How to add a watermark to a PDF
- Choose your PDF.
- Type the watermark text, for example
CONFIDENTIAL,DRAFTorSAMPLE. - Choose whether it appears once in the centre or repeated across the page, then adjust size, transparency, angle and colour. The preview updates as you go.
- Click Add watermark & download. Every page is stamped.
Protect copies of your ID documents
When you share a copy of your Aadhaar, PAN, passport or bank statement, watermark it with its purpose and the date — for example For HDFC home loan only – Sept 2026. If the copy leaks, it's obvious it was shared for a specific purpose, and it's harder to misuse for fraud or SIM-swap scams. The repeated layout at 20–30% opacity keeps the document readable while covering the whole page.
Choosing watermark settings
| Purpose | Suggested settings |
|---|---|
| Draft or internal document | Centre, 60 pt, 15–20% opacity, 45°, grey |
| Confidential report | Centre, 54 pt, 20% opacity, 45°, red |
| ID or KYC copy | Repeated, 24–32 pt, 25% opacity, 30°, dark blue |
| Sample or preview for clients | Repeated, 40 pt, 30% opacity, 45° |
Good to know
- The watermark is placed correctly on rotated (landscape) pages too.
- The watermark is added as a layer of text. To make it much harder to remove, convert the watermarked file with PDF to JPG and back with JPG to PDF.
- Your file is processed entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Also need page numbers? Use Add page numbers to PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Why watermark a PDF?
Watermarks mark a document's status (DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL) and discourage misuse. A common practice in India is watermarking copies of Aadhaar or PAN with the purpose, e.g. "For bank KYC only", so the copy can't easily be reused elsewhere.
Can the watermark be removed?
The watermark is added as text on each page, so someone with PDF editing software could remove it. For stronger protection, convert the watermarked PDF to images with PDF to JPG and back to PDF, which merges the watermark into the page image.
Can I write the watermark in Hindi or other Indian languages?
Not yet. The built-in PDF font supports English letters, numbers and common symbols. The tool tells you if your text contains characters it can't display.
Is my document uploaded?
No. The watermark is applied in your browser and the file never leaves your device.
Last updated: 23 September 2026Suggest an improvement · Report a problem