Watermark PDF
Stamp a text watermark on every PDF page, centred or tiled.
Add a text watermark to a PDF
A watermark is faint text printed across a page to show its status or ownership. Words such as Confidential, Draft, Sample or Copy tell readers how a document may be used, and a company name discourages people from passing work off as their own. This tool stamps your text on every page of a PDF with the size, colour, transparency and angle you choose.
How to watermark a PDF
- Drop a PDF onto the box above or click it to choose one.
- Type the watermark text.
- Set the font size, colour and opacity. Lower opacity keeps the page content easy to read.
- Pick a rotation, such as the classic 45 degree diagonal, and choose a centred or tiled layout.
- Click Add watermark. The watermarked PDF downloads and a preview of the first page is shown.
Options
- Centred places one large watermark in the middle of each page.
- Tiled repeats the text in staggered rows across the whole page, which is harder to crop out.
- Opacity from 5 to 100 percent, so the mark can be subtle or bold.
- Rotation of 0, 30, 45, minus 45 or 90 degrees.
- Any colour from the colour picker. Grey and red are the most common choices.
When to use a watermark
Mark contract drafts so nobody signs an old version by mistake. Label internal reports as confidential before sharing them with a wider team. Stamp sample chapters, design proofs and price lists sent to clients for review. Photographers and illustrators can add their name to PDF portfolios.
Centred or tiled?
A single centred watermark is clean and easy to read, and it suits drafts and internal documents. A tiled pattern covers the whole page in staggered rows, so a screenshot or crop of any part of the page still shows the mark. Tiled watermarks are popular for proofs, sample pages and documents shared with people outside your organisation.
Tips
An opacity of 20 to 35 percent in a light grey keeps text underneath readable when printed. Short words work best for centred watermarks, while longer phrases such as a company name look good tiled at a smaller size. The watermark uses the standard Helvetica Bold PDF font, which covers English and most Western European letters but not scripts such as Arabic, Chinese or Hindi.
Note that a text watermark is a deterrent rather than strong protection, because PDF editing software can remove it. Your document is processed in your browser and is never uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
Is the watermark added to every page?
Yes. The same watermark is drawn on every page of the PDF, and it follows each page orientation.
Can I use any language for the watermark?
The built-in PDF font supports English and most Western European accented letters. Other scripts, such as Chinese or Arabic, are not supported and the tool will tell you.
Can someone remove the watermark?
A determined person with PDF editing software can remove text watermarks. They are a clear visual label and deterrent, not a security feature.
Is my file uploaded?
No. The watermark is added by your browser on your device, and the file is never sent to a server.