Add a watermark to a PDF
Stamp DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL or anything else across every page. Nothing is uploaded.
Be clear about what a watermark does
It signals intent. A page stamped DRAFT will not be mistaken for a final version; one stamped CONFIDENTIAL reminds the reader of their obligations. That is genuinely useful.
What it does not do is protect anything. The text is a drawing on top of the page, and removing it is straightforward for anyone who wants to. If a document must not be redistributed, the control has to be who you send it to — not a label on the page.
Choosing the text
| Purpose | Text | Suggested opacity |
|---|---|---|
| Unfinished version | DRAFT | 20% |
| Restricted circulation | CONFIDENTIAL | 20–35% |
| Reference copy only | NOT FOR SIGNATURE | 20% |
| Attribution | Your company name | 10–15%, horizontal |
Shorter is better. A long phrase has to be set small to fit across the page, which makes it both harder to read and easier to ignore.
Common questions
Does a watermark protect my document?
No, and it is important not to believe otherwise. The text sits on top of the page and anyone with the right tools can strip it out. A watermark is a label that discourages casual misuse, not a security control.
What opacity should I use?
Around 15 to 25 per cent is the usual range: clearly visible, but not so heavy that the text underneath becomes hard to read. Go higher only if the label matters more than the content.
Diagonal or horizontal?
Diagonal is the convention for DRAFT and CONFIDENTIAL because it crosses the whole page and is awkward to crop out. Horizontal is less intrusive and suits a subtle label such as a company name.
Can I use an image instead of text?
Not in this tool. Text-only keeps it simple and keeps the output small - an embedded logo on every page adds real weight to the file.
Is my document uploaded?
No. The watermark is drawn in your browser.