How to Add a Watermark to a PDF

Mark a PDF as DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL, choose a readable style, and know what a watermark can and cannot do.

A watermark tells readers the status of a document at a glance: DRAFT, COPY, CONFIDENTIAL, or the name of the person it was prepared for.

Steps

  • Open Add watermark and choose your PDF.
  • Type the text. Short, capitalised words work best.
  • Choose size, angle and opacity, then download.

Readable settings

A diagonal watermark at medium opacity is visible on both text and blank areas without hiding content. For a subtle letterhead style, use horizontal text with light opacity.

Limits of watermarks

A watermark discourages casual reuse. It does not prevent copying, and a determined person can remove it with an editor. For documents that must stay confidential, also use Protect PDF and share only with the people who need access.

Personalised copies

Adding each recipient's name as the watermark makes leaks traceable and discourages sharing. Make one copy per person.

Text limits

Only characters supported by the standard PDF fonts can be used. Other scripts will not display correctly.

Tools mentioned in this guide

Add Watermark to PDFStamp text across every page.Protect PDFAdd a password to a PDF.

More guides