A watermark tells every reader what state a document is in before they read a word: a draft that isn't final, a copy that's confidential, a sample that isn't for resale. Watermark PDF stamps your text or image across the pages you choose, at the angle, size and strength you set, and shows you the result before you download.
How to use Watermark PDF
- Add the PDF.
- Choose Text and type your wording, on one or more lines, or choose Image and pick a PNG, JPG or SVG such as a logo.
- Set the font, colour, size, angle and strength, and drag the watermark on the preview to place it.
- Keep all pages selected or pick specific ones, then select Add Watermark.
Text or image
- Text: Set in Helvetica, Times or Courier, bold or italic, in any colour. Press Enter for more lines; each is centred under the one above. Leave the size empty and the wording grows to fit the page.
- Other scripts: Wording in Arabic, Urdu, Greek, Cyrillic and other scripts is set with fonts that cover them.
- Image: Use a logo or seal in PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP or SVG. Its width is set as a share of the page, and transparent areas stay transparent.
Placement
- Angle: Diagonal, horizontal and vertical are one click away, and a custom angle turns it by any amount.
- Strength: The strength slider runs from a faint tint to solid ink, so the watermark can stay out of the way of the content underneath.
- Position: Drag the watermark on the preview to move it. It is always kept whole on the page, and the preview shows exactly what you'll get.
- Behind the content: Tick Put the watermark behind the page content to have text and pictures print over it. On a scan, which is one big picture, a watermark behind it is hidden.
A label, not a lock
- A signal, not protection: A watermark is a clear signal, but it isn't protection.
- It can be removed: It's added as ordinary page content, so someone with PDF editing software can remove it, and it doesn't stop copying or printing.
- To fix it in place: For documents that must not be altered, flatten the watermarked file with Flatten PDF, which merges the watermark into page images, and add a password with Protect PDF when access should be limited.
Choosing the right wording
- Short and specific: Short, specific wording works best: DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, COPY or SAMPLE are understood instantly, while a full sentence becomes small and hard to read.
- To identify a recipient: When the watermark should identify a recipient, add a name or date on a second line.
- For text at the edge: For text that belongs at the edge of the page instead of across it, use Header & Footer.
- Where to read more: The PDF privacy guide covers what watermarks can and can't do for confidentiality.
When people use Watermark PDF
Marking drafts for review
Make sure nobody mistakes a circulating draft contract or policy for the approved final version.
Confidential board papers
Label sensitive papers clearly so readers know they must not be forwarded outside the group.
Samples and proofs
Mark proof pages and document samples with your logo so they can't be passed off as finished products.
Limitations to know
The watermark is ordinary page content that editing tools can remove. Automatic sizing keeps text between 5 and 150 points, a watermark placed behind the content is hidden on scanned pages, and images must be under 15 MB.
Watermark PDF: common questions
Can I use an image or logo as a watermark?
Yes. Choose Image, pick the file, and set its width, angle and strength.
Can the watermark be removed?
Yes, by someone with PDF editing tools. Flatten PDF makes removal much harder by turning each page into an image.
Can I watermark only some pages?
Yes. Choose Clear above the page grid and select the pages you want before processing.
Can I keep my watermark settings for next time?
Yes. Open Saved settings, give the current settings a name and save them. Next time, pick them from the list and everything is filled in for you.