Add a watermark to a PDF — without losing the text layer
Mark every PDF page with a short label such as DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL. Adjust the text size and opacity so the document remains readable.
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A watermark is added over the page. It does not remove the content underneath and can be removed with editing software.
The font has limited character support; emoji and non-Latin scripts may fail. Check the downloaded pages for placement and readability.
How to use
- Choose a PDF. Use an unencrypted copy. The source file on your device is not overwritten.
- Enter Watermark text. Keep it short enough to fit. Leave Diagonal, corner to corner on, or turn it off for a horizontal mark.
- Set Text size and Opacity. Start with a light mark, then select Add watermark. Open the download to check placement on different page sizes.
Questions
Can a watermark protect confidential content?
It labels the document; it does not stop copying, forwarding or editing. A person with PDF-editing software may remove the mark. It also does not redact the text underneath.
Does the original text stay selectable?
Existing pages are not turned into pictures: the mark is drawn on top. An existing text layer remains, but a scanned page does not gain one. Check the saved file, especially if it already contains a digital signature.
Why does some text fail?
The built-in font supports a limited Western character set. Many accents work, but emoji and scripts such as Arabic or Chinese are not supported. Try a supported short label rather than assuming every Latin-script character is available.
Can I unlock a PDF first?
This tool cannot edit encrypted PDFs directly. The unlock tool here rebuilds pages as pictures, losing searchable text and working forms. If those features matter, obtain an unencrypted original or remove its password in a PDF editor with permission.
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