How To Insert Watermark In Excel

A watermark in Excel is useful for marking a spreadsheet as confidential, draft, or for branding purposes. Unlike Word, Excel doesn’t have a direct watermark feature, but you can still add one using the header or a background image. Here’s how to insert a watermark in Excel easily.

1. Open Your Excel Workbook
   Start by opening the spreadsheet where you want to insert the watermark. Choose the specific worksheet if your file contains multiple sheets.
2. Go to Insert Tab and Click Header & Footer
   Click the Insert tab at the top menu. In the Text group, click on Header & Footer. Excel will switch to Page Layout view and display the header area at the top of the sheet.
3. Click in the Center Section of the Header
   Once you’re in Header & Footer Tools, click inside the center header box. Then, go to the Header & Footer Elements group on the ribbon and click Picture.
4. Select Your Watermark Image
   You’ll be prompted to choose a picture from your device, Bing, or OneDrive. Select the image you want to use as a watermark, such as a logo or “Confidential” stamp.
5. Format the Watermark Image
   After inserting, you’ll see a placeholder code like &[Picture]. Click anywhere outside the header to see the watermark in the background. To resize or adjust the transparency:

• Click Header & Footer Tools > Format Picture
• Adjust the size, brightness, contrast, and set transparency under Picture tab > Picture Corrections Options

6. Switch Back to Normal View
   If you prefer working in Normal view after adding the watermark, go to View and select Normal. The watermark will not be visible in normal view but will appear in Page Layout or when printed.
7. Add a Watermark as Sheet Background (Alternative Method)
   Another method is to use Page Layout > Background:

• Click Page Layout, then choose Background
• Insert an image to display as the sheet’s background
  Note: This method shows the watermark on-screen but does not print it.

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