How to use it
- Drop your PDF here.
- Type the watermark text and/or choose a logo image.
- Set opacity, font size, position and whether it runs diagonally.
- Optionally enter which pages to watermark.
- Click Add watermark.
Why watermark a PDF
A watermark tells every reader how a document should be treated, and it stays visible when the file is forwarded or printed:
- CONFIDENTIAL or INTERNAL on business documents and HR files.
- DRAFT on contracts, proposals and reports that are not final.
- SAMPLE or PREVIEW on templates, designs, photos or course materials you share before purchase.
- COPY on duplicates of IDs or certificates you send to a landlord or employer, ideally with the recipient's name and date, so the copy cannot easily be reused elsewhere.
- Your logo to brand reports, price lists and portfolios.
Watermark settings
| Setting | Range | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Text | Any text, accented letters included | Short, uppercase words read best |
| Logo | JPG or PNG | A PNG with a transparent background looks cleanest |
| Opacity | 5% to 80% | 15–25% stays readable without hiding the content |
| Font size | 16 to 140 pt | Larger sizes suit a single diagonal word |
| Position | Center, top, bottom | Center for a stamp across the page; top or bottom for a discreet label |
| Diagonal | On or off (center only) | Runs corner to corner at the page's own diagonal angle |
| Pages | All, or ranges like 1-3, 5 | Leave empty for every page |
You can use text and a logo together: the logo is placed in the center at up to half the page size, and the text is drawn on top. The watermark is drawn in gray, so it works on both color and black-and-white pages.
How permanent is a watermark?
The watermark is added to the page content, not as a separate comment layer, so it prints and displays in every PDF reader. The text underneath stays selectable and searchable.
Be realistic about protection, though. A determined person with PDF editing software can sometimes remove or cover a watermark. Watermarks are a clear label and a deterrent, not a security system. For documents that must not be opened by the wrong person, add a password with Password protect PDF; to remove sensitive content entirely, use Redact PDF.
Private processing
The watermark is applied in your browser, and the PDF is never uploaded. That is useful for exactly the kind of documents people watermark: confidential reports, ID copies and unreleased work.
A worked example
A landlord asks for a copy of your driver's license. Scan or photograph it into a PDF, open it here, and type COPY FOR 123 MAIN ST LEASE – 11/13/2026. Set the opacity to about 25%, the font size to around 30 pt so the long text fits, keep it centered and diagonal, and click Add watermark. The copy is still perfectly readable for the landlord, but it is clearly marked for that one purpose.
Related tools
- Add page numbers to PDF for simple numbering.
- Add header and footer to PDF for text, dates, file names and Bates numbers at the top or bottom of every page.
- Flatten PDF to burn forms and comments into the page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add a watermark to a PDF?
Open the PDF, type your watermark text or choose a logo, adjust opacity and size, and click Add watermark.
Can I watermark only some pages?
Yes. Enter the pages or ranges, such as 1-3, 5. Leave the field empty for all pages.
Can I use my logo as a watermark?
Yes. Upload a JPG or PNG; it is placed in the center of each page with the opacity you choose.
Will the text under the watermark still be searchable?
Yes. The watermark is drawn on top; the original text is not changed.
Can a watermark be removed?
With editing software it sometimes can. Treat a watermark as a label and deterrent, not as security.
Is my file uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser.
Last updated: November 12, 2026