Word lets you change the opacity of pictures, shapes, and text, which is useful for watermarks, faded backgrounds, and layered designs. The control is called Transparency, and it lives in a different place for each type of object. Picture transparency is available in Microsoft 365 and Word 2021 and later; older versions need the shape-fill workaround described below.
Quick Answer
Select the picture, go to Picture Format, click Transparency, and choose a preset or Picture Transparency Options to set an exact percentage with the slider.
How to Change Opacity in Word
- Click the picture to select it.
- Open the Picture Format tab and click Transparency.
- Pick one of the presets, or choose Picture Transparency Options at the bottom.
- In the Format Picture pane, drag the Transparency slider or type a percentage. Higher numbers make the picture more see-through.
- For a shape, right-click it, choose Format Shape, and adjust Transparency under Fill. For text, select it, open Format Shape or Text Effects, and change Text Fill transparency.
Where to Find Transparency
| Object | Setting |
|---|---|
| Picture | Picture Format, Transparency |
| Shape | Format Shape, Fill, Transparency |
| Text box fill | Format Shape, Fill, Transparency |
| Text | Text Fill, Transparency |
Troubleshooting
- No Transparency button: your version may be older. Insert a shape, fill it with the picture, then set the fill transparency instead.
- The picture moves text around: set Wrap Text to Behind Text so the faded image acts as a background.
- To stack faded images, see how to overlay images in Word.
- To clean up a faded text box, read how to remove a text box border in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between opacity and transparency?
They are opposites. 30 percent transparency is roughly 70 percent opacity.
Does transparency print?
Yes. Printers reproduce the faded look, though very high transparency may barely show on paper.
Can I make only part of a picture transparent?
Mostly. The Set Transparent Color option under Color makes one color see-through, which works best for solid backgrounds.
Summary
- Select the picture, shape, or text.
- Open the matching Transparency setting.
- Use the slider to set a percentage.
- Use the shape-fill workaround in older versions.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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