How to Add a Watermark to a PDF

Guide · 2 min read · updated 2026-10-16 · Leer en español

A watermark shows the status of a document and discourages unauthorized use. It's common on drafts, proposals and internal documents.

What text to use

'CONFIDENTIAL', 'DRAFT', the recipient's name or your brand. Avoid long text that makes the page harder to read.

Step by step

Open Watermark, type your text, adjust opacity and position, and apply it to all pages.

Recommendations

Use low opacity so the content stays readable, and keep an unmarked copy for internal use.

What a watermark is for

It shows the document's status (draft, uncontrolled copy), discourages unauthorized use and makes the origin of a proposal or quote obvious. On brand materials, it reinforces identity.

How to choose opacity and size

The mark should be noticeable without covering the content. An opacity of 20-30% and a large diagonal size work well; on images and blueprints, prefer a small mark in a corner.

Limitations

A watermark discourages misuse, but it doesn't stop someone from cropping out the content. For truly sensitive information, combine a watermark with a password and limit who you send the file to.

Try it now, free
Do it on your device: your files are never uploaded to any server.
Use Watermark PDF

Frequently asked questions

Can I adjust the opacity?

Yes.

Can it be removed later?

It's embedded in the pages; keep the original.

Is it free?

It's a Premium feature.

Can I use an image as the watermark?

Currently text is supported.

Is it applied to all pages?

Yes, to every page in the document.