Can I watermark only specific pages instead of all pages?

Currently, the tool applies watermarks to all pages in the PDF. If you need to watermark only specific pages, use our PDF Split tool first to extract those pages, watermark them separately, then merge them back with PDF Merge. This workflow gives you control over which pages get watermarked.

What's the maximum file size I can watermark?

The practical limit is your browser's available memory, typically 50-100MB depending on your device. For best performance, we recommend files under 50MB. Files larger than 100MB may cause browser crashes. For very large files, use desktop software like Adobe Acrobat.

Can I watermark password-protected PDFs?

No, password-protected PDFs must be unlocked first before watermarking. Use our PDF Unlock tool to remove the password, then watermark the unlocked PDF. This ensures all pages can be properly watermarked.

Will watermarking affect the original PDF content?

No, watermarking overlays the watermark on top of existing content without modifying the underlying PDF. Text, images, and formatting remain unchanged. The watermark is added as a separate layer. You can remove watermarks later using our PDF Remove Watermark tool if needed.

What image formats can I use for image watermarks?

You can use PNG or JPG images for watermarks. PNG is better for logos with transparency, while JPG works well for photos or solid images. The image will be scaled and positioned according to your settings. For best results, use high-quality images (at least 300×300 pixels for logos).

PDF Watermark - Add Watermarks Free

When to Use This Tool

Use this when:

You need to add 'DRAFT' or 'CONFIDENTIAL' text watermarks to PDF documents before sharing
You want to apply your company logo as an image watermark to PDF reports for branding
You're marking PDF documents with account numbers, reference IDs, or tracking information
You need to add copyright watermarks to PDF portfolios or design documents
You're preparing PDF documents for review and want to mark them as 'FOR REVIEW' or 'PRELIMINARY'
You want to add subtle branding watermarks to PDF presentations or proposals
You need to protect PDF content by adding ownership or copyright watermarks

Don't use this if:

You need to watermark PDFs larger than 100MB (browser memory limits may cause crashes)
You want to watermark password-protected PDFs (unlock first using PDF Unlock tool)
You need to watermark only specific pages with different watermarks (current version applies to all pages)
You require batch processing of 20+ PDFs simultaneously (use desktop software)
You need to add complex, multi-layer watermarks or advanced positioning (use specialized PDF software)

What is a PDF Watermark Tool?

A PDF watermark tool adds text or image watermarks to PDF documents — for branding, marking documents as 'DRAFT', 'CONFIDENTIAL', or adding company logos. Our tool applies watermarks entirely in your browser without uploading files to any server.

Watermarking PDFs is important for document security and professional presentation: marking draft documents to prevent premature distribution, adding confidentiality notices to sensitive materials, branding client deliverables with company logos, and adding copyright notices to published documents.

This tool is essential for legal professionals marking documents as 'PRIVILEGED' or 'DRAFT', business professionals branding proposals and reports, real estate agents watermarking property documents, educators marking exam papers, and creative professionals protecting portfolios and proofs.

Compared to Adobe Acrobat (which requires a paid subscription starting at $20/month), Microsoft Word's watermark feature (which only works with Word documents, not PDFs), or online watermark tools that process your files on remote servers, PureXio's watermark tool applies watermarks instantly in-browser with full customization.

You can customize the watermark text, font size, color, opacity, rotation angle, and position on the page. Image watermarks support PNG and JPG logos with adjustable opacity and sizing. Watermarks can be applied to all pages or selected pages, and you can preview the result before downloading.

Best for: adding text or image watermarks to PDFs. Customizable position, opacity, rotation. Preview before downloading. 100% private processing.

How to Add Watermark to PDF

Drop your PDF file (up to 100MB) or click to browse and select your file

Choose watermark type (text or image), set position (center, corners, diagonal), adjust opacity (10-100%), and configure size or font

Click 'Apply Watermark' and download your watermarked PDF. Watermark is applied to all pages

Common Use Cases

Add 'DRAFT' text watermark diagonally across all pages of a PDF document before sharing for review

Apply company logo as image watermark to bottom-right corner of all pages in a PDF report

Add 'CONFIDENTIAL' text watermark to sensitive PDF documents with 30% opacity for subtle marking

Watermark PDF invoices with account number or reference ID in the header area

Apply copyright symbol and text as diagonal watermark to PDF portfolios or design documents

Add 'FOR REVIEW ONLY' watermark to PDF proposals or contracts before final approval

Mark PDF documents with date or version number as watermark for tracking purposes

Features

Add text watermarks with customizable font size, color, opacity, and rotation

Add image watermarks (PNG or JPG) with adjustable size, position, and opacity

Multiple position options: center, top-left, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-right, or diagonal

Opacity control (10-100%) for subtle or prominent watermarks

Watermark applied to all pages in the PDF automatically

100% private—all processing happens in your browser

Preserves original PDF content—watermark overlays without modifying underlying content

Limitations & Constraints

Maximum file size: 100MB (browser memory limit). For larger files, use desktop software like Adobe Acrobat.

Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked first. Use our PDF Unlock tool before watermarking.

Watermarks are applied to all pages—cannot watermark individual pages selectively with different watermarks.

Very large PDFs (200+ pages) with watermarks may process slowly. Consider splitting into smaller batches.

Complex PDFs with embedded 3D content or multimedia may not watermark correctly. Test with a simple PDF first.

Troubleshooting

PDF watermarking fails or shows 'File too large' error

Solution: Reduce file size first by compressing the PDF. If the PDF is over 100MB, use desktop software. Check your browser's available memory—close other tabs and applications. Try a different browser (Chrome typically handles larger files better). Prevention: Keep files under 50MB for best results. For very large PDFs, compress first or use desktop software.

Watermark doesn't appear or is too faint

Solution: Increase opacity setting (try 50-70% for visible watermarks, 20-30% for subtle). For text watermarks, increase font size. For image watermarks, increase scale. Ensure watermark color contrasts with PDF background. Test with higher opacity first, then adjust to desired subtlety. Prevention: Preview watermark settings before applying to large PDFs.

Watermark appears in wrong position

Solution: Check position setting—center places watermark in middle, corners place it at edges, diagonal places it across center. For text watermarks, position refers to text anchor point. For image watermarks, position refers to image placement. Try different positions to find the right placement. Prevention: Test watermark position on a small PDF first.

Browser crashes when watermarking large PDF

Solution: Close other browser tabs and applications to free up memory. Try a different browser (Chrome handles large files better than Firefox). Split the PDF into smaller chunks (20-30 pages at a time) and watermark separately. If crashes persist, use desktop software for files over 50MB. Prevention: Keep files under 50MB. Check available system memory before processing large files.

Watermarking takes too long or seems stuck

Solution: Large PDFs (over 30MB or 100+ pages) can take 30-60 seconds to process. Check your browser's task manager to see if it's still processing. If it's been more than 2 minutes, refresh the page and try a smaller file or split the PDF into chunks. Ensure you have a stable internet connection (for initial page load). Prevention: Keep files under 30MB for faster processing. Close other applications to free up system resources.