PDF Watermark
Add text watermarks to PDF documents in your browser. Mark drafts, confidential files, or proofs, then download a new PDF copy.
Upload a PDF, type your watermark text, adjust size, opacity, and rotation, then download the watermarked file. The selected PDF is processed in your browser after the page loads.
Drop a PDF or click to upload
Processed in your browser after the page loads
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 access control, use a vetted password-protection workflow alongside your watermark.
This tool renders watermarks directly into the PDF content layer using pdf-lib after the page assets load. It does not upload the selected PDF to an iForge Apps server.
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 | Can encrypt and restrict access | Unauthorised opening or editing, depending on settings | Screenshots or re-typing content |
| Digital signature | Verifies authenticity and integrity | Undetected tampering | Viewing or copying content |
Best practice: For sensitive documents, combine visible labels with access controls where appropriate. Keep the source PDF controlled, and check contract or compliance requirements before sharing.
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
Share this tool
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the watermark permanent?
Can I customise the watermark position?
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
Does it work on all pages?
Can I use this for 'CONFIDENTIAL' stamps?
Can I remove a watermark after adding it?
What's a good opacity for readability?
Can I watermark a scanned PDF?
Does watermarking increase file size?
Can I add an image watermark (like a logo)?
Can I watermark a password-protected PDF?
What font is used for the watermark?
Results are for general informational purposes only and should be checked before use. They are not professional advice. See our Disclaimer and Terms of Service.