This is called a watermark. How you insert it varies depending on version.
Check the Help file in your (unstated) version.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
Word MVP FAQ site: http://word.mvps.org
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"handiman1952" wrote in message
...
How do I embed a faded background image into a custom template, so text
will
flow over it?

Thank you.
NC