How to Add a Watermark in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you add a watermark in Google Docs?
Click Insert › Page elements › Watermark, choose Image or Text in the panel on the right, set it up, and click Done. It repeats behind the text on every page. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then G P W.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Design › Watermark. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Using the Menus
- Click Insert › Page elements › Watermark.
- In the panel on the right, click Image (then Select image) or Text (then type it).
- Format it if you like, and click Done.
Watermarks don't show in pageless documents. To remove one, open the same panel and click Remove watermark.
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs has no shortcut for this.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press G, P, then W. ShortieCuts runs “Watermark”.
When the ALT route helps: Watermark is Alt, G, P, W on Word's Design tab. With ShortieCuts it opens Google's watermark panel.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt H6 | Superscript & SubscriptBuilt-in: Ctrl + . |
| Alt PIL | Hanging Indent |
| Alt FI | Version HistoryBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + H |
| Alt H7U | Change Case |
| Alt HU | Bullet PointsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 8 |
| Alt HD | Voice TypingBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + S |
FAQ
Is there a keyboard shortcut to add a watermark in Google Docs?
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs doesn't include one. Click Insert › Page elements › Watermark, choose Image or Text in the panel on the right, set it up, and click Done. It repeats behind the text on every page. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then G, then P, then W.
Does Alt + G + P + W work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + G + P + W there won't add a watermark. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then G, then P, then W, and ShortieCuts runs its "Watermark" command.
How do I add a watermark in Google Docs on a Mac?
The steps above work the same way on a Mac. With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then G, then P, then W.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.