Set a picture as background in word

1. On the Design tab, select Watermark > Custom Watermark.

2. Choose Picture Watermark and select a picture.

3. Select or clear Washout.

4. Select OK.

To put a watermark on only one page, create a custom watermark and save it to the gallery, remove the current watermark, then put it back on one page from the gallery.

Add or change a background image or watermark

1. Go to Design or Layout, and select Watermark.

2. Select Picture > Select Picture, browse through your image files, and choose the image that you want to use

3. Select Insert.

4. If you want the background image to show with full color intensity, clear the Washout check box.

Remove a background image or watermark

1. Go to Design or Layout, and select Watermark.

2. Choose No watermark.

Want more? See See all our content about watermarks.

• Add a background image using the Insert Pictures dialogue box
• Add a background image by copying and pasting
• Add a background image by dragging and dropping
• Add a background image using Custom Watermark

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Method 1: Add a Background Image Using the Insert Pictures dialogue box 

Step 1: Open up a Word document. 

Step 2: Launch the Insert Pictures dialogue box. 

Now that we have a Word document opened, move your cursor to the top-left corner of your window and select the Insert tab.

Click on the Pictures button right below it. 

This will open the Insert Pictures dialogue box in the middle of your window. 

Step 3: Insert the image. 

Locate the folder where you saved your image file. Select an image by double-clicking on the image file or by clicking on the Insert button. 

For this example, we will be selecting the file background image in the Pictures folder. 

Step 4: Set the picture as the background image. 

Once the image is inserted, you’ll notice that MS Word will place it where your cursor was before Step 3. This is the default behavior.

Now, right-click on the image and select the Wrap Text option from the Context Menu. Then, select Behind Text on the horizontal drop-down menu option. 

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Method 2: Add a Background Image by Copying and Pasting 

Likewise, with text, you can copy and paste images across different documents or applications. This method allows you to easily insert pictures, be it from a folder, another document, or an application. 

Step 1: Open up a Word document. 

Step 2: Copy-paste the image. 

Once your document is opened, locate the image and right-click on it. Then, select Copy from the Context Menu. Alternatively, you may hit the CTRL + C keys on your keyboard to copy the image seamlessly. 

Now, go back to your document and paste the image. Do this by right-clicking on any part of your document then selecting Paste.

Alternatively, you can also press CTRL + V on your keyboard to paste. 

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Method 3: Add a Background Image by Dragging and Dropping

Step 1: Open up a Word file. 

Step 2: Drag and drop the image. 

With your Word document opened, locate the folder where you saved the image you want to use as the background image. Once located, simply click and hold the image, drag it onto your Word file then let go. 

You can choose any part of your document to drop the image. This will slightly move the text around it, if you have any.

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Method 4: Add a Background Image using Custom Watermark

Step 1. Open up an MS Word document. 

Step 2. Go to the Design tab. 

In the Ribbon, select the Design tab. Move your mouse to the upper leftmost part of the window and click the Watermark drop-down menu button. This will display a list of options to insert watermarks. Go all the way down the options and select Custom Watermark. This will launch the Printed Watermark dialogue box. 

Step 3. Add the image. 

On the Printed Watermark dialogue box, select the Picture Watermark button among the options. Then, click the Select Picture button. 

This launches the Insert Pictures menu in the middle of your window. Select From a File and locate your image. 

Click the Insert button when done. Click the Cancel button to exit and revert any changes. 

Click the Apply button if you want to see the changes while keeping the dialogue box open.

Click the OK button to proceed and exit the dialogue box.

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Deleting a Background Image in MS Word

To delete the background image in your Word document, hover over the image until you see the cursor change to a four-point arrow. Then, click the image and press the Delete key on your keyboard. 

Alternatively, you can use the Remove Background button found in the Format tab. Note that the Format tab will only show up after you’ve selected your background image. 

Remember to use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + Z to revert any unwanted changes. 

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Customizing Your Background Image in MS Word

Here’s a brief rundown of some of the most useful functions in the Format tab. 

