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MS Word: Page Background Group in the Design Tab to insert watermark and page borders

  • Writer: Fakhriddinbek
    Fakhriddinbek
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

Introduction: Why Page Background Matters in Word Documents


The Page Background Group in the Design Tab of Microsoft Word allows users to customize the backdrop of their documents with:


  • Watermark

  • Page Color

  • Page Borders


These tools are essential for branding, protecting, decorating, or structuring documents. Whether you're preparing formal business documents, educational materials, or personal projects, these features help convey the right tone and context visually.


Word document design tab screenshot showing watermark options, borders and shading settings, and color themes. Instructions on usage visible.

1. Watermark


Purpose:


A watermark is a faded background text or image used to indicate document status (e.g., "Confidential", "Draft"), add branding, or discourage unauthorized copying.


How to Insert:

  • Go to Design > Page Background > Watermark

  • Choose from built-in options like "Confidential," "Do Not Copy"

  • Click Custom Watermark to create your own:

    • Text Watermark: Choose font, size, color, and layout (diagonal or horizontal)

    • Picture Watermark: Upload a logo or image (adjust scale and washout)


Advanced Tips:

  • To apply different watermarks on different sections, break the document into sections and unlink headers.

  • Use company logos for official documents (ensure transparency and minimal distraction).


Common Issue:

Q: Why is my watermark not showing in print preview?✅ A: Make sure the watermark is not obscured by section breaks or background images. Also, check Print Layout view.


2. Page Color


Purpose:

Page Color allows users to fill the entire document background with a solid color, gradient, texture, or pattern.


How to Use:

  • Go to Design > Page Background > Page Color

  • Choose:

    • Theme Colors or Standard Colors

    • Fill Effects for gradients, patterns, and textures


Practical Use Cases:

  • Use pastel shades for printable documents (e.g., light yellow for drafts)

  • Apply vivid colors for screenshared presentations or digital reports


Common Issue:

Q: Why does my page color not print?

A: Enable Print Background Colors and Images in:File > Options > Display > Printing options


Accessibility Tip:

Use high-contrast combinations (dark text on light background) to ensure readability and accessibility.


3. Page Borders


Purpose:

Add lines or art borders around the page to emphasize structure, make a document formal, or enhance visual appeal.


How to Use:

  • Go to Design > Page Background > Page Borders

  • Opens the Borders and Shading dialog

  • Options:

    • Box, Shadow, 3D, Custom

    • Apply to Whole document, First page only, or Specific sections

    • Customize line style, color, and width

    • Choose Art borders (e.g., stars, trees) for flyers or creative projects


Advanced Controls:

  • Click on Options for margin distance control

  • Combine with section breaks to have different borders on different pages


Common Issue:

Q: Page border doesn’t show on one side when printed.

A: This is often due to printer margins. Reduce margin in “Options” > set to at least 10 pts from edge.


Use Case Scenario: Creating a Professional Confidential Report


  1. Add a Custom Text Watermark with “CONFIDENTIAL” in light gray

  2. Set Page Color to white (or leave default) for print clarity

  3. Add a Box Page Border with 1pt gray line


Result: A professional, branded report that's visually clear and secure.


Bonus Tip: Combine With Header/Footer Elements


Pair the Page Background Group with Headers/Footers to reinforce document identity:

  • Company name/logo in header

  • Date/version in footer

  • Watermark indicating status


Common Questions Answered


Can I apply a background to only one page?

Yes, insert a section break, then apply watermark or color to that section only.


How can I remove a watermark?

Go to Watermark > Remove Watermark


Can I use gradient backgrounds?

Yes. Go to Page Color > Fill Effects > Gradient and customize direction and color stops.


Final Thoughts

The Page Background Group in Microsoft Word’s Design tab offers quick yet powerful tools to make your documents more impactful. Whether you're branding, protecting, or styling your work, this group is essential for achieving visually structured and meaningful pages.


From basic text watermarks to advanced border customizations, it puts control over your document’s look right at your fingertips.

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