How to add a watermark to a PDF
- 1 Drop your PDF into the box or press browse.
- 2 Type the watermark text, such as CONFIDENTIAL or your name.
- 3 Choose the layout, angle, colour, size and transparency.
- 4 Press Add watermark to download the stamped PDF.
Protecting copies of ID and documents
When you send a copy of your passport, CNIC, driving licence or bank statement, a watermark that states the purpose and date makes it much harder to reuse for anything else, for example For bank account opening only, Nov 2026. The tiled layout covers the whole page, so it cannot simply be cropped out.
Watermarks are added as page content and print with the document. To mark only some pages, split the PDF first, watermark the part you need and merge it back.
Features
Centred or tiled
One large diagonal stamp or a repeated pattern.
Adjustable transparency
From very light to strong, so content stays readable.
Four colours
Grey, red, blue or black.
Every page
The watermark is added to every page automatically.
When to use it
Confidential documents
Mark documents before sharing them. Shrink the stamped file for email with Compress PDF.
Drafts
Make clear a document is not final. Number every page as well with Add Page Numbers to PDF.
ID copies
Write the purpose on copies of ID, like For rental application only. Combine the watermarked ID copies with Merge PDF.
Brand protection
Add your business name to price lists and designs. Sign the document too with Sign PDF.
Related PDF tasks
Frequently asked questions
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. The file is opened and edited by your own browser. Nothing is sent to us or anyone else, so it is safe for contracts, statements and personal documents. Once the page has loaded, the tool even works offline.
Why watermark a copy of my ID?
Writing the purpose and date across a copy makes it harder to reuse for something else, such as For bank account opening only.
Which transparency should I choose?
Light keeps the page easy to read. Choose Strong for a bold stamp on drafts.
Can the watermark be removed?
It is added as page content, so it cannot simply be switched off, but someone with editing software may remove it. For important copies, the tiled layout is harder to remove.
Can I use other languages?
The built-in font supports English letters, numbers and common symbols. Other scripts are not supported yet.
Will the text underneath still be readable?
Yes, with Light or Very light transparency.
Can I add an image or logo watermark?
Not yet. This tool adds text watermarks.
Can I watermark a password-protected PDF?
No. Remove the password first.
What text should I use for a watermark?
Short words work best, such as CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT, COPY, SAMPLE or your business name. Long sentences become small to fit the page.
Should I use the centred or tiled layout?
The centred layout is cleaner and easier to read. The tiled layout covers the whole page and is better for protecting ID copies and designs.
Does the watermark appear when printing?
Yes. It is part of each page, so it prints and shows in every PDF reader.
Can I add a watermark on my phone?
Yes. Type your text, pick the style and download the stamped PDF straight to your phone.
How this tool works. These PDF tools run entirely in your browser using two widely used open-source libraries: PDF.js, the PDF engine built into Firefox, to read and render pages, and pdf-lib to create and edit files. Each tool is tested with typed documents, phone scans and photo-heavy files before it goes live, and nothing you open is sent to a server.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
· Last updated
· How we check our tools
· Report a problem