What is Watermark PDF and how does it work?

Watermark PDF is a free online tool from HuntPDF. Add a diagonal text watermark to all pages. You upload a file, the work happens on our servers, and you download the result. There is nothing to install and no account to create.

How do I use Watermark PDF online?

Upload your file using the box above — drag it in, browse for it, or bring it in from your cloud storage. A preview appears so you can check you've picked the right file. Run Watermark PDF, then download the result. You can rename it before you save it.

Is my file secure when I use Watermark PDF?

Yes. The file you send to Watermark PDF travels over an encrypted HTTPS connection and is processed automatically on our servers. It is never made public, never shared with anyone, and nobody reads it.

Does HuntPDF store my files after Watermark PDF has run?

No. Your upload is deleted the moment Watermark PDF finishes with it, and the file it produces is removed as soon as you have downloaded it, or when you upload another file, or when you close the page. Nothing is kept, and nothing is used to train anything.

Will the original quality and formatting be maintained?

Yes. Watermark PDF is built to leave your content exactly as it is — only the change you asked for is applied. Nothing else about the file is altered or re-compressed.

Can I use Watermark PDF on mobile?

Yes. Watermark PDF works in any modern browser on phones and tablets — iPhone, iPad or Android — with nothing to install. You can upload straight from your device or from your cloud storage.

Can I rename my file before downloading it from Watermark PDF?

Yes. The file Watermark PDF gives you back keeps the name of the file you uploaded by default. If you'd rather call it something else, edit the name in the field next to the download button before you save it.

Do I need to install any software to use Watermark PDF?

No. There is nothing to download, install or sign up for — Watermark PDF is used from your browser and does the work on our servers, so it behaves the same on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.

How long does Watermark PDF take?

Most files are finished in a few seconds. A large or page-heavy file takes a little longer, because Watermark PDF runs on our servers rather than on your device — but you won't be waiting around. You can upload files up to 250MB.

Is Watermark PDF free to use?

Yes. Watermark PDF is free, with no signup, no watermark on the result and no daily limit for normal use.

Will a watermark from Watermark PDF hide my text?

Not if you keep the transparency low. The default is 25% visible, which leaves the page readable. Check the live preview on dense pages.

Can I watermark every page at once?

Yes, the watermark goes on all pages by default. Switch Pages to First page only if you just want it on the cover.

Which watermark layout is hardest to remove?

Tiled. The text repeats across the whole page, so there is no clean area to crop to.

Can I use my company name as a watermark?

Yes. Type any text up to 60 characters, such as a firm name, For internal use, or a client reference.

Can Watermark PDF add an image or logo?

No, it adds text only. For a logo, open the file in the PDF editor and place the image on the page there.

How do I make a red diagonal watermark?

Pick the red swatch, choose Centre or Tiled, and set Angle to Diagonal. The preview shows the result before you press Add watermark.

Add Watermark to PDF Online – Free, No Signup

Drop your file on the target

Several files · up to 260 MB each · deleted after processing

Drop your file here

Choose file

Diagonal, tiled, header or footer
Live preview
Up to 260 MB per file

Processed on our secure servers over HTTPS. Your files are deleted automatically after processing.

Watermark PDF stamps text such as DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL or your company name across the pages of a PDF, with a live preview so you see exactly how it will look before you download. Use it so a draft isn't mistaken for the final version.

How to add a watermark to a PDF

Drop your PDF on the page, or choose it from your device, Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive (up to 260 MB). Type your watermark text (up to 60 characters), or tap one of the quick options: CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT, COPY, SAMPLE or PAID. Choose a layout, a colour and how see-through it should be, and the preview on the page updates as you go. Press Add watermark, then download the file or pass it on with Continue with this file.

Watermark PDF layout options

Centre places one large stamp in the middle of each page. Tiled repeats the text across the whole page, which makes it much harder to crop out of a screenshot. Header and Footer put a smaller line at the top or bottom. Centre and Tiled can run diagonally or straight. There are five colours (grey, red, blue, green and near black), a transparency slider from 10% to 90% visible, and a text size slider. On a multi-page file you can mark all pages or just the first.

Using Watermark PDF well

Keep it light. Around 20 to 30% visible is usually enough to be noticed without making the text underneath hard to read. A landlord sending a draft lease to a tenant might use a red diagonal DRAFT. An accountant sharing management accounts could use a tiled company name. A photographer sending proofs might stamp SAMPLE across each page.

Frequently asked questions

Will a watermark from Watermark PDF hide my text?: Not if you keep the transparency low. The default is 25% visible, which leaves the page readable. Check the live preview on dense pages.
Can I watermark every page at once?: Yes, the watermark goes on all pages by default. Switch Pages to First page only if you just want it on the cover.
Which watermark layout is hardest to remove?: Tiled. The text repeats across the whole page, so there is no clean area to crop to.
Can I use my company name as a watermark?: Yes. Type any text up to 60 characters, such as a firm name, For internal use, or a client reference.
Can Watermark PDF add an image or logo?: No, it adds text only. For a logo, open the file in the PDF editor and place the image on the page there.
How do I make a red diagonal watermark?: Pick the red swatch, choose Centre or Tiled, and set Angle to Diagonal. The preview shows the result before you press Add watermark.