What “free” usually hides
Hosted PDF utilities pay for bandwidth and CPU. Their free tier is a funnel into a subscription. Typical limits: a few files per hour, a 5–15 MB cap, and a promotional footer. Desktop suites (Acrobat Pro, Foxit PhantomPDF, Nitro) watermark well but cost a license. WatermarkPDF has no conversion quota because we never receive the file.
Free vs paid watermark tools
Choose a paid product when you need image watermarks, Bates numbering, or a watched folder for a whole department. Choose this tool when you need a text mark on a PDF you already have, without creating an account or handing the document to a vendor.
| Feature | WatermarkPDF | Typical “free” web app | Adobe Acrobat Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Freemium / daily cap | Subscription |
| File uploaded | No | Yes | Optional cloud |
| Account required | No | Often | Yes |
| Own logo on output | Never | Often on free tier | No |
| Text stays selectable | Yes | Varies | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a catch on file count?
No daily cap. You are limited only by your device memory if you open a very large PDF.
Do you add your own watermark?
No. The only text on the page is the phrase you chose.
If a vendor asks you to upload a confidential PDF for a “free” watermark, use this page instead.
Watermark for freeRelated pages
Watermark a PDF online
Watermark a PDF online with no install and no upload. Works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Files stay in this browser.
Add a watermark to a PDF
Add a watermark to a PDF online. Free, no account, no file upload. Vector text on every page. Files stay in your browser. Download in seconds.
How to add a watermark to a PDF
How to add a watermark to a PDF: free browser tool, Acrobat Pro, Word export, and Mac Preview. Steps, limits, and when to use each method. No upload here.
Free watermark templates (transparent SVG)
Free PDF watermark templates: download transparent CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT, SAMPLE, and DO NOT COPY SVGs. Use them in PDFs, slides, or print. No account.
Watermark a PDF in your browser
Add a text watermark to a PDF online. Free, no account, no file upload. Files stay in your browser. Set text, opacity, and position on every page.
Batch watermark PDF files
Batch watermark PDF files online. Free, no account, no upload. Apply the same text to several PDFs in your browser and download each marked file.
PDF watermark tools
Free PDF watermark tools in your browser: confidential, draft, sample, batch, and stamps. No account, no file upload. Files never leave your device.