Removing the “Draft” watermark from a Word document is a simple task. You can do it in just a few clicks. Open your document, go to the “Design” tab, select “Watermark,” and then choose “Remove Watermark.” That’s it! You’ve just cleared your document of that pesky watermark.
Step-by-Step Tutorial to Remove Draft from Word Document
Let’s dive into the detailed steps to remove the “Draft” watermark from your Word document. This guide will walk you through the process to ensure your document looks professional.
Step 1: Open Your Document
First, locate and open the Word document that contains the “Draft” watermark.
Make sure your document is fully loaded. If your document is lengthy, it might take a moment, so be patient.
Step 2: Go to the Design Tab
Next, navigate to the “Design” tab on the top menu of Word.
The “Design” tab is where all the stylistic features of your document are housed. This is the key area for managing headers, footers, and watermarks.
Step 3: Click on Watermark
Now, click on “Watermark” in the “Design” tab.
A drop-down menu will appear, showing various watermark options. This is where you can choose to remove or change your watermark.
Step 4: Select Remove Watermark
Choose “Remove Watermark” from the drop-down menu.
By selecting “Remove Watermark,” you’re instructing Word to clear the existing watermark, leaving your document clean and clear.
Step 5: Save Your Document
Finally, save your document to ensure the changes are applied.
You can save by clicking the floppy disk icon or pressing “Ctrl + S.” This will ensure your document remains watermark-free.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your document will no longer have that “Draft” watermark. This change will make your document look more professional and ready for formal sharing or printing.
Tips for Removing Draft from Word Document
- Ensure your Word software is updated to the latest version for the best performance.
- If you can’t find the “Design” tab, make sure you are in the “Print Layout” view.
- Double-check that “Remove Watermark” is selected to ensure it disappears.
- If the watermark doesn’t disappear, it might be embedded in the header; you may need to edit the header.
- Consider using a different watermark if needed, by selecting a new one from the options.
Why can’t I remove the watermark?
Sometimes the watermark is part of the header. Try editing the header to remove it.
Can I remove a watermark from a specific section only?
Yes, by using section breaks and adjusting the watermark settings in each section.
What if “Remove Watermark” is grayed out?
This could mean the document is protected. You might need to unprotect it first.
Does this process work on all versions of Word?
Yes, but the steps might slightly vary in older versions.
How do I add a different watermark?
Go to the “Design” tab, click “Watermark,” and choose or customize a new one.
Summary of Steps
- Open your document.
- Go to the Design tab.
- Click on Watermark.
- Select Remove Watermark.
- Save your document.
Conclusion
Removing the “Draft” watermark from your Word document is as easy as pie once you know where to look. With just a few clicks in the “Design” tab, your document can go from casual to professional in seconds. Keep these steps handy, and you’ll never have to worry about unwanted watermarks again.
If you’re frequently working with documents in Word, understanding these basic functions can save you time and improve your workflow. Removing watermarks is just one of many tasks you can master to keep your documents looking sharp.
Consider exploring other design and layout features in Word. You’ll find tools that can enhance the visual appeal of your documents.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you work with these features, the more proficient you’ll become. So, why not give it a try today? The next time you’re confronted with a draft watermark, you’ll handle it with ease.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
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