Images
What is Watermark?
A watermark is text or a logo placed over an image or document to show ownership or status, such as a photographer’s name or the word DRAFT.
How it works
The name comes from paper making, where a pattern pressed into wet paper shows when held up to the light. Digital watermarks work the same way visually: a mark layered over the content, usually semi-transparent so the content remains readable.
On photos, watermarks discourage people from reusing images without credit. On documents, they state status (DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, COPY) or purpose, which is useful when sending copies of identity documents, bank statements or contracts.
Once a watermark is merged into an image or flattened into a PDF page, it becomes part of the content. Keep an unwatermarked original for your own use and share only the marked copies.
A practical example
A landlord emailing copies of ID documents can watermark each one with “For rental application only, 2026” so a leaked copy is less useful elsewhere.
What to watch out for
A visible watermark deters casual reuse but can be cropped or painted out. Place it over important content, and don’t rely on it as the only protection for sensitive files.
Tools you can use
- Watermark Image · Mark a folder of photos at once
- Watermark PDF · DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL or your own words
Go a little deeper
Common questions
Where should I put a watermark on a photo?
Across the main subject, at partial opacity. A small mark in a corner is easy to crop out; one across the middle is much harder to remove without damaging the image.
Can a watermark be removed?
Simple corner marks can often be cropped or edited out. Large, semi-transparent marks over detailed areas are much harder to remove cleanly.
Should I watermark copies of my ID?
It is a sensible precaution. Adding the recipient, the purpose and the date makes a leaked copy less useful for fraud and shows where it came from.