A DRAFT watermark in Microsoft Word is usually added through the document’s watermark controls or stored in the header layer. Start with the built-in Remove Watermark command.
How to Remove a Draft Watermark in Word
- Open the document.
- Select the Design tab.
- Choose Watermark.
- Select Remove Watermark.
If the Draft Watermark Remains
Double-click near the top of the page to open the header. The watermark may be a text or picture object anchored there. Select the watermark object carefully and delete it, then close the header.
Check Multiple Sections
A document can contain separate headers for different sections, first pages, or odd and even pages. If the watermark disappears from some pages but remains on others, inspect the headers in the affected sections.
If You Cannot Edit the Watermark
The document may have editing restrictions or organization controls. Use an authorized editable copy or ask the document owner rather than trying to defeat document protection.
Watermark vs. Background
If “DRAFT” is part of an inserted image, page background, PDF conversion, or scanned page, Word’s Remove Watermark command may not apply. Identify the object before deleting content so you do not accidentally remove legitimate page elements.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.