Understanding how to delete a watermark in Word is simpler than you might think! With just a few clicks, you can remove that pesky watermark that’s cluttering your document. Here’s a quick overview: open your Word document, navigate to the Design tab, find the Watermark option, and select Remove Watermark. Easy as pie!
How to Delete a Watermark in Word
In this section, we’ll go through the steps to erase that watermark from your Word document. Follow these simple instructions to get rid of it quickly and efficiently.
Step 1: Open Your Document
First things first, open the Word document from which you want to remove the watermark.
Make sure you have the document you want to edit open in front of you. If you haven’t saved your work, it’s a good idea to do so now, just in case.
Step 2: Go to the Design Tab
Next, navigate to the Design tab on the Word ribbon.
The Design tab is located at the top of the screen. Clicking on it will give you access to various formatting options, including the Watermark tool.
Step 3: Click on Watermark
Once you’re in the Design tab, find the Watermark option and click on it.
The Watermark option is usually on the right side of the Design tab. Clicking on it will open a drop-down menu with different watermark options.
Step 4: Select Remove Watermark
Finally, from the drop-down menu, select Remove Watermark.
By selecting Remove Watermark, Word will automatically delete the watermark from every page in your document. This action is instantaneous, so you should see the change immediately.
After completing these steps, your document will be free from any watermarks. You can now continue editing your document without any distractions.
Tips for Deleting a Watermark in Word
Here are some additional tips to help you with deleting watermarks in Word:
- Use the Print Layout view to see the watermark clearly.
- If the watermark won’t delete, try closing and reopening your document.
- Save your document before making any changes to avoid losing work.
- Check for section breaks; sometimes watermarks are applied to specific sections.
- Utilize the Header and Footer tools if the watermark is persistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if the watermark is gone?
You can simply scroll through your document to check. If the watermark is no longer visible, it’s been successfully removed.
What if the Remove Watermark option is grayed out?
This could happen if your document is protected. You will need to unprotect it by going to the Review tab and selecting Unprotect Document.
Can I remove a watermark from just one page?
Word typically applies watermarks to the entire document. For single-page removal, you may need to use section breaks.
Will removing the watermark affect my document formatting?
No, removing a watermark does not affect the other formatting of your document. Everything else stays the same.
Is it possible to delete a custom watermark?
Yes, follow the same steps. The Remove Watermark option works for both default and custom watermarks.
Summary of Steps
- Open Your Document
- Go to the Design Tab
- Click on Watermark
- Select Remove Watermark
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick and easy guide on how to delete a watermark in Word. By following these simple steps, you can remove any watermark from your document in a matter of seconds. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you do it, the quicker you’ll get.
Deleting a watermark is one of those handy skills that can make your document preparation a lot smoother. And now, you’ve got it down pat! If you find this article helpful, you may want to explore more Word tips and tricks to become a document-editing pro. Happy editing!

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.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.