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Add Watermark to PDF

Stamp text such as "Confidential" or "Draft" across PDF pages.

Your files never leave your device.

When to use it

Watermark PDF stamps text such as CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT, COPY or SAMPLE across every page of a PDF. Use it to show that a document is a draft and not yet approved, to mark sensitive files before sharing them, to label a copy sent to a particular person, or to discourage reuse of a portfolio, price list or proposal.

How to add a watermark

  1. Tap Choose PDF file, or drag a PDF onto the box.
  2. Type the Watermark text, for example DRAFT or Copy for J. Smith.
  3. Choose the Layout: Diagonal, center, Horizontal, center, or Repeated across page.
  4. Pick a Color (Gray, Red, Blue or Black), the Transparency and the Text size.
  5. Check the preview of the first page.
  6. Press Add watermark, then Download. The file ends in “-watermarked.pdf”.

A worked example

You’re sending a 20-page business proposal to three potential clients before it’s signed. Add the text CONFIDENTIAL – Prepared for Northwind Ltd, choose Diagonal, center, Gray, 25% transparency and Medium size. Every page shows a light diagonal label that doesn’t hide the content but makes clear who the copy was for. Repeat with each client’s name so each copy is traceable.

Choosing a style

  • Diagonal, center: the classic look for CONFIDENTIAL or DRAFT; hard to crop out.
  • Horizontal, center: calmer, better for “SAMPLE” on catalogues and handouts.
  • Repeated across page: covers the whole page, ideal for images and portfolios you don’t want reused.
  • Red signals urgency or drafts; gray is the most readable over text.

Tips

  • Keep it short. One to four words read best; long text gets small.
  • Personalise copies with the recipient’s name to discourage forwarding.
  • Watermark the final version, after merging and reordering pages.
  • Keep an unwatermarked original for your own records.

Common mistakes

  • Too dark or too large, making the document hard to read. Start at 25% transparency.
  • Watermarking a scanned signature page you’ll need to submit officially; some offices reject marked documents.
  • Assuming it’s a security feature. For access control, use a password with Protect PDF.
  • Using emoji, which the PDF font can’t display.

Private by design

Your document is watermarked in your browser and is never uploaded.

Lock the file with a password using Protect PDF, add page numbers with Add Page Numbers, or watermark photos with Watermark Image.

Frequently asked questions

Can a watermark be removed?

A text watermark discourages casual copying and makes the document's status clear, but someone with PDF editing software and enough effort can sometimes remove it. For strong protection, combine it with Protect PDF and share only with people you trust.

Which transparency should I choose?

20 to 30% keeps the watermark visible without making the text underneath hard to read. Go higher for drafts that must not be mistaken for final versions.

Does the watermark go on every page?

Yes, it's added to every page in the same style and position.

Can I use accented letters or other alphabets?

Accented Latin letters work. Characters the built-in font can't show, such as emoji, are left out, and the tool tells you if anything couldn't be added.

Is my document uploaded?

No. The watermark is added in your browser.

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