How to Add a Watermark to a PDF

Add a text watermark such as DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL to every PDF page free, pick a readable opacity, and learn when and how a watermark can be removed.

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To add a watermark to a PDF, open Watermark PDF, type the text (for example DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL), set the opacity and click Apply & download. Every page gets a diagonal watermark; keep your clean original for later.

Add a watermark step by step

  1. Open Watermark PDF and select the PDF.
  2. Type the watermark text — a status (DRAFT, SAMPLE, PAID), a client name or your brand.
  3. Set opacity: 15–25% keeps text readable; 30–40% suits photo-heavy pages.
  4. Click Apply & download and check a few pages.

Good watermark wording

  • Add a date for version control: “DRAFT — 3 Oct 2026”.
  • Use the recipient's name on confidential copies to discourage forwarding.
  • Keep it short — long phrases auto-shrink to fit the diagonal.

Watermarks are labels, not security

A visible watermark discourages reuse and shows a document's status, but it does not encrypt anything. For secrecy, control who receives the file, remove hidden data with the metadata editor and use redaction for content that must never be seen.

How to remove a watermark in a PDF

If you added the watermark, simply share the original file. For a document you own or have permission to edit, Remove Watermark tries an automatic cleanup and lets you select or cover the mark manually with a preview. Watermarks that are merged into a scanned image may not separate cleanly — see how to remove PDF watermarks safely.

Watermark your PDF now: Open Watermark PDF →

Frequently asked questions

How do I add a watermark to a PDF for free?

Open Watermark PDF, type the text, set the opacity and download — free, with no upload or sign-up.

How do I add a DRAFT watermark in a PDF?

Type DRAFT as the watermark text, choose about 20% opacity and apply it to all pages.

How do I remove a watermark in a PDF?

Share your unwatermarked original if you have it; otherwise use Remove Watermark on files you are allowed to edit and check the preview before downloading.

More in this topic cluster

PDF Editors: How They Work

Layers, annotations, flattening and OCR explained.

PDF Privacy and Security

Local processing, metadata and safe sharing.

How to Redact a PDF Safely

Remove sensitive content for good.

Keep an untouched source and verify the downloaded copy. This guide is educational, not legal, compliance or professional certification. Read the LyfPDF Disclaimer.