PDFConvertersOnline.comHow to watermark a PDF
- Choose the PDF you want to protect or brand.
- Type your text or pick a logo, then adjust size, angle, opacity and placement while watching the preview.
- Press Add watermark and download the new PDF.
What a watermark is good for
A watermark is a mark that sits on every page and tells readers something about the document: that it is a DRAFT, that it is CONFIDENTIAL, that it's a SAMPLE or COPY, or simply who made it. Photographers and designers use a faint logo on proofs so the work can be reviewed but not reused. Businesses mark internal papers so a leaked copy is obviously not meant for the public. Teachers stamp answer keys, and agents watermark listings sent to clients.
Text watermarks
Type any text. The size is in points, the angle can be flat, diagonal (45°), vertical (90°) or any custom value, and the opacity slider controls how strongly it shows. Between 15 and 30 percent is usually visible without making the page hard to read. Choose Once in the center for a single large stamp, or Repeat across the page to cover the page in a diagonal pattern that is harder to crop out.
Letters in English and other Western European languages are written as real text using a bold Helvetica font. Text in scripts that font can't show, like Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Cyrillic, Hindi or emoji, is turned into a transparent image and placed the same way, so any language works.
Image and logo watermarks
Switch to Image or logo and choose a PNG or JPG. A PNG with a transparent background gives the cleanest look, because only the logo itself is placed on the page. The size is set as a share of the page width, and you can put the logo in the center, in any corner or repeat it across the page. Opacity works the same as for text, which lets a colorful logo fade into the background.
Choosing which pages
By default every page is marked. Choose Only these and enter something like 2-10 to leave the cover or an appendix clean. The preview shows the first page that will be watermarked.
How strong is the protection?
Be realistic about what a watermark does. It is drawn on top of the existing page content, which keeps the original text sharp and searchable, but someone with PDF editing software and enough patience could remove it. Treat it as a clear label and a deterrent, not a lock. To stop people from opening the file at all, add a password with Protect PDF. To permanently black out sensitive details rather than just labeling the document, use Redact PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Is my PDF uploaded to add the watermark?
No. The watermark is added by your browser on your own device, and the finished PDF is saved straight to your downloads.
Can I use my company logo?
Yes. Choose Image or logo and pick a PNG or JPG. Set its size, position and opacity, then apply it to all pages or a selected range.
Does the watermark work in languages other than English?
Yes. Latin-alphabet text is added as real text; other scripts such as Chinese, Arabic or Russian are added as a sharp transparent image, so the watermark appears correctly in any language.
Will the original text still be selectable?
Yes. The page content isn't changed or turned into an image. The watermark simply sits on top.
Can someone remove my watermark?
A person with PDF editing software could remove it with effort. A watermark labels and discourages copying; for real protection, add a password as well.