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Quick answer
To add a watermark to a PDF, open Zappy Watermark PDF, add your file, choose Text, Image or Signature, set the opacity, angle and position, and click Add watermark. The stamped PDF downloads straight away. It is free and runs in your browser, so the document is never uploaded.
How to add a watermark to a PDF in 3 steps
Add your PDF
Open Watermark PDF and drop in your file. PDFs up to 100 MB work.
Design the watermark
Pick a word such as CONFIDENTIAL or DRAFT (or type your own), upload a logo, or draw a signature. Then set the size, color, opacity, angle and one of nine positions.
Apply and download
Choose all pages or specific ones, click Add watermark, and the stamped PDF downloads.
Text, logo or signature: which to use
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| Watermark | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Text | CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT, SAMPLE, DO NOT COPY | Diagonal at 20–30% opacity is hard to crop out but easy to read through |
| Logo or image | Branding proposals, portfolios and price lists | A PNG with a transparent background looks cleanest |
| Signature | Marking a document as reviewed or approved | Draw it once with a mouse, trackpad or finger |
Getting the settings right
- Opacity: 20–30% keeps the text underneath readable. Go higher for proofs you don't want reused.
- Angle: a 45° diagonal across the center is the classic look and the hardest to remove.
- Position: a corner works for a subtle logo, the center for anything protective.
- Pages: type 1, 3, 5-8 to watermark only some pages, such as the cover.
Watermark ideas for common documents
Swipe to compare →
| Document | Suggested watermark |
|---|---|
| Draft contract or proposal | DRAFT, diagonal, 20% opacity, all pages |
| Price list or quote | Your logo, bottom corner, 30% opacity |
| Photos or artwork you share online | Your name or site, lower corner, 40–50% opacity |
| Internal report | CONFIDENTIAL, diagonal, 20% opacity |
| Signed or approved copy | Your drawn signature, bottom right, first page only |
Pair a watermark with a password using Protect PDF when a document really must stay private. A watermark discourages sharing, but it doesn't stop anyone opening the file.
Adding a watermark without Adobe Acrobat
In Adobe Acrobat, watermarks live under Edit PDF > Watermark, which needs a paid subscription. The free Acrobat Reader cannot add them. A free browser tool gives you the same text, image and opacity options without the subscription.
Can a watermark be removed?
If the watermark was added as a separate layer and you have the original, the easiest fix is to re-export the document from its source without it. Watermarks that are part of the page image, as in many scans, can't be cleanly removed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add a watermark to a PDF for free?
Open Zappy Watermark PDF, add your file, choose text, an image or a signature, set the opacity and position, and click Add watermark.
Can I add a logo as a watermark?
Yes. Upload a PNG, JPG or WebP. A PNG with a transparent background gives the cleanest result.
Can I watermark only some pages?
Yes. Choose Specific pages and enter page numbers or ranges, such as 1, 3, 5-8.
What opacity should a watermark be?
Around 20 to 30 percent keeps the page readable while still marking it clearly.
Can I add a watermark on my phone?
Yes. Open Watermark PDF in Safari or Chrome. You can even draw a signature watermark with your finger.
Can I add a watermark without Adobe Acrobat?
Yes. Acrobat's watermark tool needs a paid plan, but Zappy Watermark PDF is free and works in any browser.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The watermark is added inside your browser, so the document never leaves your device.