How to watermark a PDF
- Upload your PDF. A preview of the first page appears.
- Type your watermark text and adjust the font size, colour, opacity and rotation. The preview updates as you change settings.
- Optionally limit the watermark to certain pages, for example
1-3. - Click Add watermark and download the watermarked PDF.
About this PDF watermark tool
The watermark is drawn as real text in the centre of each page, rotated to the angle you choose, with the transparency you set. Because it is part of the page content, it appears in every PDF reader and when printed. Pages that are themselves rotated get a compensated angle, so the watermark looks the same on every page.
A semi-transparent diagonal watermark at 20–30% opacity is easy to read but doesn’t hide the document underneath. The tool uses the standard Helvetica Bold font, which supports Latin letters, numbers and common punctuation. If your text contains characters it can’t display, such as Arabic or Chinese script, you will see a clear message rather than a broken file.
Ideas for using watermarks
- Mark drafts so nobody mistakes them for the final version.
- Label documents “Confidential” or “Internal use only” before sharing.
- Add your business name to price lists, proposals or sample work.
- Stamp “Copy” or “Sample” on certificates and templates.
PDF watermark FAQ
Can someone remove the watermark?
A determined person with PDF editing software can remove text watermarks. For stronger protection, combine a watermark with our Protect PDF tool to restrict editing.
Can I add an image or logo watermark?
This tool adds text watermarks. Using your brand name in a matching colour is a simple alternative to a logo.
Does the watermark cover the text?
It sits on top of the page, but with low opacity the text underneath stays readable. Lower the opacity if it feels too strong.