How to Remove Watermark in Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Watermarks can be a useful tool in Excel for branding your spreadsheets or adding a professional touch. However, there may be times when you need to remove a watermark, either because it's no longer relevant or because it's interfering with your data. 

How to Remove Watermark from a Specific Page in Excel 2010 or 2016

If you have a watermark on a specific page of your Excel file that you want to remove, you can use the Page Break Preview mode to remove the watermark from that page only. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Access Page Break Preview Mode

Click on the "View" tab at the top. Within this tab, you will see an option called "Page Break Preview." Click on the option for Page Break Preview mode.

Step 2: Select the Page with the Watermark

In Page Break Preview mode, you will see your spreadsheet divided into pages. Locate the page that contains the watermark you want to remove.

Step 3: Remove Watermark

Click the "Page Layout" tab at the top of the Excel window. Within this tab, you will see a section called "Page Background." Within this section, you will find an option called "Delect Background." It will only remove the watermark from the selected page.

Step 5: Exit Page Break Preview Mode

After you have removed the watermark from the selected page, click on the "Normal" option located in the bottom right corner of the Excel window. This will exit the Page Break Preview mode and return you to the normal view of your spreadsheet.

How to Remove Watermark in Excel Using Page Break Preview

1. Open the Excel sheet that contains the watermark.

2. Click on the "View" tab in the ribbon.

3. Click on the "Page Break Preview" button under "Workbook Views" group.

4. Click on the watermark to select it.

5. Press the "Delete" key on your keyboard.

6. Click on the "Normal" button in the "Workbook Views" group to exit the "Page Break Preview" mode.

How to Remove Watermark in Excel via Header/Footer

1. Go to the Insert tab and click on the Header & Footer button

2. Click on the header or footer that contains the watermark

3. Select the ”OK” or Close Header/Footer button.

How to Remove Watermark with VBA

1. Right-click on the sheet tab at the bottom of the screen and select "View Code"

2. In the Visual Basic Editor, click on "Insert" from the top menu and choose "Module"

3. Paste the following code:

   
   

   Sub RemoveWatermark()

   For Each sht In ActiveWorkbook.Sheets

   sht.PageSetup.CenterFooterPicture.Filename = ""

   Next sht

   End Sub

4. Press F5 or the Run button.

5. The watermark should now be removed from all sheets in the workbook.

These methods are the most common ways to remove a watermark in Excel. However, there may be cases when these methods must be fixed, or you must remove multiple watermarks simultaneously. In these situations, you can use a third-party tool or macro to remove watermarks in bulk.

Note: Removing a watermark from an Excel file protected by copyright or owned by someone else without permission is illegal and unethical. Always obtain permission before using someone else's work, or seek alternative methods if you don't have the authorization.

Why Choose WPS to Remove Watermark in Excel

Removing a watermark in Excel can be a simple process, depending on your method and version. Whether you're using Excel 2010 or 2016, Page Break Preview, or WPS Spreadsheet, you can remove watermarks in just a few clicks and get back to focusing on your data. And, if you're looking for a reliable and user-friendly alternative to Excel, we recommend trying WPS Spreadsheet. It's compatible with Excel files, offers a range of advanced features, and can streamline your workflow. Try it and see how it can improve your productivity and efficiency.