11 Best Add Watermark to PDF Tools (2024) [FREE]

1. Introduction

In this digital age, it’s more important than ever to protect and authenticate your documents. One of the ways to ensure that your PDF files are secure and recognizable is by adding a watermark to them. Watermarks not only establish ownership but also discourage unauthorized copying and distribution.

1.1 Importance of Add Watermark to PDF Tool

An ‘Add Watermark to PDF’ tool is of significant importance. It enables individuals and businesses to add conspicuous but non-disruptive watermarks to their PDF files easily. This can include logos, brands, signatures, or proprietary information. Adding a watermark to your files acts as a deterrent against document misuse, and keeps your intellectual property safe.

1.2 Repair PDF Documents

You also need a superior tool that can repair PDF documents in case they are corrupt. DataNumen PDF Repair is a widely used one:

1.3 Objectives of this Comparison

We have undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the best add watermark to PDF tools currently available on the market. The aim is to compare each tool’s features, identify their advantages and disadvantages, and help you choose the best tool that suits your specific requirements. We will be focusing on various aspects such as ease of use, versatility of options, pricing, and overall functionality to facilitate an informed decision.

2. Watermarkly Watermark PDF

Watermarkly provides a simple and convenient solution to add watermarks to your PDF files. This tool can be used online without the need for downloads or installations, making it an excellent tool for users who crave comfort and convenience.

Watermarkly is an online tool dedicated primarily to adding watermarks to your digital files, including PDFs. It offers an uncomplicated user interface with straightforward functions, allowing you to add text or image watermarks with just a few clicks. Plus, it allows batch processing, permitting you to apply watermarks to multiple files simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for businesses and large-scale projects.

2.1 Pros

• Simplicity: Its design and functionality are streamlined, making the tool easy to use even for those not tech-savvy.
• Batch Processing: Capable of adding watermarks to multiple documents in a single process, greatly enhancing efficiency.
• Preview Function: Provides a preview of the watermark before finalizing the document, allowing users to adjust as necessary.

2.2 Cons

• Limited Free Version: While Watermarkly offers a free version, it has noteworthy restrictions. For example, the free version does not offer high quality results and often includes a Watermarkly label.
• Internet Dependent: As it’s an online tool, it requires a stable internet connection to function, which may inhibit users without reliable internet access.

3. Soda Watermark PDF

Soda PDF is a comprehensive, all-in-one PDF solution that also offers a reliable add watermark tool. It is designed to cater to business enterprises and individuals alike, offering advanced features in a user-friendly interface.

Soda PDF is a versatile online and offline PDF tool that allows users to add watermarks to their PDF documents among other functions. The tool provides options for text and image watermark addition, and offers customization options such as transparency level setting and watermark positioning. Moreover, it supports batch processing which can be a real timesaver.

3.1 Pros

• All-in-one Tool: Soda PDF is not just a watermark addition tool, but a complete PDF solution, providing several functions from one place.
• Customization Options: Provides numerous options to tailor your watermark including, transparency, position, rotation and more.
• Batch Processing: Supports adding watermarks to multiple files at once, a handy feature for large-scale watermarking tasks.

3.2 Cons

• Pricey: While Soda PDF offers a multitude of functions, the pricing can be a bit steep for users only looking for a simple add watermark tool.
• Advanced User Interface: With its various features, the interface can seem complicated for those not familiar with PDF tools.

4. iLovePDF Add Watermark to PDF

iLovePDF is another comprehensive PDF tool with a straightforward watermark addition service. It serves as a great choice for users who desire an array of PDF modifications and conversions on top of watermarking.

iLovePDF is an online and desktop tool that allows users to complete various PDF tasks, including adding watermarks. It makes the watermarking process easy, with customizable options for both text and image watermarks. One can select the watermark’s position, transparency level and also preview the file before saving it, ensuring the output is as required.

