4 Ways to Add a Background Image in MS Word
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found this article helpful!