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Add watermark
Add watermark stamps diagonal or horizontal text across every page of a PDF, with control over opacity, font size, colour and rotation. Watermarks are written as page content, so they travel with the document and appear in every conforming reader.
How to use Add watermark
- Upload the document you need to mark.
- Type the watermark text and adjust its opacity, size, colour and rotation.
- Apply the watermark and download the marked file.
Where Add watermark is useful
- Marking a draft as CONFIDENTIAL before circulating it.
- Putting a client or department name on every page of a shared report.
- Branding sample documents with a company name to discourage reuse.
Formats, algorithms and limits
The watermark is drawn as vector text with a transparency setting applied at page level. Because it is page content rather than an annotation layer, it does not disappear when a reader hides comments — but it is also not cryptographically bound to the document, so it deters casual reuse rather than preventing it.
Troubleshooting and honest limits
- Keep opacity between 10% and 25% for a background watermark that does not fight the body text.
- Place the text diagonally across the centre for a classic watermark, or use a top-corner stamp for grading sheets.
- Watermarking a scan works the same way — the mark sits above the page image.
Frequently asked questions
Can a recipient remove the watermark?
It is written into the page content, so it cannot simply be switched off like a comment layer. Determined users with PDF editing tools could still edit the file, which is why watermarks are a deterrent rather than a security control.
Does the watermark appear when printing?
Yes. Because it is part of the page, it prints with the document and appears identically on screen.
Can I watermark with an image or logo?
This tool stamps text. If you need a logo overlay, add the logo as an image via a PDF editor, or use the text of your brand name, which is legible at small sizes.
Will the watermark cover important content?
Only if you choose a large, dark stamp. Semi-transparent text over the page is readable through, and placing the mark in the centre of the margin area keeps key details clear.
Related tools
Page written and reviewed by the FreeConvertio engineering team on 2026-10-14. Add watermark runs entirely in your browser — no uploads, no account and no daily limits.