4.1 Pros

• User-friendly Design: iLovePDF has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and complete tasks with less effort.
• Multilingual Support: The tool supports multiple languages, which can be helpful for non-English native speakers.
• Diverse PDF Features: Apart from watermarking, iLovePDF offers many other PDF related services such as merging, splitting, compressing, and converting, making it a versatile tool.

4.2 Cons

• Limited Free Version: The free version of iLovePDF has limitations such as a restricted number of tasks per hour.
• Requires Sign-Up: To use iLovePDF, you need to create an account, which might be an extra step users might not prefer.

5. PDF24 Tools Add A Watermark

PDF24 Tools is a set of online PDF utilities that provide a wide selection of tools, including the ‘Add A Watermark’ tool. It is designed with usability and versatility in mind.

The PDF24 Tools watermark adder is a simple, web-based application that allows you to add text and image-based watermarks to your PDF files. The navigation is straightforward, with preview options available. Due to its cloud-based nature, watermarked PDFs can be downloaded or sent via email, enhancing its utility across various use-cases.

5.1 Pros

• Versatility: PDF24 offers a multitude of functions beyond watermarking, making it a comprehensive PDF tool.
• No Registration Needed: There’s no need to create an account to use the service, making it quick and easy to add watermarks to your files.
• Free to Use: PDF24 Tools is free to use. There are no limitations or watermarks added to your processed files.

5.2 Cons

• Ads on Website: The presence of ads on the PDF24 Tools website could hamper the user experience for some users.
• Online Only: The service is web-based, meaning users without a stable internet connection will be unable to use it.

6. CleverPDF Add PDF Watermark

CleverPDF is a multifaceted PDF tool that offers more than 20 PDF tasks, one of them being the addition of watermarks. It aims at providing intelligent and efficient PDF solutions.

CleverPDF is a comprehensive tool that doesn’t limit itself to only adding watermarks. Apart from watermarking, it provides various other services like PDF conversion, encryption, and more. Its ‘Add Watermark’ feature stands out due to a well-designed interface, the convenience of use and its multifunctionality.

6.1 Pros

• Comprehensive PDF Tool: In addition to watermarking, CleverPDF offers a wide array of PDF-related tasks from one platform.
• User-friendly Design: The tool is designed to be very intuitive to users, regardless of their technical expertise.
• High Compatibility: CleverPDF supports different platforms, including Windows, Mac and the web, ensuring it can be used across various devices.

6.2 Cons

• Limited Free Version: The free version of CleverPDF is limited and to get unlimited features, one needs to purchase the premium version.
• Internet Reliance: For the web version, a stable internet connection is necessary, making it less feasible for users without reliable internet.

7. Sejda Watermark PDF Online

Sejda is a user-friendly online and desktop-based PDF tool that includes a functional watermarking option. It is quite a popular choice among users due to its straightforwardness.

Sejda’s watermarking feature lets users add both text and image watermarks to their PDF files with a high level of customization, from positioning and rotation to opacity. This makes it easy for users to create watermarks that perfectly suit their needs. Moreover, Sejda allows batch processing, which is quite handy for users with a large number of files to watermark.

7.1 Pros

• Graphics Support: Besides text, Sejda also supports image watermarks, giving users more flexibility in their watermark design.
• Batch Processing: The tool allows multiple files to be processed at once, saving considerable time for the user.
• Desktop and Online Availability: Sejda is available both as an online tool and a desktop version, meeting the needs of various user preferences.

7.2 Cons

• Limited Free Usage: The free usage of Sejda is bound by hourly limits, which could be restrictive for users with heavy usage.
• Internet Dependent: The online service requires a reliable internet connection, making it not ideal for offline use.

8. PDF Candy Add Watermark to PDF

PDF Candy is a versatile online PDF tool that provides a range of powerful features, including a dedicated add watermark tool. With its simple interface, PDF Candy ensures ease-of-use without compromising on functionality.

