Erin Wright Writing

Writing-Related Software Tutorials

How to Insert Full-Page Background Images in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

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This tutorial shows how to insert full-page background images in Microsoft Word. This process is particularly helpful for creating full-page background images for cover pages.

First, we will insert the full-page image on a single page. Then, we will insert the full-page image on every page in the document or section.

Table of Contents:

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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), Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013 (PC only).

How to Insert a Full-Page Background Image on a Single Page

  1. Place your cursor in the page you want to insert the image.
  2. Select the Insert tab in the ribbon.
  3. Select the Pictures menu arrow.
  4. Select the location of the image from the Pictures drop-down menu.
Pictures menu in the Insert tab in Word 365
Figure 1. Pictures menu
  1. Locate and select the image in the Insert Picture dialog box, and then select the Insert button.
Pro Tip: Ensure that the image is the same size and aspect ratio as the page in Word, which in the United States will normally be 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches tall. If the image is smaller, you will have to stretch it to fill the entire page, which can cause distortion.
Insert button in the Insert Picture dialog box in Word 365
Figure 2. Selected image and Insert button in the Insert Picture dialog box
  1. Right-click (PC) or Control-click (Mac) the image, and then select Size and Position from the shortcut menu.
Size and Position option in the image shortcut menu in Word 365
Figure 3. Size and Position option
  1. Select the Size tab (if you are not already there) in the Layout dialog box.
  2. Enter 100 in the Scale Height and Width text boxes.
Height and Width text boxes in the Size tab in the Layout dialog box in Word 365
Figure 4. Height and Width text boxes
  1. Select the Text Wrapping tab.
  2. Select the Behind text option.
Behind text option in the Text Wrapping tab in the Layout dialog box in Word 365
Figure 5. Behind text option
  1. Select the Position tab.
  2. Select Centered in the Horizontal Alignment menu.
  3. Select Page in the Relative to menu.
  4. Select Centered in the Vertical Alignment menu.
  5. Select Page in the Relative to menu.
  6. Select the OK button.
Alignment options in the Position tab in the Layout dialog box in Word 365
Figure 6. Alignment options

The full-page image should now be inserted into your page.

Pro Tip: How to Adjust the Opacity of the Image

If necessary, adjust the image’s opacity to make the text easier to read.

  1. Click your pointer near the edge of the page to select the image.
  2. Select the Picture Format tab.
  3. Use the Transparency menu to adjust the opacity.
Transparency menu in the Picture Format tab in Word 365
Figure 7. Transparency menu in the Picture Format tab

How to Insert a Full-Page Background Image on Every Page

  1. Follow steps 1 through 16 in the previous section.
  2. Click your pointer near the edge of the page to select the image.
  3. Press Ctrl + X (PC) or Command + X (Mac) to cut the image.
  4. Double-click in the header area to open the header.
Pro Tip: If your document is separated into sections, ensure that you double-click in the header area for the section in which you want to insert the image.
  1. Your cursor should now be in the header. Press Ctrl + V (PC) or Command + V (Mac) to paste the image.
  2. Drag the image into position with the top, left-hand corner of the page.
Dragging background image to alignment in Word 365
Figure 8. Dragging background image to alignment

The full-page background image should now appear on every page in your document or section.

Related Resources

How to Add Background Images to Charts in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

How to Add Background Images to Tables in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)