PDF watermark
Discourage misuse of preliminary documents with a visible DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL overlay. Watermarks sit on top of page content at chosen opacity and angle — ideal before sharing review PDFs with clients or investors.
Watermark text
How to watermark a PDF
1. Upload the PDF.
2. Enter watermark text or upload a logo image.
3. Set opacity, rotation (often 45°), and placement.
4. Apply and download the watermarked PDF.
Watermark examples
Draft contract review
Large gray "DRAFT — NOT FOR EXECUTION" diagonally across each page until final signing.
Internal financial model
CONFIDENTIAL watermark before emailing PDF export to board observers.
Sample portfolio
Light "SAMPLE" repeat pattern on preview PDFs for prospects.
When to watermark
• When recipients might confuse draft with final.
• When deterring casual forwarding of sensitive PDFs.
• When branding preview documents with company name.
When watermark is not enough
• When true access control is required — use encryption and permissions.
• When watermarks would obscure readable text for compliance submissions.
• When professionally printed materials need clean masters.
Legal expectations
Watermarked drafts clarify intent but do not replace signature blocks and version control. Track filename and date in addition to overlay text.
Accessibility
Heavy diagonal watermarks reduce contrast — avoid on documents that must meet WCAG for visually impaired reviewers.
Print behavior
Watermarks print unless designed as screen-only annotations — test print preview before board packets.
Frequently asked questions
Can watermarks be removed?
Determined users can edit PDFs — watermark is deterrent not DRM.
Text vs image watermark?
Text is fast for DRAFT labels; logos suit brand protection on previews.
Opacity recommendation?
20–40% gray often stays readable underneath; increase for stronger deterrent.
Every page?
Typically yes — ensure option covers all pages in multi-section docs.
Local only?
Yes.
Before or after password protect?
Watermark content first, then encrypt if distributing controlled copies.