How to add a watermark (DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL) to a PDF
A watermark tells readers a document is a draft, internal or copyrighted. Add watermark to PDF overlays text on your pages in your browser.
Steps
- Add your PDF.
- Type the Watermark text; the default is CONFIDENTIAL.
- Choose the Layout: one large mark in the centre, or repeated across the page.
- Tune Size (12-160 pt), Opacity (default 20%), Rotation (default 45 degrees) and Colour.
- Optionally limit it to certain pages, then download.
Settings that work
- Draft stamps: centre layout, 60-90 pt, 15-25% opacity, red or grey.
- Copyright or “For [name] only”: tile layout, smaller size (20-30 pt), low opacity so text stays readable.
- Readability first: if people must read the page, keep opacity at 20% or less.
Tips
- Short text looks best in the centre layout. Long text is better tiled with a smaller size.
- Keep a clean copy of the original. A watermark is a visible deterrent, not protection.
- A watermark does not prevent copying or printing; the text is simply drawn on the page.
- Add page numbers afterwards with Add page numbers.
Limits
The text is a regular overlay, so a determined person could remove it with editing software. Use it for clarity and light deterrence, not security.