How to Add a Watermark to a PDF

2026-02-20

Watermarks serve as a visual layer of protection and communication on your documents. Whether you need to mark a PDF as 'Draft,' stamp it 'Confidential,' or overlay your company logo, adding a watermark is a straightforward process that takes just a few clicks with the right tool.

Why Add a Watermark to a PDF?

Watermarks serve multiple purposes. A 'Draft' watermark signals that a document is not final and should not be distributed or relied upon. A 'Confidential' stamp reminds recipients that the content is sensitive. Brand logos and company names establish ownership and discourage unauthorized redistribution. Photographers and designers use watermarks to protect their work from being used without permission or payment. In legal and corporate settings, watermarks can also indicate document status, version, or distribution restrictions.

Text Watermarks vs. Image Watermarks

Text watermarks are the most common type. They display a word or phrase like 'DRAFT,' 'CONFIDENTIAL,' or 'SAMPLE' across each page, usually in a large, semi-transparent font rotated diagonally. Text watermarks are simple to create and effective for status labeling. Image watermarks use a graphic, typically a logo or seal, placed at a consistent position on each page. These are preferred for branding purposes and intellectual property protection. Both types should be semi-transparent so they are visible without making the underlying content unreadable.

How to Add a Watermark with Luleit

Open Luleit's watermark tool and load your PDF. Choose between a text or image watermark. For text, type your message, adjust the font size, color, opacity, and rotation angle. For images, upload your logo or graphic and set the size, position, and transparency. Preview the result on your pages, then download the watermarked PDF. The entire process runs in your browser, so your document and your branding assets remain private.

Watermark Placement Tips

Position your watermark where it is visible but does not obscure critical content. Center-page diagonal placement works best for status labels like 'Draft' or 'Confidential.' Corner placement (typically bottom-right) is standard for brand logos. Set opacity between 15 and 30 percent for the right balance between visibility and readability. If the document has varying backgrounds, light pages and dark pages, test the watermark on multiple pages to ensure it remains legible throughout.

Are Watermarks Permanent?

Standard PDF watermarks are embedded in the document but can be removed by someone with PDF editing tools. They are a deterrent, not a guarantee. For stronger protection, consider flattening the watermark into the page content, which merges the watermark with the background so it cannot be easily separated. Keep in mind that no digital watermark is entirely tamper-proof, but they significantly raise the effort required for misuse and provide clear evidence of original ownership.