How to Insert Draft Watermark in Word 2013: A Step-by-Step Guide

Inserting a draft watermark in Word 2013 is a straightforward process. Begin by opening the document in which you want the watermark to appear. Then, go to the “Design” tab, select “Watermark,” and choose “Custom Watermark.” From there, you can select “Text watermark,” type “DRAFT” in the text box, set the font, size, and color, and then click “Apply.”

After completing these steps, you’ll see the “DRAFT” watermark appear behind the text on every page of your document, indicating that the document is not the final version.

Introduction

Watermarks are an essential tool for document management, especially when sharing preliminary versions of a document. They help to communicate the status of the document to readers quickly. In Word 2013, adding a draft watermark is a simple task that can save you from potential misunderstandings about the document’s progress or confidentiality. Whether you’re a student sharing an essay draft with a peer for feedback, a writer sending a manuscript to an editor, or a business professional circulating a report among colleagues, knowing how to insert a draft watermark is a valuable skill. It helps maintain clarity, professionalism, and proper handling of documents.

Inserting a draft watermark is particularly relevant for individuals who are involved in document creation and distribution processes. This includes authors, students, office workers, project managers, and anyone who needs to share documents that are not yet finalized. The watermark acts as a visual cue that the document is a work in progress, which can be essential in collaborative environments where multiple revisions are common.

Step by Step Tutorial: Insert Draft Watermark in Word 2013

Before you start, make sure the document you want to add a draft watermark to is open in Word 2013.

Step 1: Go to the “Design” tab

First, click on the “Design” tab in the ribbon at the top of the Word window.

This tab contains various options for formatting your document, including the watermark feature.

Step 2: Select “Watermark”

Next, in the “Page Background” group, click on “Watermark.”

A dropdown menu will appear with several preset watermark options.

Step 3: Choose “Custom Watermark”

Then, from the dropdown menu, choose “Custom Watermark” at the bottom.

This will open a new dialog box where you can create your own watermark.

Step 4: Select “Text watermark”

In the “Printed Watermark” dialog box, select the option that says “Text watermark.”

This will enable you to enter the text for your watermark.

Step 5: Type “DRAFT” in the text box

Now, type “DRAFT” or your desired text in the box labeled “Text.”

You can also choose the font, size, and color for your watermark in this dialog box.

Step 6: Set the font, size, and color

After typing “DRAFT,” set the font, size, and color to your preference.

You can make the watermark subtle or bold, depending on your needs.

Step 7: Click “Apply”

Finally, after you have set your preferences, click “Apply,” and then “Close.”

You will now see the draft watermark on every page of your document.

Pros

Benefit	Explanation
Clarity	A draft watermark clearly communicates the document’s status as not being the final version, preventing any confusion.
Professionalism	Using a watermark adds a level of professionalism, showing that you are careful about how your documents are presented and circulated.
Document Security	Having a watermark can deter unauthorized sharing or accidental release of sensitive information in a document that is not ready for the public.

Cons

Drawback	Explanation
Distraction	A watermark might be distracting to some readers, especially if it is too bold or not appropriately positioned.
Printing Issues	Watermarks can sometimes cause printing issues, such as misalignment or smudging, particularly on low-quality printers.
Removal Difficulty	If not properly secured, watermarks can be removed or altered, which might compromise document control and version tracking.

Additional Information

When inserting a draft watermark in Word 2013, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. For instance, the opacity of your watermark is critical. You want it to be visible enough so that anyone looking at the document knows it’s a draft, but not so dark that it interferes with the readability of the text. A good rule of thumb is to keep the opacity between 50-60%.

Moreover, it’s essential to consider the positioning of your watermark. You want it to be central and evenly spread out across the page to avoid any confusion. If your document has a lot of images or graphics, you may need to adjust the placement of your watermark to ensure it’s still noticeable.

Finally, if you’re working with a document that will go through many rounds of revisions, you might want to include the version number or date in the watermark. This can help keep track of the most current version and avoid any mix-ups with earlier drafts.

Summary

1. Open the document and click on the “Design” tab.
2. Click “Watermark” in the “Page Background” group.
3. Choose “Custom Watermark” from the dropdown menu.
4. Select “Text watermark” in the dialog box.
5. Type “DRAFT” in the text box.
6. Set the font, size, and color.
7. Click “Apply,” then “Close.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a draft watermark?

Yes, you can remove a draft watermark by going back to the “Watermark” option, selecting “Remove Watermark,” and then saving your document.

Can I add a watermark to only one page?

Absolutely! Instead of going through the “Design” tab, you’ll need to open the “Page Layout” dialog box and apply the watermark to a specific section.

Can I use a picture as a watermark?

Yes, in the “Printed Watermark” dialog box, you can choose “Picture watermark” and then select an image from your computer.

Does the watermark appear on printed documents?

Yes, the watermark will appear on printed documents unless you specifically set it not to print.

Can I save my custom watermark for future use?

Yes, after creating your watermark, you can save it as a custom watermark to easily use it in other documents.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of inserting a draft watermark in Word 2013 is a useful skill that enhances document management and communication. It’s a simple yet powerful way to indicate the status of your document and keep your workflow organized. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll not only improve the professionalism of your documents but also protect them from premature dissemination.

Don’t forget to consider the positioning, opacity, and potential inclusion of version numbers in your watermark to maintain clarity and control. So go ahead, give it a try, and take your document-handling skills to the next level!