Skip to content
PDFbisAll tools

Add a watermark to a PDF

Stamp a word like DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL across every page.

PDFPDF

or drop them here

Processed on your device. Nothing is uploaded.

Watermark PDF pages with a word or short phrase such as DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, SAMPLE or your company name. A watermark makes a document’s status clear at a glance and discourages people from passing off a preview or proof as the final version.

Set the text, size, color, opacity and position, and the same stamp is applied to every page. Several PDFs can be watermarked in one go. The work is done in your browser, so the documents are never uploaded.

It’s free, with no account and no extra branding added to your files. The original PDF on your device isn’t changed; you download a new, stamped copy and can keep the clean version for your own records.

How to use Watermark PDF

  1. Add your PDFs

    Add the PDFs you want to stamp by dropping them on the page or browsing your device.

  2. Type the watermark

    Enter your Watermark text. The default is CONFIDENTIAL.

  3. Style it

    Set Size (10 to 200), Opacity (5 to 100 percent), Color (Gray, Red, Blue or Black) and Position (Diagonal, centered; Centered; or Tiled across page).

  4. Click Add watermark

    Press Add watermark and download the stamped PDFs.

Choosing a watermark that doesn’t ruin readability

A good watermark is obvious but stays out of the way. Opacity around 15 to 25 percent in gray lets the text underneath remain easy to read. Raise it, or switch to red, when the mark must be unmistakable, for example on a VOID or COPY stamp.

Diagonal, centered is the classic look for DRAFT and CONFIDENTIAL. Centered keeps the text horizontal. Tiled across page repeats the text over the whole page, which makes it much harder to crop out of a screenshot.

Size needs a little thought too. Short words like DRAFT can go larger, while a long phrase or company name may need a smaller size so it doesn’t run off the page edge.

Common uses for PDF watermarks

Teams and freelancers use text watermarks in a few recurring situations:

  • DRAFT on contracts and reports still under review.
  • CONFIDENTIAL or INTERNAL on documents shared outside the usual circle.
  • SAMPLE or PREVIEW on templates, e-books and design proofs sent to clients.
  • A name or email address on copies given to specific people, so leaks can be traced.

Can a watermark be removed?

A text watermark is drawn onto the page content, so it can’t simply be switched off in a viewer. Still, someone with PDF editing software and enough effort can remove or cover most watermarks. Treat it as a clear label and a deterrent, not as security.

For a stronger deterrent, use the Tiled position and a higher opacity, then run the result through Compress PDF at the Recommended level, which flattens each page into an image.

Questions people ask

Is adding a watermark to a PDF free?

Yes. There’s no fee and no sign-up, and no extra branding is added to your file.

Are my PDFs uploaded?

No. The watermark is added in your browser and the files stay on your device.

Can I add an image or logo watermark?

Not currently. The tool adds text watermarks, with your choice of text, size, color, opacity and position.

Can I watermark several PDFs at once?

Yes. Add multiple files and the same watermark is applied to every page of each one.

How do I make the watermark transparent?

Lower the Opacity setting. Values around 15 to 25 percent give a faint mark that keeps text readable.

Can I watermark a PDF on my phone?

Yes. The tool works in mobile browsers on iPhone, iPad and Android.

Will the watermark appear when the PDF is printed?

Yes. The watermark is part of the page content, so it shows on screen and on paper.

Related tools