How to Add Watermark to a Document in Google Docs

Working from home has brought about a new work flow for the majority of people. Sharing sensitive documents and transmitting files between employees online has become a little stressful. Most businesses use Google Docs because it is web-based and offers superior collaboration and sharing capabilities. If you are sharing private or confidential documents, it is always a good idea to add a company logo or other warning watermark to a Google Docs document.

Whether you want to claim exclusivity on a document or try to make it a little prettier, there are plenty of reasons to add something authoritative or eye-catching to Google Docs.

Unlike Microsoft Word, there is no official solution for adding watermark in Google Docs. But there is a workaround that you can try instead.

In this article, we will show how to add a watermark to a document in Google Docs. And if you frequently need to use the same watermark again, create a custom Google Docs template.

Use Google Drawing

Google Drawing is an integral part of Google Docs. It helps you create basic charts, diagrams, and images that you can use in other Google apps.

First, you need to have a company logo or image that you want to use as a watermark. Now follow the steps below.

Step 1: Visit Google Drawing on the web. I know you can also access Google Drawing from Google Docs. But here you have to use the Google Drawing web app to make the necessary adjustments on a watermark image.

2nd step: Tap on Insert in the menu bar.

Step 3: Add image or text to Google drawing canvas.

Step 4: Adjust the size and position of the image. You can also rotate an image for a more professional look.

Step 5: A watermark should be transparent so as not to spoil the other content of the document. Select the image and press Format> Format options.

Step 6: From there, look for the adjustments. Adjust the level of transparency of your image. You can also adjust the brightness and contrast. Under Format options, you can change other features of your image.

If you are using text, I would suggest changing the text color to light gray so that it goes well behind the document.

Step 7: When you’re done, add a name to your drawing in the Untitled Drawings box at the top left.

Step 8: Your design will automatically be saved to your Google Drive storage. So come back to your Google Docs document at this point.

Place a watermark in Google Docs

Let me clarify one thing. You cannot place the design behind text. You will need to use it as a header or footer in the document.

Step 1: Open a blank Google Doc document.

2nd step: Press Insert> Headers & Footers, choosing Header or Footer options.

Step 3: With the header or footer option, hit Insert> Drawing> From Drive to add your drawing.

Step 4: In the Insert Drawing box, select your saved Google Drawings image, and then press the Select button to add it to your document.

Step 5: The design will be inserted into your header or footer at this point. Resize your image using the border resize options, then move your image using your mouse or trackpad to an appropriate position.

If you can’t move the design, you will need to select it and click on the Wrap Text option.

Now you will see the added watermark image or text on all Google Docs pages.

Save document as template

You won’t want to go through the long process of adding a watermark to a Google Docs document. You can save the document as a template and use it again in the future.

After making the necessary changes, tap on the Move Folder menu and save the file to a Google Drive folder. Now remember that this is your main watermark file in Google Docs. You should not make any changes to the original file.

Anytime you want to use the template to create a quick document, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Go to Google Drive on the web and find the template you want to use.

2nd step: Open the template in Google Docs.

Step 3: Do not make any changes now as it will spoil the original custom document.

Step 4: Instead, tap File> Make a Copy and save it to Google Drive.

Now go ahead and edit the necessary details in the template, and you are good to go.

Customize the Google Docs document

Follow the steps above and add a watermark to your Google Docs to indicate their status (draft, confidential, etc.) or to personalize them with your company logo. Let us know if you have any questions about the process.