To remove a watermark in Word 2013, simply double-click on the header area of your document to open the Header & Footer Tools. Then, select the watermark to highlight it and press the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard. That’s it – the watermark will be removed from your document.
After you complete the action, your document will no longer display the watermark. This allows for a cleaner presentation and ensures that nothing distracts from the main content of your document.
Introduction
Watermarks are a great way to protect your documents or to give them a professional look by branding them with a company logo or a draft notice. However, there are times when a watermark can become a nuisance, especially if you need to present a clean, unmarked version of your document. That’s where knowing how to remove a watermark in Word 2013 becomes handy.
This article is relevant to anyone who works with Word 2013 and needs to modify documents that contain watermarks. Whether you’re a student needing to submit a paper, a business professional preparing a report, or anyone in between, understanding how to remove a watermark is a simple yet essential skill for crafting the perfect document. Removing a watermark might seem like a daunting task, but thankfully, Microsoft Word 2013 makes it a straightforward process.
Step by Step Tutorial to Remove a Watermark in Word 2013
This section will guide you through the necessary steps to remove a watermark from your Word 2013 document.
Step 1: Open the Header & Footer Tools
Double-click on the header area of your document to open the Header & Footer Tools.
When you double-click on the header, the toolbar at the top of Word will change to display the Header & Footer Tools. This area gives you access to all header and footer related options, including watermarks.
Step 2: Select the Watermark
Click on the watermark to select it.
Once you’ve opened the Header & Footer Tools, you should be able to see the watermark on your document. It might look a bit faint, but you should be able to click on it to select it. If you can’t select it, make sure you’re in the correct viewing mode.
Step 3: Delete the Watermark
Press the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard.
After you’ve selected the watermark, all you need to do is hit the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard, and voilà, the watermark will be removed from your document. If the watermark does not disappear, make sure it’s highlighted before pressing ‘Delete’.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cleaner Presentation | Removing a watermark can significantly clean up the look of a document, making it more professional and easier to read. |
| Versatility | Understanding how to remove a watermark provides flexibility in modifying documents for various purposes. |
| Simple Process | The process is quick and straightforward, meaning you can remove watermarks without any hassle. |
Removing a watermark can improve the overall presentation of your document by eliminating any distractions from the main content. This is particularly important in professional or academic settings where clarity and readability are paramount.
Knowing how to remove a watermark means you can adjust documents to fit the context in which they are being used. For example, you might want to remove a draft watermark for the final version of a document.
Despite what some might think, removing a watermark in Word 2013 is not a complex process. It can be done in just a few clicks, saving you time and frustration.
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Accidental Deletion | It’s possible to accidentally delete other elements of the header or footer while trying to remove the watermark. |
| Limited to Certain Watermarks | Some watermarks might be part of the background and therefore cannot be removed using this method. |
| Potential Formatting Issues | Removing a watermark might cause shifts in document formatting that need to be corrected manually. |
If you’re not careful, you might end up deleting something other than the watermark, like a page number or header text. It’s important to make sure you’re only selecting the watermark before hitting delete.
This tutorial is specific to watermarks that are added as part of the Header & Footer Tools. If a watermark is embedded in the background of a template, for example, it may not be removable using this method.
After removing a watermark, you may find that other elements of your document have shifted or changed in some way. This means you might need to spend additional time reformatting your document to get it back to how it was.
Additional Information
When working with watermarks in Word 2013, there are a few additional tips and tricks to keep in mind. For instance, if you’re having trouble selecting the watermark, make sure you are in ‘Print Layout’ view, as other views may not display the watermark correctly. Additionally, if your document contains multiple sections with different headers and footers, you may need to remove the watermark from each section individually.
Another thing to consider is that not all watermarks are created equal. Some are more transparent than others, and some may have been added using different methods. If the standard method of removal doesn’t work, you may need to explore other options, such as editing the document’s theme or template settings.
Remember, the prompt keyword to keep in mind is ‘remove a watermark in Word 2013’, and this article covers the essentials to help you accomplish just that.
Summary
- Open the Header & Footer Tools by double-clicking the header area.
- Click on the watermark to select it.
- Press the ‘Delete’ key to remove the watermark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t select the watermark?
Make sure you’re in ‘Print Layout’ view and that you’ve double-clicked on the header area to open the Header & Footer Tools.
Can I undo the watermark removal?
Yes, you can press ‘Ctrl + Z’ to undo the action immediately after removal or use the ‘Undo’ button in the toolbar.
What should I do if the watermark is in the background?
If the watermark is part of the background, you might need to edit the document’s theme or template settings to remove it.
How do I remove a watermark from multiple sections?
You need to remove the watermark from each section individually by double-clicking the header area in each section.
Does this method work for Word versions other than 2013?
This method is specifically for Word 2013, but similar techniques may apply to other versions of Word with slight variations.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of how to remove a watermark in Word 2013 is a useful skill that can help in making your documents look clean and professional. Whether it’s a stubborn draft notice or a company logo that no longer needs to be there, the process is simple and painless, as outlined in the steps above.
Remember, it’s all about accessing the Header & Footer Tools and deleting the watermark with a single press of a key. Don’t let watermarks get in the way of your impeccable document presentation; take control and edit your Word documents like a pro. For more advanced watermark removal techniques or other Word-related tips, there are plenty of resources available online to further your knowledge.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.