How to use the Watermark PDF
- Choose a PDF.
- Type the watermark text.
- Adjust color, opacity and size.
- Download the watermarked PDF.
What does this tool do?
The watermark is centered and sized to fit each page, diagonally or straight across. Semi-transparent text keeps the content readable.
The text is scaled to fit each page, so it looks consistent across mixed page sizes. It's the standard way to mark drafts, review copies and confidential documents before sharing them.
Why use it?
- Mark drafts and review copies.
- Label confidential documents.
- Deter unauthorised copying.
Use cases
- Mark a document as DRAFT while it's still being reviewed.
- Stamp CONFIDENTIAL on HR, legal or financial papers before sending them.
- Add COPY or SAMPLE to documents you share for reference only.
Tip
10–20% opacity is usually readable without getting in the way of the content.
Common mistakes
- Making the watermark too strong. A low opacity keeps the text underneath easy to read.
- Treating a watermark as security. It discourages copying, but anyone with PDF editing software can still change the file — don't rely on it to protect sensitive information.
Accuracy and limits
- A watermark is a visible label, not security. Someone with editing software could remove it.
Privacy
Your files are processed entirely in your browser using built-in web technologies. They are not uploaded to our servers, and closing the page clears them from memory. There's no account to create and nothing to install.
Frequently asked questions
Are my PDFs uploaded?
No. The PDF is processed inside your browser with open-source PDF libraries. It never leaves your device, which makes this safe for contracts, statements and IDs.
Can I use a password-protected PDF?
Not yet. Open it in your PDF reader, remove the password (or print it to a new PDF), then use the tool.
Can I use a different watermark on each page?
The same text goes on every page. To mark parts differently, split the PDF, watermark each part, then merge them again.
Will the watermark print clearly?
Yes. It's added as real text, not an image, so it stays sharp at any size and on any printer.
Last reviewed by the M2Toolkit team.