clicks. With this quick guide, you’ll be able to insert a draft watermark in Word easily.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Insert Draft Watermark in Word
Before we start, let’s understand what we’ll achieve with these steps. By following the tutorial, you will be able to place a semi-transparent text, saying "DRAFT," diagonally across the background of every page in your Word document.
Step 1: Open the Watermark Menu
Open the "Design" tab in Word and click on "Watermark."
This step will bring up a list of pre-designed watermarks that you can choose from, including "CONFIDENTIAL," "DO NOT COPY," and, of course, "DRAFT."
Step 2: Choose "Draft" Watermark
Select the "DRAFT" watermark option from the menu.
By selecting this option, a faint "DRAFT" text will be added to the background of your document. If you wish, you can customize the text, font, size, color, and orientation later.
Step 3: Customize the Watermark (Optional)
Click on "Custom Watermark" to customize the draft watermark.
Should you want to change the default "DRAFT" text to something else or modify its appearance, this step allows you to do so. You can make changes such as altering the font, color, size, and positioning of your watermark text.
Step 4: Apply the Watermark
Click "Apply" to insert the watermark into your document.
After clicking "Apply," the watermark will appear on all pages of your document. You can always go back and edit or remove the watermark by following the same steps.
Once you complete these steps, your Word document will have a "DRAFT" watermark across every page. This watermark will be visible on the screen and when you print the document, subtly indicating the status of the document.
Tips: How to Insert Draft Watermark in Word
- If your document has sections with different page orientations (portrait and landscape), you might need to insert watermarks in each section separately.
- Consider the color of your watermark; it should be visible but not too distracting from the main content.
- Remember to remove the draft watermark from your document once it’s finalized.
- You can save your custom watermark to use it in other documents.
- If you’re collaborating with others, adding a draft watermark can be a useful reminder that the document is not yet final.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the draft watermark doesn’t appear on all pages?
Make sure that your document doesn’t have multiple sections with different headers and footers; if it does, you’ll need to insert the watermark in each section.
Can I use an image as a watermark instead of text?
Yes, you can. Instead of choosing "Text Watermark," select "Picture Watermark" and upload your preferred image.
How do I remove the draft watermark once my document is final?
Go back into the "Watermark" menu, and at the bottom, you will see the option to "Remove Watermark."
Is it possible to have the draft watermark appear on only certain pages?
Yes, but you will have to section off the pages where you want the watermark to appear and then apply the watermark to that specific section.
Can I change the transparency of the watermark?
Yes, in the "Custom Watermark" setting, there is a slider to adjust the transparency of your watermark.
Summary
- Open the Watermark Menu
- Choose "Draft" Watermark
- Customize the Watermark (Optional)
- Apply the Watermark
Conclusion
Adding a draft watermark in Word is an easy and effective way to label your document as a work in progress. Whether you’re sharing a draft with colleagues or simply want to remind yourself that the document is not yet final, a watermark is a professional touch that takes only a few clicks to implement. Plus, with the ability to customize the watermark to your liking, you can ensure that the mark is both functional and aesthetically fitting for your document.
Remember, the watermark is meant to be subtle, so play around with the customization options to find the right balance between visibility and unobtrusiveness. And once your document is ready for the world to see, removing the watermark is just as simple as adding it.
By now, you should be able to confidently insert a draft watermark in Word, customize it as needed, and remove it when your document is finalized. Go ahead and give it a try!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
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