PDF Candy’s watermark addition tool permits users to insert text-based watermarks into their PDF files with ease. With a high level of control over the watermark’s appearance, users are able to adjust font style, size, color, and layout to ensure it matches their desired look and feel. Multiple papers can be watermarked concurrently, making it a great option for bulk tasks.

8.1 Pros

• Customizable Watermarks: Provides extensive options for customization, allowing users to tailor text-based watermarks to their specific needs.
• Multiple PDF Tools: Like all in one PDF tool, PDF Candy offers many other services like PDF conversion, merging, splitting, and more.
• Batch Processing: Capable of processing multiple files at the same time which dramatically reduces time spent on larger tasks.

8.2 Cons

• Limited Watermark Types: Presently, only text-based watermarks are supported, and users cannot opt for image-based watermarks, limiting its versatility.
• Online Only: The platform depends completely on internet access, limiting its use in areas with unstable internet connections.

9. PDF Watermark for Win

PDF Watermark for Win is a downloadable, Windows-based application dedicated to adding watermarks to PDF files. It stands out due to its offline functionality and high customization levels.

PDF Watermark for Win allows users to add both image and text watermarks and offers extensive control over every detail of the watermark, including its size, position, color, opacity, and more. It also allows bulk processing, letting users watermarks large batches of files with a consistent watermark design.

9.1 Pros

• Offline Functionality: Being a downloadable application, it allows users to add watermarks without the need for internet connectivity.
• High Customization: Provides robust customization options to meet each user’s unique watermarking needs.
• Batch Processing: This feature enables users to add watermarks to multiple files simultaneously, enhancing the tool’s efficiency.

9.2 Cons

• Windows-Only: Being a Windows-specific application, it may not cater to users with other operating systems like MacOS or Linux.
• Installation Required: Having to install the software might be inconvenient for users who prefer lightweight, online tools.

10. Visual PDF Add Watermark

Visual PDF’s Add Watermark is a comprehensive PDF editing tool that offers an intuitive and easy-to-use watermarking feature. Its simplicity makes it great for both personal and business use.

Visual PDF’s watermark addition tool allows users to add custom text and image watermarks to their PDF files. It provides easy-to-use customization options such as adjusting font, size, color, opacity and more. The tool even allows users to preview their PDF with the watermark before finalizing, ensuring the final product meets user expectations.

10.1 Pros

• User-Friendly Interface: The tool’s interface is straightforward and easy to navigate, allowing worry-free use, even for PDF editing novices.
• Customizable Watermarks: Visual PDF provides highly customizable watermarking options, letting users tailor the watermark to their preference.
• Preview Capability: The tool allows users to preview their watermarked document before finalizing, ensuring satisfaction with the result.

10.2 Cons

• Online Only: Being web-based, the tool requires a reliable internet connection to function, which may not suit all users.
• Limited Features in Free Version: While Visual PDF provides a free tool, some advanced features are only available in the paid version.

11. Visual Watermark Add Watermark to PDF

Visual Watermark is a dedicated watermarking tool that allows users to insert watermarks into their PDF files with highly impressive customization features.

Visual Watermark comes with a series of powerful watermarking features. Users can add text or image-based watermarks, with the capabilities to adjust the opacity, size, position and rotation to best suit their documents. It also allows batch processing, which makes watermarking various documents simultaneously a breeze.

11.1 Pros

• Full Control Over Watermarks: Visual Watermark gives users an impressive degree of control over their watermarks, from the design to the watermark’s position and transparency.
• Batch Processing: This tool supports bulk watermarking which is beneficial for users with large scale watermarking projects.
• Multi-Platform Support: Visual Watermark can be used on Windows, Mac, and online, increasing its accessibility to users across different platforms.

11.2 Cons

• Limited Free Version: The free version comes with limitations and watermarks applied are accompanied by the Visual Watermark logo.
• Internet Dependence: The online version requires a stable internet connection to work effectively.

12. SysTools PDF Watermark Creator

SysTools PDF Watermark Creator is a dedicated tool for adding watermarks on PDF files. It is designed as an offline desktop application for individuals who seek a compact solution requiring no internet connection.

