How to Use the Design Tab to Add a Watermark, Page Color, and Page Border to Your Document

Creating a professional or visually appealing document often requires more than just text. The overall design and presentation of your document can make a significant impact on how it’s received by your audience. Microsoft Word’s Design tab offers a suite of tools that can help you enhance the visual appeal of your documents. In this article, we’ll delve into how to use the Design tab to add a watermark, page color, and page border to your document, transforming it from a plain text file into a polished and professional piece of work.

Understanding the Design Tab in Word

The Design tab in Microsoft Word is part of the Ribbon interface and is your gateway to numerous formatting and design options. It allows you to quickly apply a theme, modify page backgrounds, and adjust the overall layout of your document. Before we dive into the specifics of adding watermarks, page colors, and borders, let’s familiarize ourselves with the Design tab and its features.

Accessing the Design Tab

To access the Design tab, open your Microsoft Word document and look for the tab labeled “Design” in the Ribbon. Clicking on it will reveal a variety of options, including document formatting, themes, and page background settings.

Adding a Watermark to Your Document

Watermarks are a great way to protect your document or to indicate its status, such as “Confidential” or “Draft”. They are typically faint images or text that sit behind the main content of your document.

Steps to Insert a Watermark

Open the Design tab in the Ribbon.
Look for the “Watermark” option in the “Page Background” group.
Click on “Watermark” to open a dropdown menu with various preset watermarks.
Select a preset watermark or choose “Custom Watermark” to create your own.
If creating a custom watermark, choose either “Picture Watermark” or “Text Watermark” and fill in the necessary details.
Click “OK” to apply the watermark to your document.

Remember that watermarks can be customized in terms of font, size, color, and orientation to suit the style and purpose of your document.

Customizing Your Watermark

For a more personalized touch, you can create a custom watermark using an image or text that reflects your brand or document’s identity. Here’s how:

Text Watermark: Choose a phrase, adjust the font, size, color, and layout.
Picture Watermark: Upload an image, adjust its scale, and choose whether it should be washed out or not.

Applying Page Color to Your Document

Adding a page color can give your document a subtle background hue or a vibrant backdrop, depending on your needs. It’s an excellent way to highlight sections or to make your document stand out.

How to Add Page Color

Go to the Design tab in the Ribbon.
Find the “Page Color” option in the “Page Background” group.
Click on “Page Color” to reveal a palette of colors.
Select a color to apply it to your document’s background.

For more advanced options, such as gradients or patterns, click on “Fill Effects” in the color palette menu and explore the available choices.

Choosing the Right Page Color

When selecting a page color, consider the readability and purpose of your document. Lighter colors or shades can enhance readability, while darker colors might be more suitable for digital documents or presentations.

Adding a Page Border to Your Document

Page borders can frame your content and give your document a finished look. They can be simple or ornate, depending on the style you’re aiming for.

Inserting a Page Border

Access the Design tab in the Ribbon.
Click on “Page Borders” in the “Page Background” group.
In the “Borders and Shading” dialog box, switch to the “Page Border” tab.
Choose the style, color, width, and pattern for your border.
Under “Apply to”, select whether the border should be applied to the whole document or specific sections.
Click “OK” to apply your border.

With the “Preview” pane in the “Borders and Shading” dialog box, you can see how your border will look before applying it.

Customizing Page Borders

For a unique touch, customize your page borders by mixing different styles and colors. Here are some customization options:

Style: Choose from solid lines, dots, dashes, or artistic patterns.
Color: Pick a color that complements your document’s theme or content.
Width: Decide on the thickness of your border lines.
Art: Select from a range of artistic borders for a decorative touch.

Design Considerations and Best Practices

While adding watermarks, page colors, and borders can enhance your document’s appearance, it’s important to use these features judiciously. Here are some design considerations and best practices:

Ensure that watermarks do not interfere with the readability of the text.
Choose page colors that don’t strain the eyes, especially for documents intended for print.
Use page borders that are consistent with the document’s tone and purpose.
Consider the final medium of the document (print, PDF, web) when applying design elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply a watermark to only certain pages of my document?

Yes, you can apply a watermark to specific sections by dividing your document into sections and applying the watermark to each section as needed.

Will adding a page color increase the ink usage when printing?

Yes, adding a page color will use more ink, especially if it’s a dark or vibrant color. Consider using a light shade or printing in grayscale to save ink.

Can I use my own image as a watermark?

Yes, you can use your own images as a watermark by selecting “Custom Watermark” and then “Picture Watermark” in the Watermark options.

Is it possible to save my custom watermark to use in other documents?

While Word doesn’t have a feature to save custom watermarks directly, you can save the document as a template with the watermark and use it for future documents.

How do I remove a page border from my document?

To remove a page border, go to the “Page Borders” option in the Design tab, select “None” under the “Setting” options in the “Borders and Shading” dialog box, and click “OK”.

Conclusion

The Design tab in Microsoft Word is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your documents. By understanding how to effectively use watermarks, page colors, and page borders, you can create documents that are not only informative but also visually engaging. Remember to balance design with functionality and readability to ensure that your document communicates your message effectively. With these tips and best practices, you’re well on your way to creating professional and polished documents that stand out.

References

For further reading and advanced techniques on using Microsoft Word’s Design tab features, consider exploring the following resources:

Microsoft Office Support: Word Help & Learning
Lynda.com: Word Essential Training
Book: “Word 2019 For Dummies” by Dan Gookin