How to add a text watermark to a PDF
A watermark tells readers the status of a document before they read a word: is it an unapproved draft, a confidential copy that should not circulate, or a sample not meant for final use? When you send a preliminary quote, share a design with a client before payment, or distribute an internal document, a word like DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL on every page reduces the chance of misuse or confusion with the approved version.
This tool stamps the text you type across every page in semi-transparent grey, set diagonally around the middle of the page, while the original content stays readable underneath. It runs in your browser and the file is never uploaded, which matters for exactly the kind of sensitive documents that need watermarks.
How to use it
- Drag a PDF onto Drag PDF file here, or click to choose it.
- The Watermark text field is pre-filled with CONFIDENTIAL; keep it or type your own text.
- Click Add watermark.
- The new file downloads as watermarked.pdf; the original is left unchanged.
How the watermark looks
- Bold grey text with enough transparency to read the content beneath.
- Angled at 45 degrees, starting near the centre of the page.
- Font size scales with each page's dimensions, so it looks balanced on small and large pages.
- Applied to every page with the same text and appearance.
- The original content is not re-rendered, so text stays selectable and searchable.
Practical use cases
- Marking a draft contract or policy DRAFT before management review.
- Stamping SAMPLE on an ebook preview or design template sent to customers.
- Adding CONFIDENTIAL to an internal financial report before it goes to board members.
- Writing the recipient company's name on a copy so its source is clear if it leaks.
Tips and notes
- Use Latin letters and numbers. The font used does not support Arabic script, and Arabic text will cause an error.
- Keep it to one or two words: the font size depends on the page size, so long text can run off the page.
- A watermark is a visual deterrent, not technical protection; someone with advanced editing software may try to remove it.
- Colour, angle, opacity and page selection cannot currently be changed.
- Applying the tool twice stacks two watermarks, so always start from the original file.
To put text on images instead, use Text Watermark. To stamp a logo on pictures, try Add Image/Logo Watermark, and to shrink the file before sending, use Compress PDF.