How to add a watermark to a PDF

To add a watermark to a PDF, open it in a watermark tool, type the text you want, such as "DRAFT" or "Copy for bank use only", adjust the size and transparency, and apply it to every page. The text appears across each page behind or over the content. It tells readers the status of the document and makes misuse less tempting.

What is a PDF watermark for?

A watermark is text or a faint image placed across a page to label it. It is not a lock. It is a clear signal about what the document is and who it is for. Common uses:

• Status labels, such as DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, SAMPLE or VOID.
• Purpose lines on ID copies, such as "For tenancy application only".
• Ownership, such as a business or author name on shared work.
• Preview copies of designs, plans or photos sent before payment.
• Version control, such as "Version 2, not final" on circulated drafts.

How to watermark a PDF on your phone

1. Open the PDF in a watermark tool.
2. Type the watermark text. Keep it short.
3. Choose a size that spans much of the page without hiding the content.
4. Set the transparency so the text underneath is still readable.
5. Pick an angle. Diagonal is the classic choice because it crosses most of the page.
6. Apply to all pages and save as a new file.
7. Zoom in on a few pages to make sure important details are still clear.

Keep the original unwatermarked file if you might need a clean copy later.

Tips for a watermark that works

• Diagonal and large covers more of the page, which makes it harder to crop out.
• Light grey or semi-transparent keeps the document readable. A solid black watermark can make a form useless.
• Short wording reads at a glance. "DRAFT" works better than a long sentence.
• Include a date for ID copies, such as "For flat rental, October 2026", so an old copy cannot be reused as easily later.
• Do not cover key details on documents the recipient needs to read, like totals on an invoice.

Watermarking ID copies: a good habit

When you send a copy of your ID card, passport or a utility bill, a watermark that states the purpose makes it less useful to anyone who might misuse it. Someone trying to use your copy elsewhere would have to explain why it says "For bank account opening at a named bank only". Place the text across the card image, not just in the margin, while keeping the name and number readable. Our guide to putting both sides of an ID card on one page covers making the copy itself.

What a watermark does not do

A watermark is a deterrent, not protection. A determined person with editing software may be able to remove or cover it, especially if it was added as a separate layer. To make it harder:

• flatten the PDF after adding the watermark, so it becomes part of the page content. See what flattening a PDF means;
• protect the file with a password if it should not be opened by others at all. See how to password protect a PDF.

Watermark or header and footer?

A watermark crosses the page and is meant to be noticed. A header or footer sits quietly at the top or bottom, often with page numbers, a date or a document title. If you just need a small "Confidential" line on each page, a footer may be neater. The headers and footers guide explains how to add one.

Watermark wording ideas

• DRAFT, not for distribution
• CONFIDENTIAL
• SAMPLE, not valid for use
• Copy for visa application, [month and year]
• Preview only, final file on payment
• Internal review, version 3

Watermarking with PDF Burrow

The Add Watermark tool in PDF Burrow stamps diagonal text across every page of your PDF, on your phone and without uploading the file. You can then lock it in place with Flatten PDF and add a password with Password Protect. For a smaller label at the edge of each page, Header & Footer adds custom text, page numbers and the date in any corner.

Frequently asked questions

Can a watermark be removed from a PDF?

Sometimes, especially if it was added as a separate layer. Flattening the PDF after watermarking makes removal much harder, though not impossible for a determined editor.

Will a watermark make my PDF larger?

A text watermark adds very little to the file size. Image watermarks add more, depending on the image.

Should a watermark go on every page?

For status labels like DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL, yes. A single watermarked page is easy to remove from the document.

Can I watermark a scanned PDF?

Yes. The watermark is placed on top of the scanned page image just like any other PDF page.