Add Watermark in Excel

Introduction to Adding Watermarks in Excel

Adding a watermark in Excel can be a useful feature for various purposes, such as indicating drafts, confidential documents, or company logos. While Excel does not have a built-in watermark feature like Microsoft Word, you can still achieve this by using a header or footer or by inserting a picture behind the cells. In this article, we will explore the different methods to add a watermark in Excel.

Method 1: Using Headers and Footers

You can add a watermark in Excel by using the header and footer section. This method is useful for adding text-based watermarks. To do this:

• Go to the Insert tab in the ribbon.
• Click on Header & Footer in the Text group.
• In the Header section, click on the Custom Header button.
• In the Header dialog box, select the First page or Odd page section.
• Type the text you want to use as the watermark, such as “Draft” or “Confidential).
• Adjust the font, size, and color as needed.
• Click OK to apply the changes.

Method 2: Inserting a Picture Behind Cells

If you want to add an image-based watermark, such as a company logo, you can insert a picture behind the cells. To do this:

• Go to the Insert tab in the ribbon.
• Click on Pictures in the Illustrations group.
• Select the image you want to use as the watermark.
• Right-click on the image and select Send to Back or Send Behind Text.
• Adjust the size and position of the image as needed.
• To make the image semi-transparent, right-click on the image and select Format Picture.
• In the Format Picture dialog box, adjust the transparency level to achieve the desired effect.

Method 3: Using a Macro

If you want to automate the process of adding a watermark in Excel, you can use a macro. To do this:

• Open the Visual Basic Editor by pressing Alt + F11 or by navigating to Developer > Visual Basic in the ribbon.
• In the Visual Basic Editor, click on Insert > Module to insert a new module.
• Paste the following code into the module:

    Sub AddWatermark()
      Dim ws As Worksheet
      Set ws = ActiveSheet
      With ws
        .PageSetup.CenterHeader = “Draft”
        .PageSetup.CenterFooter = “”
      End With
    End Sub
    

• Save the macro by clicking on File > Save or by pressing Ctrl + S.
• To run the macro, click on Developer > Macros in the ribbon and select the AddWatermark macro.

📝 Note: When using a macro, make sure to save the workbook as an Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm) to preserve the macro.

Comparison of Methods

The following table compares the three methods of adding a watermark in Excel:

Method	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages
Headers and Footers	Adds a text-based watermark using the header and footer section.	Easy to use, flexible, and compatible with most versions of Excel.	Limited to text-based watermarks, may not be suitable for image-based watermarks.
Inserting a Picture	Adds an image-based watermark by inserting a picture behind the cells.	Allows for image-based watermarks, can be adjusted for transparency and size.	May not be compatible with older versions of Excel, can be time-consuming to adjust the image.
Using a Macro	Automates the process of adding a watermark using a macro.	Can be automated, flexible, and compatible with most versions of Excel.	Requires programming knowledge, may not be suitable for users without macro experience.

In summary, adding a watermark in Excel can be achieved through various methods, including using headers and footers, inserting a picture, or using a macro. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific needs and requirements of the user. By following the steps outlined in this article, users can easily add a watermark to their Excel spreadsheets and enhance the security and professionalism of their documents.