Dress Up Your Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide to Putting a Background on Google Docs

Putting a background on Google Docs is a simple process. Whether you want to use an image or text as the background, Google Docs offers the Watermark feature to help you achieve this.

In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation along with screenshots. So, let’s dive in and learn how to add a background in Google Docs effortlessly.

How To Add Images as a Background in Google Docs

Adding images as background in Google Docs is simple but there is a trick. We will add the image first and then make it a background by using a few options. Let’s check out the steps:

Step 1: Create A New Doc

Go to Google Docs. > Click on “Blank” to create a new doc file.

Step 2: Upload An Image

Locate the menu and choose Insert > Image > Upload from Computer. Choose an image on your computer to import.

Now, since we have added the image as a background, it means we can write on the image as well. However, currently, we cannot write on the image. Let’s proceed to the next step to enable this functionality.

Step 3: Adjust Image Options

First of all, make the image faded so that when we write something, it displays well. Click on the image > Tap on Image options > Go to Adjustment, where you can reduce the opacity. The image is now faded.

Step 4: Make the Image A Background

Now, go to Text Wrapping > Click on “Behind the text”. This is the key step that will make the image a background on which you can write text. Now, this image can be considered as the background. That’s it.

You can try it out by writing something on the image. Take a look below as I tested it. Additionally, to make your fonts more consistent with the style of the background image, you can choose a Typewriter Font to use.

Additionally, you have the ability to change the background color of PDFs in Google Docs.

How To Insert Watermark as a Background on Google Docs

Typically, we aim to remove watermarks from PDFs or other documents. However, in the case of Google Docs, adding a watermark can be a useful way to create a background. You have the option to use either an image or text as the background. Let’s walk through the steps:

Step 1: Open Google Docs

Go to Google Docs > Open a blank document the same way we did earlier.

Step 2: Add Watermark

Go to the Insert menu> Select Watermark. You will see two options “Image” and “Text”. This means you can use either image or text as the background.

For the image watermark, click the “Select Image” icon, and choose an image. It will be inserted in the doc with a faded effect. After writing, click Done to complete your work.

You will notice that the image is now in the background, allowing you to write text over it. Additionally, you can deselect the “Faded” option to view the image in its normal state. Furthermore, there are additional image options available for further customization.

For the Text Watermark, go to the Text option in place of the image. There is an option to write the text. Type it, and it will be visible as a watermark on the page. Select “Behind the text” and click Done. The text will now function as the background.

How To Use Google Slides to Add a Background on Google Docs

Another great tool you can use to add an image background is Google Slides. Simply make some adjustments to the size, and the rest will be taken care of automatically.

Step 1: Open A Black Presentation

Go to Google Slides > Click Blank to create a new presentation.

Step 2: Apply Page Setup

Go to the File menu > Page Setup. You will see a drop-down there, click and then again click the option you want. I am selecting “Widescreen”, and then click Apply.

Step 3: Apply Layouts

Apply any layouts from the right side.

Step 4: Add Text

Click “Click to add title” > Write your text. If desired, you can also add an image by selecting Insert Image.

Step 5: Download the Document

Now you can download the slides as PNG documents.

Step 6: Download the Image

If you have the designed slide downloaded as an image on your computer, you can use the watermark feature (as explained earlier in this article) to insert the image into Google Docs. This image will then serve as the background.

Check out this latest video tutorial on how to add a background in Google Docs.

FAQs

How To Put A Picture On The Background Of Google Docs?

The easiest way to add a picture on the background of Google Docs is to go to “Insert” > “Image” > Upload from the computer. Once the image is uploaded, go to the Image options, and there select the option “Behind the text” under “Text Wrapping”.

How Do You Put A Picture Behind Text In Google Docs?

After uploading the image to Google Docs, Click “Image options”. Then, under “Text Wrapping”, click “Behind the text”, and you are done.

How Do You Add a Theme To Google Docs?

Unfortunately, Google Docs does not have a built-in theme feature. However, there are other ways to customize the appearance. You can add a background color from the “Page Setup” option, adjust margins, and even change the page orientation. These options allow you to create a customized look, resembling a theme.

How To Put Background Color In Google Docs?

Go to “File” > “Page Setup” > Select the option “Whole Document” > Click on “Page Color” and select your desired color > Click “OK” to apply the color.

Conclusion

Google Docs is an excellent cloud-based word processor that surpasses traditional MS Word in many ways. In this article, I have explained various methods of adding a background to Google Docs. There are numerous possibilities and features available with this amazing tool.