Add a watermark to a PDF in your browser
Add text or image watermarks to PDF files. Protect and brand your documents.
Fast answer
Use Add Watermark when a PDF needs visible text or image branding such as Draft, Confidential, Approved, or a company mark.
What this tool is best for
- Stamping internal drafts, review copies, or confidential documents.
- Adding company branding to PDFs before distribution.
- Applying repeatable visible markings without leaving the browser.
Inputs and outputs
Inputs
- A PDF file.
- Custom watermark text or an image, plus placement and opacity settings.
Outputs
- A PDF with visible watermarks applied to the pages you choose.
- Branded or status-marked output ready for sharing.
About This Tool
Add Watermark allows you to place text or image watermarks on your PDF documents. Watermarks can indicate document status (Draft, Confidential), add branding, or deter unauthorized copying.
Customize the watermark's position, size, opacity, rotation, and color. Apply to all pages or select specific pages. The tool supports both text watermarks and image watermarks.
All processing happens locally in your browser, ensuring your documents remain private.
Practical guide for this tool
Use Add Watermark when a PDF needs visible text or image branding such as Draft, Confidential, Approved, or a company mark.
What this tool does
- Adds visible text or image watermarks to PDF pages for draft, confidential, approved, or branded copies.
- Lets users adjust placement, opacity, and rotation so the watermark is visible without blocking the document.
- Creates visible page content; it is not the same as password protection or access control.
When to use it
- Stamping internal drafts, review copies, or confidential documents.
- Adding company branding to PDFs before distribution.
- Applying repeatable visible markings without leaving the browser.
Practical examples
- Mark a review copy: start with proposal.pdf with Draft text watermark and check that the output matches proposal-draft.pdf.
- Brand a report: start with report.pdf with company logo watermark and check that the output matches report-branded.pdf.
Privacy and file handling
- Use this tool only on documents you own or have permission to process.
- OpenToolsKit is designed around browser-side processing where applicable, but you should still inspect the downloaded result before sharing it.
- Keep the original file until the output has been opened and verified.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a watermark as a security feature when encryption or permissions are needed.
- Placing dark watermarks over small text or form fields.
- Forgetting to save an unwatermarked original for future edits.
Troubleshooting
- If the watermark is too strong, reduce opacity or move it away from important text.
- If you only need page numbering or headers, use those dedicated tools instead.
How to Use
Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop your PDF file or click to select the document.
Create Watermark
Enter text or upload an image for your watermark. Adjust position, size, opacity, and rotation.
Apply and Download
Click Apply to add the watermark and download your updated PDF.
Use Cases
Document Protection
Add "Confidential" or "Draft" watermarks to indicate document status.
Brand Documents
Add company logos or names to official documents.
Copyright Notice
Add copyright information to protect intellectual property.
When to use this instead of a related tool
Page Numbers
Use this adjacent tool when the job moves beyond add watermark into a related PDF workflow.
Compare with Page NumbersLimitations and edge cases
- Watermarks are visible page content, not access control. Use Encrypt PDF or Change Permissions for security settings.
- If you only need page numbers or headers, those dedicated tools are usually simpler than a watermark workflow.
Examples
Mark a review copy
Input
proposal.pdf with Draft text watermark
Output
proposal-draft.pdf
Brand a report
Input
report.pdf with company logo watermark
Output
report-branded.pdf
Task pathways
Where this fits in pdf workflows
Edit and annotate PDF tools hub
Choose the closest task in this PDF category before switching tools.
Go to Edit and annotate PDF tools hubBuild a multi-step PDF workflow
Chain adjacent PDF actions when one tool is only part of the job.
Go to Build a multi-step PDF workflowBrowse all browser PDF tools
Scan every live PDF utility and route to the right next action.
Go to Browse all browser PDF toolsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use an image as a watermark?
Yes, you can upload PNG, JPG, or SVG images to use as watermarks.
Can I make the watermark semi-transparent?
Yes, you can adjust the opacity from fully transparent to fully opaque.
Can I apply different watermarks to different pages?
The tool applies the same watermark to selected pages. For different watermarks, process the document multiple times.
Does a watermark protect a PDF from copying?
No. A watermark is visible labeling. Use encryption, permissions, or a controlled sharing process when access control matters.
What should I check before sharing output from Add Watermark?
Open the downloaded file and verify page order, readability, visible edits, and any privacy-sensitive details before sending or filing it.
Does Add Watermark upload my document to OpenToolsKit servers?
OpenToolsKit is designed around browser-side processing where applicable. Some browser features, third-party links, or unsupported file types can have different boundaries, so review the privacy page for details.
You May Also Like
If your problem is not exactly a add watermark job, these adjacent tools are the closest next paths.