Add a watermark to a PDF
Type a word or pick an image, set how it sits on the page, and download a watermarked PDF without uploading the file.
Drop a PDF hereLet go to start
or paste with Ctrl/⌘+V
Free, no account needed — download as soon as it's done. See plans
What it does
Add watermark to PDF, explained
Add watermark places text such as DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL or COPY, or an image such as a logo, on every page or on the pages you choose. Everything runs in your browser; the PDF is never uploaded and the download is free without an account.
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Use it to mark a contract draft so nobody signs the wrong version, label a document as a copy before sharing, or brand a proposal. The preview updates as you change size, opacity, rotation and position, so you can check that the mark doesn't cover the figures that matter.
A watermark is a label, not protection. It discourages reuse but can be cropped or covered by anyone with an editor. To control who can open the file, use Protect PDF; to remove content, use Redact PDF. To number pages instead, use Add page numbers.
How to do it
Add a watermark to a PDF in 4 steps
1Your PDF
2Set the mark
3On every page
- 1
Add your PDF
Drop in the file. It is read on your device.
- 2
Choose text or image
Type the watermark text or pick a PNG or JPG logo. Set font, size and color for text.
- 3
Place it
Choose center, top, bottom or tiled; set rotation and opacity; enter a page range such as 1-3,5 or leave it on all pages.
- 4
Download
The watermarked PDF is generated in your browser and downloads immediately.
Example
Before and after
A 6-page non-disclosure agreement that is still being negotiated and about to be emailed to the other party.
Each page carries a light grey diagonal “DRAFT – NOT FOR SIGNATURE” across the center at low opacity, with the clauses still easy to read.
Settings & formats
What you can control
- Text or image
- A word or phrase in a chosen font, size and color, or an uploaded image.
- Position
- Center, top, bottom, or tiled across the page.
- Opacity and rotation
- Fade the mark so the page stays readable; rotate it, for example 45 degrees for a diagonal stamp.
- Behind content
- Draw the mark beneath the page content instead of on top.
- Page range
- All pages, or a range such as 1-3,5,8- (page 8 to the end).
Input
Output
Good to know before you start
- “Behind content” is invisible on scanned pages, because the scan image is opaque and covers anything drawn beneath it.
- The watermark is added to the page content; it is a deterrent, not access control, and can be covered or cropped.
- Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked before adding a watermark.
If something goes wrong
If something goes wrong
- The watermark doesn't show on a scanned page
- Turn off “Behind content”. A scan is one opaque image, so a mark behind it is hidden.
- The watermark covers the text
- Lower the opacity, make it smaller, or switch to top or bottom placement.
Add watermark to PDF: questions people ask
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The watermark is applied in your browser and the file never leaves your device.
Can I watermark only some pages?
Yes. Enter a page range such as 2-5 or 1,3,7-; the other pages are left as they were.
Can I remove the watermark later?
Keep your original file; that is the reliable way back. Once the watermark is part of the page content, removing it cleanly is not guaranteed.
Does a watermark stop people copying the document?
No. It labels the document. To require a password or restrict printing and copying in compliant viewers, use Protect PDF after watermarking.
Can I use a transparent PNG logo?
Yes. Transparency is preserved, so only the logo shape appears on the page.