Adjust Group

Remove Background

Use this when you want to delete your background image. 

Corrections 

Use this when you want to adjust the brightness, contrast, or sharpness of your background image.

Color 

Use this when you want to change the color saturation and tone of your background image to match the theme of your document. 

Artistic Effect

Use this when you want to add a painting-like effect on your background image. 

Compress Pictures

Use this when you want to minimize the overall size of your document. 

Change Picture

Use this when you want to change your background image. 

Reset Picture

Use this when you want to revert all changes made on the background image. 

Size Group

Crop

Use this when you want to crop unwanted areas of your background image. 

Shape Height

Use this when you want to accurately set the height of your background image up to 2 decimal places. 

Shape Width

Use this when you want to accurately set the width of your background image up to 2 decimal places. 

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Conclusion 

We hope you’ve found this article helpful! 

Is this article up to date?

Microsoft Word backgrounds are little-known features of to those who are new to the application. Even if you’re just starting out, you can learn how to insert background picture in MS Word. 

Adding a Microsoft Word background image can serve a variety of uses. They can enhance the design of the material as well as add a layer of security. 

This is only one of the many features of Word that lets you create awe-inspiring materials. It’s worthwhile to learn how to use Microsoft Word so you can take advantage of its many robust functionalities.

This article takes you step-by-step on how to add a background image in Word, as well as how to use watermarks and color backgrounds.

(Note: The instructions and screenshots in this tutorial are from Microsoft Word for Mac version 16.38. If you’re using a different version of Word, the steps and interface may be different from what you see here.)

Working With Background Text (Add a Text Watermark)

A watermark is a semi-transparent object that appears on every page. A text watermark is commonly used for either security or branding. For example, add a “CONFIDENTIAL” watermark as a constant reminder to people that the document shouldn’t be shared freely.

There are two ways to add a text watermark:

1. How to Add a Text Watermark from a Template

Go to Design > Watermark. The Insert Watermark dialog opens.

Click on the radio button for Text. 

A few text templates are available for you to use. Click the drop-down menu to display the text templates.

Choose one of the pre-loaded text watermarks. You can change the formatting of the text watermark:

• font
• size
• transparency
• emphasis (bold or italics)
• font color
• orientation

Then, click OK.

The text watermark is now on every page of your document. It won’t be affected even if you change the text, formatting, and layout of your document.

2. How to Add a Custom Text Watermark

You can also create a custom text watermark if none of the pre-loaded watermarks fit your needs. 

To create your custom text watermark, click Design > Watermark.

Click on the radio button for Text. Double-click inside the text input box. Type the text you wish to use as your watermark.

Set the font format settings for the text watermark, then click OK.

Your custom text watermark is now on every page of the document.

How to Add an Image Watermark

A watermark can also be an image, such as your company logo. Used this way, the watermark reinforces your visual branding. We’ll use the clean rain logo from Envato Elements.

To add an image watermark, go to Design > Watermark. Click the button for Picture.

Click Select Picture. Locate the picture you wish to use, then click Insert.

Select the Scale you want the picture to be displayed at. By default, the Washout button is selected. This makes the picture lighter. Click OK.

The image watermark has been added to the document.

If you want the picture to be displayed without transparency, un-check Washout, then click OK. 

This creates an image background on all the pages of the document. You can’t insert a watermark on just one page, but there’s a way to get around that.

How to Add an Image Background to a Single Page

Sometimes you may want to add an image background to a single page — not on every page of the document. This is useful for designing a creative cover for your document and chapter dividers of a long document or manuscript. 

To add an image background to only one page of your document, first insert the image. For this part of the tutorial we’ll use an image of a business person thinking from Envato Elements.

 Go to Insert > Pictures > Picture from File ….

Locate the image you want to use as a background. Select the image file, then click Insert.

With the image selected, go to Picture Format > Arrange > Wrap Text > Behind text. This allows the text on the page to show on top of the image.

Click and drag the corners of the image to resize it and completely fill the page.