SysTools PDF Watermark Creator is a lightweight program that allows you to add image and text watermarks to PDF files. The tool offers various options to adjust size, color, transparency, and placement of the watermark. Moreover, it allows batch processing, enabling users to watermark multiple files simultaneously.

12.1 Pros

• Offline Functionality: Being an offline tool, SysTools PDF Watermark Creator doesn’t need an internet connection, making it ideal for users who prefer to work offline.
• Text and Image Watermarks: The tool allows for both image and text watermarks, providing users with greater flexibility in watermark design.
• Batch Processing: SysTools supports batch watermarking, making it an efficient choice for large watermarking tasks.

12.2 Cons

• Installation Necessary: Requiring installation could be a disadvantage for users who prefer online or portable applications.
• No Free Version: SysTools PDF Watermark Creator doesn’t offer a free version, which could deter users looking for a cost-free solution.

13. Summary

After reviewing all these tools, it becomes clear that each offers unique features designed to cater to different user needs and preferences. However, several stand out due to their comprehensive features, user-friendly interface, and excellent customer support.

13.1 Overall Comparison Table

Tool	Features	Ease of Use	Price	Customer Support
Watermarkly Watermark PDF	Text and image watermarks, batch processing, preview	High	$19.95/month	Email support
Soda Watermark PDF	Multifunctional, customizable watermarks, batch processing	Moderate	Starts from $10/month	Email, Chat, Phone Support
iLovePDF Add Watermark to PDF	Numerous PDF tools, custom watermarks, multilingual	High	$6/month	Email support
PDF24 Tools Add A Watermark	Multifunctional, no registration needed, free	High	Free	Email support
CleverPDF Add PDF Watermark	Comprehensive tools, customizable watermarks, high compatibility	High	$39.99/ Lifetime	Email support
Sejda Watermark PDF Online	Image and text watermarks, batch processing, desktop version	High	$7.50/week	Email support
PDF Candy Add Watermark to PDF	Customizable text watermarks, multiple tools, batch processing	High	Free	Email support
PDF Watermark for Win	Offline use, custom watermark design, batch processing	Moderate	$29/ Lifetime	Email support
Visual PDF Add Watermark	Preview capability, user-friendly, customizable watermarks	High	$6/month	Email support
Visual Watermark Add Watermark to PDF	Image and text watermarks, high customization, multi-platform	High	$24.95/ Lifetime	Email, forum support
SysTools PDF Watermark Creator	Offline use, text and image watermarks, batch processing	Moderate	$29/ Lifetime	Email, phone support

13.2 Recommended Tool Based on Various Needs

The choice of the ‘best’ tool largely depends on the specific needs and requirements of the user. For users seeking an online tool with a wide range of PDF functionalities, iLovePDF or PDF24 Tools may be the best option. For offline use, SysTools PDF Watermark Creator or PDF Watermark for Win gives good competition. If you are inclined towards high customization and batch processing, Visual Watermark seems the best candidate. Lastly, for those who prefer simplicity yet efficiency, Watermarkly Watermark PDF fits the bill.

14. Conclusion

The choice of an appropriate PDF watermark addition tool is primarily shaped by your specific needs and the nature of the tasks to be processed. Some users may prefer a tool offering a diverse range of functions beyond watermarking, while others may seek a tool that simply does the job without unnecessary bells and whistles.

14.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing an Add Watermark to PDF Tool

Ultimately, the best tool is one that fits your requirements – be they ease-of-use, versatility, price, or customer support. Regardless of which tool you select, ensuring that your chosen tool provides the level of security and customization you need is paramount. After all, the primary purpose of adding a watermark is to safeguard your content. Balancing between your individual needs and the tool’s features, cost, and ease of use is crucial in selecting the best solution tailored to your needs.

Author Introduction:

Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including a tool that can convert OST to PST files.