How To Add and Remove a Watermark in Excel
Nov 26, 2024
Watermarks are an effective way to mark documents for branding, confidentiality, or indicating status like "Draft" or "Confidential."
While Microsoft Excel doesn’t have a built-in feature for watermarks, there are several workarounds you can use to achieve the same effect. This guide will walk you through the different methods to insert, customize, and remove watermarks in Excel.
How To Insert Watermark in Excel
You can insert watermarks using creative methods such as adding an image, WordArt, or a background. Each approach has advantages and limitations, and your choice will depend on how you want the watermark to appear and function.
Method 1: Using Header & Footer.
This method embeds the Excel watermark in the worksheet’s header or footer. This makes the watermark visible behind the data. The watermark will appear on every printed page.
Steps:
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Open your Excel file and go to the Insert tab on the Excel Ribbon.
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In the Text group, click on Header & Footer.
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The worksheet will switch to the Page Layout view. Click inside the header box.
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Select Picture from the Header & Footer Tools and choose an image file for your watermark (e.g., a logo or “Draft” text).
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After inserting the image watermark, click the Format Picture option in the toolbar.
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Adjust the transparency under the Picture tab to ensure it doesn’t obscure your data.
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Click anywhere outside the header to return to the worksheet.
Method 2: Using WordArt for text watermarks.
WordArt offers a flexible solution for text-based watermarks like "Confidential" or "Draft," It works well for visual impact but requires manual adjustment for each worksheet.
Steps:
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Go to the Insert tab and select WordArt from the Text group.
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Choose a style and type your desired text, such as “Confidential.”
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Resize, rotate and position the WordArt on the worksheet.
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To make the text semi-transparent:
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Right-click the WordArt and select Format Shape.
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Under Fill & Line, adjust the transparency slider to your preference.
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Ensure the WordArt doesn’t block essential data.
Method 3: Inserting a background image.
This method sets a background image as the watermark. However, the picture watermark won’t appear in printed versions. While this is a quick way to add a watermark, it’s best used for on-screen presentations or sharing files digitally.
Steps:
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Go to the Page Layout tab.
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Select Background in the Page Setup group.
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Choose an image from your computer or online sources.
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The watermark image will appear as the background for the entire worksheet.
Formatting and Customizing Watermarks
Regardless of the method you choose, formatting is key to ensuring the watermark doesn’t interfere with your data:
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Transparency: Make sure the watermark is faint enough to allow clear visibility of worksheet content.
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Positioning: Center the watermark or align it diagonally for a professional look.
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Size: Scale the image or text so it doesn’t dominate your Excel worksheet.
How To Remove a Watermark in Excel
You can always remove an Excel watermark regardless of how it was added. To remove a watermark in Excel:
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Header & Footer: Return to the header/footer area, click on the watermark image, and press Delete.
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WordArt: Select the WordArt text and press Delete.
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Background image: Go to the Page Layout tab and click Delete Background.
Best Practices for Adding Watermarks in Excel
Here are some best practices you can follow for the right results:
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Use simple, non-intrusive designs for watermarks.
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Ensure that the watermark does not obscure crucial data or affect readability.
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Choose a method that aligns with the document's purpose, such as headers for printed reports or backgrounds for digital files.
Conclusion of "How To Add and Remove a Watermark in Excel"
Adding a watermark to Excel can enhance your documents’ professionalism and security. Whether you use headers, WordArt, or background images, Excel offers flexible options to suit your needs. Experiment with the abovementioned methods to find the best fit for your document.
For more easy-to-follow Excel guides and the latest Excel Templates, visit Simple Sheets and the related articles section of this blog post.
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FAQ of "How To Add and Remove a Watermark in Excel"
1. Can I insert a watermark in Excel without using an image?
Yes, you can use WordArt to create a text-based watermark like "Confidential" or "Draft." This method allows you to customize the font, size, and transparency for a professional look.
2. Will my Excel watermark appear when printing?
Watermarks added via headers/footers will appear in print, but background images won’t. Use the print preview to confirm how your watermark looks before printing.
3. How do I adjust the transparency of my watermark?
Right-click the watermark (image or WordArt) and choose Format Picture/Shape, then use the transparency slider. This ensures the watermark doesn’t obscure your worksheet content.
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