How to add a watermark to a PDF
A watermark marks a document as a draft, confidential, or yours. It is a simple way to discourage misuse of a file you are sharing, and it takes seconds in your browser.
Stamp your PDF
- Open Watermark PDF and add your file.
- Type the watermark text, such as DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL or your name.
- Adjust the opacity, angle and size until it reads clearly without hiding the content.
- Press Add watermark and download the stamped file.
Making it look right
- Keep the opacity low so the page text underneath stays readable.
- A diagonal angle is harder to crop out than text along the edge.
- Short words work better than long sentences.
The watermark is applied in your browser, so the document is not uploaded.
Stronger protection
A watermark is a visible mark, not a lock. If the file must not be opened by the wrong person, also add a password with Protect PDF.
What to write
- DRAFT for a document that is still being reviewed.
- CONFIDENTIAL for something that should not be forwarded.
- COPY for a duplicate of an original.
- A name or company for a sample, so it is clear who shared it.
Keep it to one or two words. A short mark stays readable at a diagonal angle and across a whole page.
Get the balance right
Start with a low opacity, a diagonal angle and a large size. If you can read the page underneath without effort and you can still see the mark clearly at a glance, it is right. A mark that is too faint is easy to ignore, and one that is too strong makes the document hard to read or print.
Do the other steps first
The watermark is stamped on every page of the file you give it. If you also plan to merge files or add page numbers, do those first and stamp the watermark last, so every page of the final document carries it. Look at the first and last pages of the result before you share it.
What a watermark does not do
It marks a document and discourages casual reuse, but it is not a lock and it does not by itself give legal protection. For private files, add a password with Protect PDF as well, and share only with the people who should see it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an image or logo as a watermark?
Not yet. This tool stamps text. Image watermarks are planned for later.
Can the watermark be removed?
Someone with PDF editing software can try, which is why a password is the stronger choice for sensitive files.
Does it work on every page?
Yes. The text is stamped across every page of the PDF.
Can I choose which pages get the watermark?
This tool stamps every page. To mark only some, split those pages out, stamp them, and merge the document back together.
Will it print?
Yes, it is part of the page. A low opacity prints as a light mark.
Can I watermark a protected PDF?
Remove the password first with Unlock PDF, add the watermark, then protect it again.