Google Docs is a popular document editor for creating and editing documents. Earlier, there was no way to add a watermark to a Google Docs document directly, so savvy users found a workaround using Google Drawings. In a recent update, Google added a native way to insert a watermark in Google Docs. Here we will show how you can insert a watermark in Google Docs , as well as creating a watermark using a third-party app.
Where and How Watermarks Can Be Used
There are a few scenarios where you could consider using a watermark. It is mostly used to convey confidentiality or protect the owner’s rights. Some examples include:
- Office documents where the nature of the document is top secret or confidential and you don’t want it lying around
- Ebooks where the author wants to protect their digital rights
- Images where a photographer or designer wants to make sure they get credit for the work shared by others on public domain
- Marketing of free ebooks, images, etc. when distributed on social media or messaging apps to build brand awareness
- Writers or editors wanting to enforce digital rights and pass instructions internally in a media organization
A watermark is useful for both documents and images. How you use it would depend on the purpose of the file in question.
How to Create a Watermark in Google Drawings
There are two types of watermarks that can be created in Google Drawings: text and image. Whichever you choose is up to your own preferences.
- Open the Google Drawings app. You can either type verbiage (a company name, for example) or use available tools like word art, text, shapes, scribble, etc., under “Insert menu -> Text box” to create a watermark. I used the Text box field to write “Company Name” as a watermark.
It is easy to change the font type, size, color, and design of the watermark text to your needs. Just select the text and apply the changes. As there is no way to control transparency effect in the text menu, it’s a good idea to choose a light font color, such as light grey.
- If you prefer to use an image as your watermark, click on “Insert -> Image” and select an option dependent on where you have the watermark image ready. It can be in Drive, Photos, or on your computer.
Use the “Format options” menu bar to add a transparency effect from the “Adjustments” section. You may add other effects too.
- Save the image file and give it a name that you can quickly find it later.
How to Add a Watermark in Google Docs
Microsoft Word has allowed users to insert a watermark to their documents for quite some time now, but Docs just recently added this function. You will find the Watermark option under the Insert menu.
- Open the document you want to add the watermark to and select the “Watermark” option from the “Insert” menu.
- Click on the “Select Image” button to upload the watermark from your computer or Drive.
- With the watermark selected, you can turn on the Faded effect if you want or scale the screenshot to increase/decrease the size of the watermark.
- Click on the “Done” button when you are happy with the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I add a watermark using Google Docs mobile apps?
No. At present, the option is only available on the Desktop Web version.
2. Is Drawings a part of Docs?
Yes and no. Google Drawings is a standalone app that has been integrated into Docs. You can access and use it from Docs, but for full functionality, you need to access the standalone Web version.
Wrapping Up
The ability to insert a watermark in Google Docs is a welcome addition. This makes life easier for everyone who uses Google Docs for both personal and professional work and needs to protect their content/work with watermarks.
Read on to learn how to convert Google Docs to Microsoft Word and add a written signature to Google Docs.
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Gaurav Bidasaria
A C.A. by profession and a tech enthusiast by passion, Gaurav loves tinkering with new tech and gadgets. He dropped out of CA in the final year to follow his passion. He has over seven years of experience as a writer covering consumer tech and writes how-to guides, comparisons, listicles, and explainers for B2B and B2C apps and services. He recently started working out but mostly, you will find him either gaming or streaming.
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