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.
The watermark is drawn as visible text on every page of a new PDF copy. Keep the original file if you may need an unmarked version later.
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%.
What Gets Stamped Into the File
The tool applies the same text watermark to every page of the downloaded PDF. It uses your chosen size, opacity, rotation, and colour, then saves a new copy. Your uploaded original stays unchanged.
| Choice | Effect | Practical Check |
|---|---|---|
| Text | The exact words printed across each page | Keep it short enough to stay readable on small pages |
| Opacity | How strongly the text shows over the document | Check both screen view and print output if the file will be printed |
| Rotation | The angle of the watermark across the page | Diagonal marks suit most portrait pages, while horizontal marks suit short labels |
| Colour | Grey, red, blue, or black text | Use grey for drafts and red only when the label needs strong attention |
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 |
Useful pattern: For sensitive documents, combine visible labels with access controls where appropriate. Keep the source PDF controlled, and check contract or compliance requirements before sharing.
Worked Example: Marking a Draft Proposal
Sarah sends a proposal for internal review. The content is not final, but the team needs to read the full PDF before the client version is prepared.
- 1.Keep the clean source: Sarah saves the original PDF so she can create a final unmarked version later.
- 2.Set the text: she enters DRAFT because the team only needs a version label, not a long warning.
- 3.Tune visibility: she uses grey at 25% opacity so charts and body text remain readable.
- 4.Check page 1 and a chart page: she confirms the watermark is visible but does not cover important numbers.
- 5.Download a review copy: the team receives the marked file, while the clean original stays ready for the final export.
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.
- Review pages with dense tables. A watermark that looks fine on a cover page can obscure small numbers in a schedule or invoice. Open a few representative pages before sending the file.
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.