A watermark is a simple way to place text or an image behind the main content of a Google Docs document.
You can use a watermark for labels such as Confidential, Draft, or Internal Use, or add an image such as a logo. Google Docs repeats the watermark on every page automatically.
Open your document on a computer, choose Insert > Page elements > Watermark, then select either Text or Image in the panel on the right.
How to Open the Watermark Menu
How to Add a Text Watermark
A text watermark is useful when you want words such as Confidential, Draft, or Internal Use to appear behind the document content.
2. Select Text in the right panel.
3. Type the words you want to use.
4. Adjust the available formatting options if needed.
5. Click Done.
The watermark appears behind your regular document text and repeats across the pages in the document.
How to Add an Image Watermark
You can also use an image as a watermark, which can be useful for a logo or another graphic that should appear behind the document content.
2. Select Image in the right panel.
3. Click Select image.
4. Choose an image from your available source.
5. Adjust the watermark formatting if needed.
6. Click Done.
Google allows you to choose an image from Drive, Photos, a URL, your camera, or upload one from your computer.
Text Watermark vs Image Watermark
Use a text watermark when the message itself is important. Use an image watermark when you want a visual mark such as a logo.
Why Is the Watermark Option Missing?
Watermarks are not available in Pageless documents. To see and use a watermark, the document needs to be in Pages format.
If a document already contains a watermark and you switch it to Pageless format, the watermark will no longer be visible in the document.
To switch back, open File > Page setup and choose Pages.
How to Edit a Watermark
You do not need to delete and recreate a watermark every time you want to make a change.
2. Choose Select watermark.
3. Use the available watermark or image options to make your changes.
How to Remove a Watermark
You can remove a watermark from the same watermark panel.
2. Find the watermark panel on the right.
3. Click Remove watermark at the bottom.
Why Does My Watermark Have Gaps?
If part of the watermark seems to disappear behind certain text, the document text may have a background color applied to it.
Removing the text background color can make the full watermark visible again.
Can You Add a Watermark on Android?
Google currently directs Android users to Google Docs on a computer to add, edit, or remove a watermark.
Can You Add a Watermark on iPhone or iPad?
The same limitation applies on iPhone and iPad. Use Google Docs on a computer when you need to add, edit, or remove a watermark.
Related Google Docs Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Google Docs lets you add either text or image watermarks from a computer. The watermark appears behind the document text and repeats on every page, but the document must be using Pages format.
This guide is based on current Google Docs Editors Help documentation for inserting, editing, and deleting text and image watermarks. Last checked: September 2026.