I just want to use a background image. Word makes it hard.

[achyfakey]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
Processor: Power PC

My goal is to create some files that another person can type in on a letter size page. I want to create a background image. Basically just an image running on the top and down the side, sort of like an inverted L.

So I created a JPEG at 300dpi and 8.5" x 11" (don't need to bleed). But placing this creates a big frame with an image, that I then have to turn off wrapping for and allow the text to flow over. But the top and bottom margins of the page move the whole frame. And it's still selectable, so the user might accidentally move it. I don't see any layers in Word, so I cannot throw it in the back and lock the layer like in InDesign or something.

So I tried as a watermark, but this forced me to fade the image. The only controls I see allow me to fade the image even more, which is no help at all.

So I decided to place my art as a background image. But Word didn't recognize my 300dpi file as 300dpi, and displays it at 72dpi---essentially magnifying just the upper left corner of the image.

Sooooo I recreated my art at 72dpi and placed it as a background image. But it won't print or show up in PDFs I generate.

I just want to use a background image. Something that the average user won't accidentally move or modify once this is out of my hands. Any suggestions?

 

[CyberTaz]

As you've discovered, Word is not a page layout/DTP program - it's a word
processor But it does actually have layers. They're simply not handled
in anywhere near the same way as what you're accustomed to in InD. In fact,
you've come pretty close but haven't quite hit the target

What you're looking for is View> Header & Footer. Insert the higher res
image there using Insert> Picture> From File. Set the Text Wrapping (Format>
Picture> Layout) to Behind Text & use the features of the Advanced button to
set the position of the image Relative To: Page horizontally & vertically.
When you return to the text layer the image may appear to be dimmer than you
expect but it will print as it should.

What you're describing sounds very similar to a letterhead even if that's
not exactly what the document will be used for. If so, you'll want to create
a *template* & this article will be useful - especially if the documents
based on it may involve more than one page & you don't want the graphic to
appear on pages other than the first:

http://sbarnhill.mvps.org/WordFAQs/Letterhead.htm

You may also benefit from this article as well as the links pertaining to
floating images at the bottom of the page:

http://word.mvps.org/Mac/PagesInWord.html

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[achyfakey]

Thank you! Too busy to try it now, but will give it a shot on Monday... looks muchas helpful!