Now you’ve got an image background that’s on one page of the document only.

Work With Microsoft Word Background Color

Another way you can vary the background of your document is by adding a background color. Use this sparingly because colored backgrounds can make the text hard to read. Since the background color is applied to the entire document, it’s best to use it in short documents, such as a flier, business card, or a short brochure — materials that contain very little text.

Let’s get started:

How to Add a Background Page Color

From the Design tab, click on the Page Color button.

Choose the color you wish to use.

The background color is applied to all the pages in your document.

How to Add a Background Color to a Single Page

As with the watermark, Word doesn’t let you set a background color for an individual page.

If you want to add a background color to just one page of a multi-page document, you’ll have to use a work-around:

Click Insert > Shapes > rectangle.

Click and drag to create a rectangle that’s the same size as the page.

Click Shape Format > Shape Fill and select a color for the background.

To show text in front of the background color, from the Shape Fill tab, click Arrange > Wrap Text > Behind text.

Now, you’ve added background color to a single page in your document.

Find Great Images for Backgrounds

The successful use of images as background in your document depends mostly on the quality and relevance of the photo itself. You can find some of the best premium stock photos from Envato Elements. For a fixed monthly subscription, you get unlimited downloads of all the high-quality images you’ll ever need along with other design assets.

Aside from photos, Elements also gives you unlimited downloads of Microsoft Word templates, fonts, graphics, and other ingredients you need for a professional communication material.

For one-off projects look to Envato Market for Microsoft Word templates as well as stock photos and other creative elements. Download any item you need on a pay-per-use basis.

Learn More About How to Use Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word has all the features you need to create both printed and digital materials for various purposes. These articles describe what these features are and explain how to use them:

Common Microsoft Word Questions Answered (FAQs)

As you use Microsoft Word and explore its different functionalities, you’ll have questions. That’s why I’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions (FAQ) people ask about Word with links to tutorials and articles that address them:

1. Should I Use Microsoft Word or Google Docs?

Microsoft Word is the most widely used word processor in the world. But that may be quickly changing with the arrival of similar applications. Google Docs, for example, has many of the features most users need to create communication materials. And because it comes free with your Google account, it’s attractive to folks who are on a tight budget. 

This article puts Microsoft Word head-to-head with Google Docs, so you can make the best choice:

2. How Can I Get a Different Header/Footer on Different Pages of My Document?

Adding different headers and footers throughout your document may seem confusing at first. This feature of Microsoft Word lets you create remarkable documents that are user-friendly and easy for readers to navigate. Follow this tutorial on how to work with headers, footers, and page numbers in your Word document:

3. Can Word Help Me Spell Check My Document?

In a word: Yes! Microsoft Word has a robust spell and grammar checker, so you can avoid those embarrassing typos and other mistakes. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to work with Microsoft Word spelling and grammar checker — including how to troubleshoot common problems that may come up:

4. What Are Some Shortcuts I Can Use So I Don’t Need to Click on So Many Buttons?

Microsoft Word is designed to be as intuitive as possible. But if you use it often, whether for personal, educational, or business purposes, you’re going to want to make your workflow more efficient. 

Try these keyboard shortcuts for many of the most frequently used features of Word. They cover everything from managing documents to working with text, graphics, and more. You’ll also find shortcuts for both Windows and MacOS.

5. What’s the Best Way to Reconcile Changes in Two Different Versions of the Same Document?

Microsoft Word has several features that make collaboration much easier and smoother. Those features include:

• tracking changes
• document comparison
• document merging
• even real-time co-authoring 

As can be expected, these powerful functionalities can be intimidating to all but the most advanced users. 

But no worries, we’ve got another tutorial to walk you through each of the steps for how to compare and merge two Microsoft Word documents. It also includes tips for troubleshooting common problems:

Create Professional and Effective Documents with Microsoft Word

Background images and text can be useful in your Word document, whether for creative design, branding, or document security. Follow the steps detailed in this article to add a background text or image in your document.

