Add Watermark to PDF

Add custom text or image watermarks to your PDF files with full control over position, opacity, and rotation.

💧

Select PDF file

or drop PDF here

What is a PDF watermark?

A PDF watermark is a text label or image overlaid on the pages of a PDF document, typically at a reduced opacity so the underlying content remains readable. Watermarks are used to mark a document's status (DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, SAMPLE), assert copyright or ownership, or deter unauthorized reproduction. PDFLE supports both text watermarks (custom text, font, color, size, rotation) and image watermarks (PNG or JPEG logo), with full control over opacity, position, and which pages receive the watermark.

How to add a watermark to a PDF — step by step

  1. Upload your PDF — click "Select PDF file" or drag the PDF into the drop zone.
  2. Choose watermark type — select "Text Watermark" to type custom text, or "Image Watermark" to upload a logo or image file.
  3. Configure settings — set the text/image, opacity, rotation, position (horizontal and vertical), and which pages to apply the watermark to.
  4. Generate a preview — click "Generate Preview" to see the watermark applied to the first page before committing.
  5. Click "Add Watermark to PDF" — PDFLE applies the watermark and prepares the output for download.
  6. Download — save the watermarked PDF to your device.

Common PDF watermark use cases

  • Marking a contract or proposal as "DRAFT" before final approval
  • Adding a "CONFIDENTIAL" label to internal reports shared outside the organization
  • Stamping "SAMPLE" on a document sent for review to prevent unauthorized use
  • Branding PDF deliverables with a company logo watermark for client distribution
  • Adding a copyright notice to published PDF documents or e-books

Place the watermark behind content (background) for a subtle stamp effect, or on top of content (foreground) for a more prominent overlay. Opacity of 30–50% is typical for professional watermarks that don't obscure readability.

Related tools: password-protect the watermarked PDF for additional security, add a signature to finalize the document, or reorder pages before applying the watermark.