PDF watermark

Watermark a PDF — stamp “DRAFT” or your name on every page

Add a diagonal text watermark (for example, DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, or your name) across each page. Processing happens locally in your browser—no upload required.

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Tip: 36–64 works well on A4/Letter.
Lower opacity keeps text readable underneath.
Choose a PDF, set options, then apply watermark.

Best practice notes

  • Use watermark for drafts: add DRAFT/CONFIDENTIAL before sharing early versions.
  • Do not rely on watermark for access control: a watermark does not encrypt or restrict copying.
  • Submit clean copies: many portals and reviewers prefer no watermark unless required.
  • After watermarking: if your file becomes large, use Compress PDF.

Watermark a PDF: Stamps, Branding, and “Confidential” Labels

Use watermarks to add “CONFIDENTIAL”, mark drafts, or label documents before sharing. Apply the watermark after page order is final.

Best practices

Related tools

FAQ: Watermarking and compliance

Step‑by‑step (recommended settings)

  1. Choose watermark text (e.g., DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, or a department label).
  2. Pick a placement: diagonal for strong visibility, corner for subtle branding.
  3. Use moderate opacity (start low; increase only if the watermark is hard to see).
  4. Download and check one page at 200% zoom for readability.
  5. If the file is too large, reduce pages first (extract/delete), then compress in PDF tools.

Tip: If you also need numbering, add page numbers after watermarking using Add Page Numbers.