If you’ve got many creative projects, then Envato Elements is a better option. With a subscription to Elements you can download as many photos, fonts, templates for Word, video clips, and sound effects you need—all for one flat monthly fee.

Or choose relevant and high-quality images, Word print templates, and other design ingredients from the thousands of offerings at GraphicRiver. Download whatever you need and pay for each use of each item.

Insert a background Picture or image in Word

1. On the Design tab, select Watermark > Custom Watermark.
2. Choose Picture Watermark and select a picture.
3. Select or clear Washout.
4. Select OK.

How can I put a background on a Picture?

How to Add Background to a Picture: The Easy Way

1. Choose the ‘Change Background’ Tool. Start PhotoWorks, import the photo for adding a background and switch to the Tools tab.
2. Paint Over the Object to Keep on Photo.
3. Mark the Photo Background to Change.
4. Correct the Object’s Edges.
5. Add A Background to the Photo.

Is there an app for photo backgrounds?

1. Background Eraser – Remove Image Background. This free background changer app is very easy to use, and it has most of its features available for free. You can erase photo backgrounds using AI Cutout, drawing a selection around the subject or using one of the default shapes.

How do I change the background picture on my laptop?

To change it, follow these steps:

1. Right-click your desktop and choose Personalize.
2. Select Picture from the Background drop-down list.
3. Click a new picture for the background.
4. Decide whether to fill, fit, stretch, tile, or center the picture.
5. Click the Save Changes button to save your new background.

How do you blend a picture into the background in Word?

Click the Set Transparent Color Tool on the Picture toolbar. Click anywhere in the picture’s red background. Click and drag the picture to the blue background. Press [Ctrl] while you click and drag the picture to insert another copy on the blue background.

How do I make a picture background transparent in Word?

Make part of a picture transparent

1. Select the picture, and go to Picture Format > Color or Picture Tools > Format > Color.
2. Select Set Transparent Color.
3. When the pointer changes, select the color you want to make transparent.

Which app is best for photo background change?

6 Best Android Photo Editing Apps to Change Image Backgrounds

• PicsArt. PicsArt is one of the best editing apps that lets you change image backgrounds.
• Snapseed.
• Fabby.
• Cut Cut.
• PhotoCut.
• MagiCut.
• 5 Best Android Apps to Change Background of Photo to White.

How do I set a picture as my background on Windows 10?

How to change your background on Windows 10

1. Click “Settings” then click on “Personalization.”
2. Then head to “Background” and choose your new background by clicking “Browse” to browse the images on your PC.
3. Choose the photo you want for your new background and it should go live.

How do you put a background on your computer?

On most computers, you can change your background by right-clicking the desktop and selecting Personalize. Then select Desktop Background. By default, you’ll see the images that were included with your computer.

How do I change my background on Windows 10 without activating?

Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where you store your wallpapers. Once you find the suitable image, just right click it and choose Set as desktop background from the context menu. The image will be set as your desktop background ignoring the fact that Windows 10 is not activated.

Why can’t I remove background in Word?

If you don’t see Remove Background or the Picture Format tab, make sure that you’ve selected a picture. You might have to double-click the picture to select it and open the Picture Format tab. The default background area is colored magenta to mark it for removal, while the foreground retains its natural coloring.

How can I make the background of a picture transparent?

You can create a transparent area in most pictures. Select the picture that you want to create transparent areas in. Click Picture Tools > Recolor > Set Transparent Color. In the picture, click the color you want to make transparent.

How do you put a background on just one page in Word?

How to apply/insert background image to only one page in Word?

1. Scroll to the specified page you will add background image in, and click View > One Page to show the whole page in the screen.
2. Click Insert > Shapes > Rectangle as below screenshot shown, and then draw a rectangle covering the whole page.

How do you make a live wallpaper?

To make a live photo your wallpaper, you simply select that photo and set it as the wallpaper on your phone. Then just as you’d animate the live photo in your photo album by holding your finger down on the screen, you can do the same on your lock screen to see the photo animate.