SSRS doesn't natively have a Watermark function, but you have a couple workarounds.
Fix 1 - Background Image
- Create an image with the watermark you want (save as .bmp)
- Add the image to the report
- Set the Report Body Background property to use the image.
Body Properties
For Step 1, I like the following method:
- Create a Word Document
- Go to Page Layout > Watermark > Custom > and add whatever watermark you want
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- Save the Word Document as PDF.
- Open the PDF and Select "Copy File to Clipboard"
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- This will create the correct sized image at 612x792. Paste into MSPaint and save as a bitmap. Here's a sample generated image that just says "TEST" that you can use.
Conditionally Applying:
Most times you have a watermark, you want to eventually remove it. Let's say you have a test and production report and you want to toggle the watermark. You can do it like this:
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Add a Boolean Parameter, here called IsTest
. It should look like this:
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On the Body Properties menu, set the background image to use the following formula:
=iif(Parameters!IsTest.Value,"TestWatermark","")
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When you're calling the report, make sure to pass in the parameter like this:
report.SetParameters(New ReportParameter("IsTest", appSettings.IsTestEnvironment))
Fix 2 - Text Field
Alternatively, you can do this with a text field for a little less heavy handed of an approach, but it cannot be rotated at a 45<sup>o</sup> angle.
- Add a text field to the report. Make it large and grey.
- Right click on the text field and click Send to Back so it appears behind all the other elements.
- Make sure that any other fields with a white background have a transparent background, otherwise you'll get a blotchy display.
Further Reading