Simple Ways to Add Watermark to PDF (Desktop and Online)

What do most document creators do to show their ownership of an original PDF file? One reliable way is to insert text watermark or image watermark in PDF. In this post, we explain why you may need to add a watermark to PDF and post step-by-step guides for you. Cisdem PDFMaster, Foxit PDF Editor, iLovePDF, Sejda and DeftPDF will be displayed in this tutorial. 

Why Add Watermark to PDF?

On the one hand, a text watermark or image watermark is a verification of the identity of the content creator, which can protect the copyright and prevent file from copying and leaking. These transparent watermarks placed in PDF documents make it hard to modify the file.

On the other hand, watermarks are commonly used by companies to label their name or logo in PDF documents. This can be used as a marketing tool to expand brand exposure and also as a way to verify the authenticity of a legal document. 

In addition, watermark can work as an annotate or stamp, which enables you to classify the categories of the PDF document, such as “sample” and “draft”. From the text watermark mentioned above, viewers can distinguish the status of the original PDF document. 

Guide to Add Watermark to PDF with Desktop Program

Applying a desktop PDF editor assists users to accomplish tasks at work with high efficiency. In this part, we are going to display two powerful and practical watermark creators to insert watermark in PDF. You can also try other features provided by the software.

Cisdem PDFMaster: Fastest PDF Watermark Creator

Whether your operating system is Mac or Windows, Cisdem can create text-based watermarks with easy-to-use operations and fast speed. It is not only a watermark creator, but also an all-around desktop program that contains many useful and workable PDF tools. Be the master of your PDF with Cisdem.

Cisdem PDFMaster Main features at a Glance: 

• Edit text in PDF to edit the original content in Word.
• Create custom annotations like adding stamp, digital signature, images, file attachment, comment, etc.
• Convert scanned PDF into editable and searchable file via OCR technology.
• Convert image, DOC, DOCX, ODT, PPTX, RTF, TXT or XLSX to PDF.
• Encrypt your PDF with password protection.
• Collaborate with others to annotate PDF in real-time.
• Create, edit, customize and fill form.
• Rotate pages, delete pages, move pages, insert blank pages or crop pages as you like.
• Remove sensitive text or personal information by applying redaction.

Steps: How to Add Watermark to PDF with Cisdem PDFMater:

1. Download and install Cisdem PDFMater.
   Free Download
2. Open the program and upload the PDF you want to add watermark.
3. In the tools center, go to Security > Watermarks.
4. Enter the text you want to use as a watermark in the text box.
   Adjust the font size and opacity by dragging the corresponding bar, and change the text color from the color palette. 
5. When you finish, click “Download” to save your custom watermark.

Foxit PDF Editor: Set Watermark in PDF Files Easily

Foxit Software is a leading creator of PDF applications that enables users to solve PDF problems easily on their desktop, mobile devices and web. As the most popular product in this company, Foxit PDF Editor is targeted to those who need to edit and replace text in PDF, convert PDF, annotate content with versatile markup tools or share PDF with colleagues. Aside from the membership fee, which is as high as Adobe’s products, it is an excellent editor.

Steps: How to Set Watermark in PDF Files with Foxit PDF Editor:

1. Open a PDF in Foxit PDF Editor.
2. Go to Organize > Watermark. When the drop-down menu appears, then click “Add”.
3. A new window will be displayed on the interface. From the “Source” bar, you can choose to add a text watermark or image watermark.
   After manipulating the position, appearance or page range options, click “OK” to apply your changes.
4. You can preview the overall effect of the PDF with a new watermark.
5. Go to File > Save as to download your modified PDF.

Check the Online Free Ways to Insert Watermark in PDF Files

In addition to desktop programs, some users may also want to insert watermark in PDF files with web-based ways for free. Online websites save a lot of time and cost for people who need to process PDF tasks temporarily. Follow the tutorials below, find which online solution you prefer.

#1 iLovePDF

iLovePDF is a multi-functional online website that provides 20+ PDF tools for free. The watermark creator enables users to process multiple PDF files at one time. This part presents you the most pellucid guide to inset watermark in PDF files with iLovePDF online.

Steps: How to Add Watermark to PDF in iLovePDF?

1. Go to ALL PDF TOOLS> Add watermark.
2. Open a PDF from the local device or cloud.
3. If you need to set a text watermark, click “Place text”, otherwise choose “Place image”.
   Enter the text or upload an image from your computer, you can change the format, position, transparency, rotation and page range.
4. When you are done, click “Add watermark” and download your PDF.

Pros:

• Add both text and image watermark
• Can change the layer of the watermark
• Process PDF in batch 

Cons:

• Cannot choose the specific page to add watermark
• Cannot preview the watermark
• Limit file size within 15 Mb

#2 Sejda

Sejda is one of the most easy-to-use online programs containing more tools than iLovePDF. Other than basic PDF tools, Sejda also offers some features that are not common on online sites, such as creating bookmarks and bates numbering. 

Steps: How to Place Watermark in PDF with Sejda?

1. Go to Sejda > All Tools > Watermark.
2. Click “Upload” and select a PDF file from your computer.
3. Select “Add Text” or “Add Image” on the top.
4. Customize your watermark as you like on the right interface. 
5. Click the “Watermark PDF” button to save your settings.

Pros:

• Add both text and image watermark
• Can specify the page range
• Can preview a specific page before downloading

Cons:

• Only contains 3 fonts
• Supports 3 tasks per hour
• Limit file size within 50Mb

#3 DeftPDF

Most users may not be familiar with this website. Actually, DeftPDF is one of the most efficient online websites that allows users to edit, combine, compress, convert, sign, translate PDF, etc. Among them, translator and invoice generator are rare functions in most online editors. 

Steps: How to Place Watermark in PDF with DeftPDF?

1. Go to All tools > Watermark.
2. Open a PDF from your device or drag-and-drop it to the interface.
3. Click “Add text watermark”, type some words in the text box and modify the setting.
4. Click “Add Image” to open an image from your computer, you can change the opacity, size and position.
5. Click “WATERMARK PDF” to save your PDF with a watermark.

Pros:

• Add both text and image watermark
• Intuitive and easy-to-use
• Versatile PDF tools included

Cons:

• Only offers 2 fonts
• Cannot choose the page range
• Some ads on the interface

Final Words

It is not hard to see that there is a trend towards diversification of PDF editors on the market today. Therefore, users have a wider range of choices. Among the PDF editors we mentioned above, Cisdem PDFMater and online Sejda are cost-saving and reliable choices for you.