Creating a Template in Word from JPEG

Question

TL;DR - is there a way to start Word from a pre-defined JPEG file (8.5x11 in) instead of a white canvas?

Here's the problem in detail:

I created a JPEG file in Photoshop. This file is going to be used to create many pages that look the same. I wanted to use Word to edit the only element that will change each time this page is printed -- specifically, a person's name. However, Word forces me to resize the JPEG. Since the pages being created are front and back and must match up virtually perfectly, the resizing and moving around even by one unit ruins the design.

I am wondering whether there is a way to start Word with my JPEG file in the background instead of a blank, white sheet. My JPEG files are 8.5x11 in. I would then just add the text boxes where they belong, save as Template, and print one page per person.

Answer 1

I'm curious - Why not just do the job from Photoshop? Trying to force a word processing program to handle a graphic arts job always will present some degree of challenge.

If you must do it in Word you might try inserting the image into your template using the Watermark tool from the Insert menu or on the Design tab of the Ribbon. Choose the Picture option, select your image, & clear the check for Washout. The image will appear on each page of the document.

Another approach would be to insert the image into the Header of the template. This method amounts to the almost same thing except that the image can be manipulated but the washout effect on screen cannot be removed. The image will print at full intensity, though.

Just keep in mind that printing may be a challenge because word processing programs are not designed for full bleed printing. You probably will need to use the US Letter Borderless [or comparable] option offered by your printer's driver.

Answer 2

Create a Template and insert your jpeg into it and whatever else you want in it and then save it.  Then use File>New whenever you want to create a document with those features.

Answer 3

Thanks for your reply Doug!

I've tried what you suggested, however the problem was that Word's resizing tools were terrible. This method was great as it allowed me to set a different background per page, but unfortunately it did not meet the "must be exact size" criteria.

For anyone trying this method, make sure to set "Wrap Text" to "Behind text" and "fix position on page."

Answer 4

The Header image was perfect for what I wanted. The resizing tools are much better than in the normal document and the option to have a different header for the first page allowed me to make my two-sided template.

The Watermark tool came pretty close to what I wanted, however it shrunk my image quite a bit. Also, because the second page of my template was different, the Watermark tool wouldn't work, as it applies the same image to all pages.

The reason I don't do it straight through PS is because I want the printing to be done from several machines without worrying about installing the program and importing fonts. 

Thank you for your help!