Hi there
(btw, this is where you are supposed to insert your name ... :-))
> I am looking to create a template in word where images are in the background
> of the document, ie I am able to ab over them and insert text boxes over them
> at will. I have a jpg which I created in illustrator that I would like to be
> this background. I have tried using it as "behind the text" but it invariably
> is shifted around with the text and becomes impossible to work with when
> formatting a 40 page proposal.
You can anchor it in the header or footer area if it needs to be on
every page, with the same option ("Behind of text"). It doesn't have to
actually _be_ in the bounding box for headers.
You should also be able to assign the image as a background to a drawing
object (i.e., a box) to which you can add text as well. However, "text
boxes" usually don't go all to well in 40 page documents.
> Also, I have tried creating an image in illustrator that is 8.5x11 and using
> it as a fill for background but word zooms in on one partiucular part of it.
> and does not fit it to the page.
Resize it yourself. Be ware that, depending on your printer, you will
not be able to print to the margin in the first place.
HTH
Robert

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