How to Add a Text Watermark to a PDF

Documents under review, copies for a client or drafts for sign-off often carry a label across the page so nobody mistakes them for the final version.

What the tool adds

The Watermark PDF tool stamps your text in bold grey, rotated 45 degrees, starting near the middle of every page at 30% opacity. The type size is fixed at one sixth of the page’s shorter side, whatever you type. Choose a PDF up to 50 MB, type the text and download the result.

Using it

1. Choose the PDF.
2. Type the watermark text, for example DRAFT.
3. Download and check a few pages.

Choosing the text

• Short words work best: DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, SAMPLE, COPY.
• Long phrases do not shrink to fit. Because the size is fixed, a long word or phrase can run off the edge of the page, so keep it to a word or two and check the result.
• Use plain Latin letters and numbers. The tool uses a standard built-in font, so special characters and other writing systems may not be supported.

What a watermark can and cannot do

It labels the document and discourages casual reuse. It does not prevent copying, since the text is part of the page but the original content underneath is still there, and anyone with the original file can print it without the mark. Use a proper rights-management or access system if you need real protection.

Watermarking changes a copy, so keep your unmarked original. To add numbers as well, see page numbers.

Frequently asked questions