How to Add a Watermark to a PDF

Uncategorized / June 13, 2026 / Brad Burton / 0

A watermark stamps your pages with a word or logo — DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, or your brand — so anyone who sees the document knows its status or who it belongs to. Here’s how to add one for free.

How to add a watermark

1. Open the Add Watermark tool and choose your PDF.
2. Add your watermark text, or upload an image such as a logo.
3. Set how it looks — position and transparency.
4. Press Apply and download the watermarked PDF.

Text or image — which to use?

• Text watermarks are perfect for status labels like DRAFT, SAMPLE, or CONFIDENTIAL.
• Image watermarks let you brand a document with your logo for proposals and reports.

Tips for an effective watermark

• Go semi-transparent so the mark is clearly visible but your text stays readable.
• Place it diagonally across the centre — it’s harder to crop out than a corner stamp.
• Pair it with protection. For sensitive files, add a password too with Protect PDF.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use both text and an image? You can add a text watermark or an image watermark to suit the job.

Is the watermark permanent? It’s saved into the PDF you download.

Is it free and private? Yes — free with no signup, and your file is processed in your browser.

Add a watermark with Add Watermark, or see more edit & organize tools.

Brad Burton