Add a Watermark to a PDF
Stamp a text watermark such as CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT or COPY across every page of a PDF – diagonally or horizontally, light or more visible.
Your files stay on your device. Conversions run in your browser.
Your files stay on your device. Conversions run in your browser.
- No signup required
- Files stay on your device
- Browser-based conversion
- Fast download
- Free to use
How it works
How to add a watermark to a PDF
- 1
Choose the PDF you want to mark.
- 2
Type the watermark text and pick direction and visibility, then click “Add watermark”.
- 3
Download the PDF with the watermark on every page.
Supported file types: PDF · No signup required
Mark drafts and confidential copies
A watermark makes the status of a document visible on every page: DRAFT for versions that are still being reviewed, CONFIDENTIAL for internal documents, COPY or SAMPLE for files that should not be used as originals. The text is placed in grey across the middle of each page, semi-transparent, so the content underneath stays readable.
The size adjusts to each page, so the watermark fits on small and large pages alike, and rotated pages get it in the right place.
What a watermark can and can't do
- It is drawn on top of the page content and is visible on screen and in print.
- It is not a protection: someone with a PDF editor can remove it again.
- The text can use the letters A–Z, numbers, common symbols and Western European accented letters such as é, ü, ñ or ß. Some other letters (for example ł or č), other scripts and emoji are not supported – the tool shows a message if the text can’t be used.
- Up to 40 characters; short words work best.
About PDF files
- PDF (Portable Document Format)
- PDF files look the same on every device and are the standard for invoices, statements, contracts and reports. Digital PDFs store real text; scanned PDFs store images of pages. All PDF tools →
Privacy: your files stay on your device
Your files stay on your device. Conversions run in your browser. PDFConvertFast never uploads, stores or reads your documents – there is no server that receives them, no account and no email address.
- Your files stay on your device
- No signup required
- Browser-based conversion
Watermark PDF – frequently asked questions
How do I add a watermark to a PDF?
Choose your PDF, type the text under “Watermark text” (for example CONFIDENTIAL), pick the direction and visibility and click “Add watermark”. The download is saved with “-watermarked” added to the name.
Which characters can I use in the watermark text?
Up to 40 characters with Latin letters, accents such as é, ü, ñ or ß, numbers and common symbols. Other alphabets, emoji and some Central European letters such as ł or č are not supported – the tool tells you if your text contains them.
What is the difference between “Light” and “Stronger”?
“Light” prints the grey text at 15% opacity, so it stays in the background; “Stronger” uses 30% and is easier to see, also in print. In both cases the content underneath remains readable.
Can I change the size of the watermark?
No, the size adjusts automatically: the text is fitted to about three quarters of the page diagonal (“Diagonal”) or page width (“Horizontal”). Short words therefore appear large, long texts smaller.
Can I add a watermark to only some pages?
No. The watermark is always added to every page of the PDF, centred on each page.
Can the watermark have two lines?
No, the watermark is a single line of text. Extra spaces and line breaks are turned into one space, so keep it short, like DRAFT or COPY.
Can I use an image or logo as a watermark?
No, this tool adds text watermarks only. You can still write your company or brand name as the watermark text.
Can someone remove the watermark?
Yes, with a PDF editor. The watermark marks a document as a draft or confidential copy but does not lock it against editing or copying.
Can I add a watermark and page numbers to the same PDF?
Yes, one after the other. Add the watermark here, download the file, then open it in Add page numbers to PDF.
Is my PDF uploaded when I add a watermark?
No. The watermark is added in your browser on your own device, so confidential documents are never sent to a server or stored.