Add Watermark to PDF Free Online
Add text or image watermark to PDF free online. Customize position, opacity, and font. No signup, instant processing.
Watermarks on PDFs communicate document status (DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, SAMPLE), mark ownership, or add security deterrents against unauthorized copying. Our free tool adds customizable text watermarks to any PDF in seconds. Watermark customization options include: text content (type any word or phrase), opacity (light 20% for subtle backgrounds to solid 100% for prominent marking), rotation angle (horizontal, 45° diagonal, or custom angle), position (center, corner, or repeating pattern), font size, and color. "DRAFT" and "CONFIDENTIAL" are the most common watermarks for business documents. For "DRAFT," a diagonal watermark at 45° with 30-40% opacity is standard — visible but not obscuring the content. For "CONFIDENTIAL," a bolder mark at higher opacity communicates the document's sensitivity clearly. After watermarking, the PDF is ready for distribution. Recipients can view the document normally but the watermark is a permanent visual indicator of status. Note that watermarks are not digital rights management — they do not prevent copying, but they create a visual record of document classification.
Common Use Cases
- Marking draft documents before final approval
- Adding CONFIDENTIAL marks to sensitive reports
- Adding SAMPLE watermarks to preview documents
- Marking review copies with reviewer names
- Adding company name watermarks for branding
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a diagonal DRAFT watermark?
Yes. Set the rotation to 45° for the standard diagonal watermark look. Adjust opacity to 30-40% so the text is visible but does not obscure document content.
Is the watermark permanent?
Yes. The watermark is embedded in the PDF page data. It cannot be removed without specialized PDF editing software. For permanent marking of important documents, this is the desired behavior.
Can I add an image watermark (like a company logo)?
Currently our tool adds text watermarks. For image watermarks, use our Edit PDF tool to add a transparent logo image at the desired position on each page.