How to use the watermark pdf
- Choose a PDF or drop it on the box. One PDF at a time, up to 25 MB and 500 pages.
- Type the watermark text, such as DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL, and choose the direction, color and opacity.
- Leave the size on Fit the page or set a size in points. Use the first page and last page fields to mark only some pages.
- Press Add watermark and download. A preview of page 1 of the new file appears, and the original is not changed.
Worked examples
The text DRAFT at 45 degrees with Fit the page is centered on the displayed page and sized so that the rotated text fits within 90% of the page width and height. Horizontal text on a US Letter page is scaled so its width is 90% of 612 points, or 550.8 points. At 25% opacity the text lets the page show through.
Marking only page 2 of a 3 page file leaves pages 1 and 3 without a watermark. Pages that are rotated in the file are handled, so the watermark stays centered and at the angle you chose as seen on screen.
How the watermark is made
The watermark is added as real text on top of each page, in bold Helvetica, with the color and opacity you choose. It is centered on the page as displayed, whatever the page size or rotation. The built-in font draws letters, numbers and common punctuation, including accented Latin letters. Characters outside that set, such as emoji or non-Latin scripts, are reported, and you can change the text.
Because the text sits on top of the page, it can cover small parts of the content. A lower opacity and a light color keep the page readable. The tool does not add pictures or logos, and it does not place the text behind the content.
What a watermark is for
A watermark labels a document as a draft, a copy or confidential, or marks the source. It discourages casual reuse but does not protect a file. Anyone with a PDF editor can remove the text or copy the content, so do not rely on it for security. If you need to protect a document, remove sensitive information properly before sharing it and use proper access controls.
Your file is processed on your device and never uploaded, and the original is kept as it was. Related tools include the add page numbers to PDF tool, the merge PDF tool and the PDF to image converter.
Assumptions and limits
- Text is limited to 80 characters and is drawn in bold Helvetica in one line.
- The angle can be from -90 to 90 degrees, opacity from 5% to 100% and a set size from 6 to 400 points.
- The watermark is drawn above the page content and is not a security feature.
- Password protected or damaged PDFs are refused with a message.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add a watermark to only some pages?
Set the first page and last page fields. For example, enter 2 for both to mark only the second page. Pages outside the range are copied without changes.
Can I add an image or logo as a watermark?
Not with this tool. It adds text only. A logo needs image placement and scaling that this version does not offer.
Will the watermark stop people copying my PDF?
No. A watermark labels a document, but anyone with a PDF editor can remove it or copy the content. For sensitive documents, remove private details and control who receives the file.
Why does the tool say it cannot draw some characters?
The built-in PDF font covers Latin letters, numbers and common punctuation. Emoji and other scripts are not in it. The message lists the characters, so you can replace them.