This tutorial shows how to add background images to tables in Microsoft Word. We will also look at how to change the image transparency to make the tables easier to read.
Table of Contents:
Please note that Word doesn’t offer a direct way to add background images to tables. So, the process shown here is a work-around using Word’s image tools.
These steps assume that you have already created your table. For a full tutorial, please see “Three Ways to Insert Tables in Microsoft Word.”
Watch all the steps shown here in real time!
Explore more than 150 writing-related software tutorials on my YouTube channel.
The images below are from Word for Microsoft 365. These steps also apply to Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac (a.k.a., Word for Mac). In addition, they will be similar in Word 2021, Word 2019, and Word 2016.
How to Add Background Images to Tables
- Place your cursor near the table (but not inside the table).
- Select the Insert tab.
- Select Pictures in the Illustrations group.
- Select This Device, Stock Images, or Online Pictures from the Insert Picture From menu. (This is the location of the picture you want to use.)
Note that the Stock Images option is only available in Word for Microsoft 365.
- Locate the image and then select the Insert button. (Figure 5, below, features the Stock Images option.)
The image will be inserted into your document and the Picture Format tab will open automatically.
Select Wrap Text in the Arrange group.
- Select Behind Text from the drop-down menu.
Alternative Step: Use the Layout Options Shortcut Menu
PC users can also access the Behind Text option from the Layout Option shortcut menu on the right side of the image.
- Use the resizing handles to drag and resize the image so that it is directly behind the table.
If the image makes the table difficult to read, reduce the image transparency as shown in the following section.
How to Change the Transparency of Images behind Tables
- Select the Layout tab.
- Select Selection Pane in the Arrange group.
- Select the image in the Selection Pane. (This will move the image in front of the table.)
- Select the Picture Format tab.
- Select Transparency in the Adjust group.
- Select a transparency level from the drop-down menu. (Alternatively, select Picture Transparency Options to access a sliding transparency scale.)
- Click your mouse outside the table to deselect the image.
- Select the X to close the Selection Pane.
The table should now be back on top of the image, and you can edit the table as you normally would.
Are you working with charts in addition to tables? Please see “How to Add Background Images to Charts in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac).”
Related Resources
How to Insert and Modify Images in Microsoft Word
How to Save Tables and Figures as Images in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)
How to Save Tables as Templates in Microsoft Word
Updated November 27, 2022