Watermark PDF
Add a text watermark to every page of a PDF. Browser-side, no upload.
Add a custom text watermark to every page of a PDF — diagonal, with adjustable opacity, font size, and position.
Add a watermark to PDF is the standard way to mark documents as DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, or for-distribution before sharing. Watermarks discourage unauthorized copying, label document status clearly, and add accountability to information that might leak.
Pick Rack's Watermark PDF tool adds custom text to every page of a PDF — your choice of text, font size, opacity, and position (diagonal across the page, centered, or at the bottom). All processing is browser-side via [pdf-lib](https://github.com/Hopding/pdf-lib): your file never uploads.
Free, no signup, no watermark from us (just the one you choose), works on files up to 200MB.
Key features
- Custom text up to 50 characters — Type DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, your name, or any short phrase.
- Adjustable opacity (10-100%) — Subtle background watermarks at 20-30% or strong overlays at 80-100% — your choice.
- Font size 20-120 pt — Match the watermark to your page size and visual prominence preference.
- Three position presets — Diagonal (45° across the page), centered, or near the bottom — covers most use cases.
- Browser-side, never uploads — Confidential documents stay on your device — perfect for legal, HR, or financial files.
How to use
- Step 1: Upload PDF — Drop a single PDF (up to 200MB) into the tool.
- Step 2: Customize the watermark — Enter the watermark text, then adjust opacity, font size, and position to taste.
- Step 3: Click Apply watermark — Each page is stamped with your text. Processing is instant for most files.
- Step 4: Download watermarked.pdf — Save the marked file. Original is untouched.
When to use
- Mark draft documents with DRAFT to prevent confusion with finalized versions
- Stamp confidential business plans with CONFIDENTIAL before sharing externally
- Add your name to portfolio PDFs you share with potential clients (light branding)
- Mark contract drafts with DO NOT SIGN before final review is complete
- Identify training material copies with the trainee's name to track distribution
- Add timestamps like "REVIEW — 2026 Q2" for documents that go through cycles
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my company logo as a watermark?
This tool supports text watermarks only. Image watermarks are planned for a future update. For now, a text watermark with your company name in a distinctive font works similarly.
Can the watermark be removed by a recipient?
Watermarks added with this tool are baked into the page content, not a separate layer. They cannot be removed in Adobe Reader or most PDF tools without specialized software. However, technically motivated users can extract and re-render PDF content — for high-security needs, combine watermarking with password protection.
What color is the watermark?
Currently, all watermarks are dark red. A future update may add color picker options. Dark red provides good visibility on most light-colored documents while staying readable when overlaid on text.
Can I add different watermarks to different pages?
Not in this tool — every page receives the same watermark. To watermark only certain pages, split the PDF first, watermark the parts that need it, and merge back together.
Why is my watermark text cut off on the page?
If your text is too long for the chosen font size, parts may extend beyond the page. Either shorten the text (max 50 characters) or reduce the font size.
Does adding a watermark increase the file size much?
Minimally — typically 1-5KB regardless of the number of pages. Watermarks are applied as text drawing instructions, not as embedded images.