You've poured hours into creating a report, ebook, or design portfolio. The last thing you want is for someone to copy your work without credit or, worse, present it as their own.

Adding a watermark is the simplest, most effective way to claim ownership and control how your document is used. Whether it's a bold "CONFIDENTIAL" stamp across a contract or a subtle company logo in the corner of a presentation, CarePDF makes it easy to add watermarks to PDF files online for free.

Why Watermark Your Documents?

Watermarks serve two main purposes: Security and Status. Here is why professionals use them:

1. Copyright Protection

For photographers, designers, and writers, a watermark (like "© Your Name") discourages theft and ensures that even if your file is shared, your branding travels with it.

2. Document Status

In business, clarity is key. Stamping a document with "DRAFT", "SAMPLE", or "CONFIDENTIAL" prevents misunderstandings. It ensures a client doesn't mistake a rough sketch for a final deliverable.

3. Brand Consistency

Adding your company logo to every page of a proposal or invoice reinforces your brand identity and makes your documents look polished and professional.

How to Add a Watermark in 3 Steps

Our tool allows you to add both text and image watermarks. Here is how:

  1. Upload Your PDF: Open the Add Watermark tool and select your file.
  2. Customize Your Stamp:
    • Text: Type your message (e.g., "DO NOT COPY"). Adjust the font, size, color, and transparency.
    • Image: Upload your logo file (PNG or JPG). Scale it to fit perfectly.
  3. Position & Rotate: Choose where the watermark appears (Center, Top-Right, etc.) and rotate it (e.g., 45 degrees for a diagonal "CONFIDENTIAL" stamp).
  4. Apply & Download: Click the button to stamp all pages instantly. Download your protected PDF.

Watermarking vs. Password Protection

Watermarks are a deterrent, but they don't lock the file. If you need stricter security:

  • Use Protect PDF to set a password that prevents people from opening the file at all.
  • Use Redact PDF to permanently remove sensitive data instead of just covering it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watermark only specific pages?

Our standard tool stamps the entire document for consistency. To watermark only specific pages, we recommend using Split PDF, watermarking the specific file, and then Merging them back together.

Can I remove a watermark later?

Ideally, you should keep an original clean copy. Removing a "baked-in" watermark is difficult. You might try our Edit PDF tool to cover it with a white box, or Crop PDF if the watermark is near the edges.

What image formats are supported?

You can upload JPG or PNG files for your image watermark. PNGs with transparent backgrounds work best for logos.

Ready to brand your work? Add a Watermark to Your PDF Now.