PDF Watermark
Add text watermarks to PDF documents. Mark drafts, confidential files, or proofs. 100% client-side, no upload.
Upload a PDF, type your watermark text, adjust size, opacity, and rotation, then download the watermarked file. Everything runs in your browser.
Drop a PDF or click to upload
Your file stays in your browser
What a PDF Watermark Does (And Doesn't Do)
A watermark is a visual label — "DRAFT", "CONFIDENTIAL", "SAMPLE" — rendered across every page of your PDF. It's the digital equivalent of stamping a document before photocopying it. Everyone who opens the file sees the stamp. Everyone who prints it gets the stamp on paper.
But here's what a watermark won't do: it won't stop someone from copying your content, editing the PDF, or removing the watermark with the right tools. It's a deterrent and a label, not a lock. If you need actual security, use PDF password protection alongside your watermark.
This tool renders watermarks directly into the PDF content layer using pdf-lib. Everything runs in your browser — your confidential documents never leave your device.
Watermark Settings Guide
| Setting | Recommended Range | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Opacity | 15-30% | Too low and it's invisible when printed. Too high and it obscures the content. 20% is the sweet spot for most documents. |
| Font size | 40-80pt | The watermark should span most of the page width. Short words ("DRAFT") need larger sizes. Long text ("CONFIDENTIAL") works at smaller sizes. |
| Rotation angle | -45° to -30° | Diagonal watermarks are harder to crop out and look more professional. -45° is the most common. 0° (horizontal) works for short, centred stamps. |
| Colour | Grey or red | Grey blends naturally with most documents. Red stands out for warnings ("DO NOT DISTRIBUTE"). Avoid colours that clash with your document's design. |
What this means for you: Start with 20% opacity, 60pt font, and -45° rotation. Preview the result. If the watermark is too subtle for printing, bump opacity to 25-30%. If it blocks important content, drop it to 15%.
Watermark vs Password Protection vs Digital Signature
These three features solve different problems. Use the right one — or combine them:
| Feature | What It Does | Prevents | Doesn't Prevent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watermark | Adds visible text on every page | Accidental use of wrong version | Copying, editing, or removal |
| Password protection | Encrypts and restricts access | Unauthorised opening or editing | Screenshots or re-typing content |
| Digital signature | Verifies authenticity and integrity | Undetected tampering | Viewing or copying content |
Best practice: For sensitive documents, watermark + password protect. The watermark labels the document visually, the password prevents unauthorised access. For contracts, add a signature too.
Common Watermark Text by Industry
Legal
- DRAFT
- PRIVILEGED & CONFIDENTIAL
- WITHOUT PREJUDICE
- FOR REVIEW ONLY
Business
- CONFIDENTIAL
- INTERNAL USE ONLY
- DO NOT DISTRIBUTE
- APPROVED / REJECTED
Creative & Sales
- SAMPLE
- PROOF
- NOT FOR PRODUCTION
- © 2026 [Company Name]
Tips for Effective Watermarks
- Keep it short. One or two words is ideal. "DRAFT" is better than "THIS IS A DRAFT DOCUMENT NOT FOR FINAL USE." Long text at readable sizes will obscure your content.
- Test the print. Watermarks that look good on screen can be invisible when printed — or too dark and distracting. Print a test page before sending 100 copies to a printer.
- Watermark the final version, not the working copy. If you watermark a draft with "DRAFT" and then edit the content, you'll need to re-watermark. Watermark last in your workflow.
- Keep an unwatermarked copy. Watermarking is a one-way operation in most tools. Save your clean original before applying any watermarks.
Related PDF Tools
How to use this tool
Upload a PDF document
Type your watermark text (e.g. DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL)
Adjust font size, opacity, rotation, and colour
Common uses
- Marking document drafts with 'DRAFT' before circulating for review
- Stamping 'CONFIDENTIAL' on sensitive reports, contracts, or financial documents
- Adding 'SAMPLE' or 'NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION' to preview copies for clients
- Branding documents with your company name or copyright notice
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