Flag a provisional version
Mark a working document “DRAFT” so it is not mistaken for the final version.
Add a watermark to a PDF
Write semi-transparent text such as CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT or a recipient’s name across every page of a PDF, with adjustable colour, size, opacity and angle. Processed locally in your browser.
- Export
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Watermark text · Opacity · Text size
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How does this tool work?
Adding a watermark to a PDF writes semi-transparent text across every page: “CONFIDENTIAL”, “DRAFT”, “COPY”, the name of a recipient or a company. It signals a document’s status, discourages reuse out of context and shows where a circulating copy came from. The watermark is adjusted live on the preview and then applied in your browser.
The Watermark button opens the settings: the text, its colour, its size (48 points by default, 8 minimum), its opacity from 5 to 100% (25% by default) and its angle, with three ready-made angles — diagonal one way, horizontal, diagonal the other way — or a custom value. The preview updates as you adjust.
On download, the text is drawn in the centre of every page, in the standard Helvetica font or, for characters it does not cover, in automatically embedded Liberation Sans. The opacity keeps the content underneath readable.
The watermark becomes part of the page content: it cannot be hidden with one click in a reader. It is not foolproof protection either, since advanced editing software can remove it; combine it with password protection for a sensitive document.
How to use this tool
Import the PDF
The document opens in the editor with the Watermark button.
Set the watermark
Type the text, then adjust colour, size, opacity and angle while watching the preview.
Download the watermarked PDF
The text is applied in the centre of every page of the new copy.
Use cases
Trace a copy you send
Write “Copy for Mr Martin” on a document sent to a third party.
Protect supporting documents
Add “For rental application only” to an ID or tax notice sent to an agency.
Examples
Supporting document for an agency
At 25% opacity, the text is clearly visible without hiding the information. Such a note discourages reusing the document for another application.
Input
Text “Rental application – Oct 2026”, grey, 36 pt, 25% opacity, 45° diagonalResult
Each page carries the note across it in light grey, while the document stays readableTips and best practices
- On supporting documents, state the recipient and the date: the note loses all value outside that context.
- Keep the opacity between 15 and 30% so the document stays readable when printed.
- Add the watermark last, after merging and numbering, but before any password protection.
Frequently asked questions
Is the watermark added to every page?
Yes, in the centre of each page with the same settings. To mark a single page, use Stamp a PDF instead.
Does the text under the watermark stay readable and selectable?
Yes. The watermark is semi-transparent and sits on top; the original text is not changed.
Can the watermark be removed afterwards?
Not with a single click: it is part of the pages. Advanced editing software can still remove it, so it is not absolute security.
Can I use an image as a watermark?
Not with this tool, which handles text. For a logo in the page background, use Overlay two PDFs or Add an image to a PDF.
Do accents and other alphabets work?
Yes for European languages: Liberation Sans is embedded when needed. Asian scripts and emoji are not supported.
Is my document sent online?
No. Your browser draws the watermark into the pages.
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