How to add page numbers and a watermark to a PDF
A long document without page numbers is hard to discuss: nobody can say look at page 12. And a document you share for review is safer with a clear DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL mark across it.
Both can be added in a minute, for free.
Add page numbers
- Open the Add page numbers tool.
- Add your PDF.
- Choose where the number should appear, such as bottom centre or bottom right.
- Apply and download the numbered PDF.
Merge your files and remove unwanted pages first, so the numbers run in the correct order.
Add a watermark
- Open the Watermark PDF tool.
- Add your PDF.
- Type the text, for example DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL or your company name.
- Adjust the look so the text is visible without hiding the content, then download the file.
A pale, slightly transparent diagonal mark works well: it is clear to see but does not block reading.
When each one is useful
- Page numbers: reports, theses, contracts, manuals, anything that will be referenced or printed.
- Watermarks: drafts, review copies, internal documents, proofs sent to clients.
A note on security
A watermark discourages casual reuse and shows the status of a document, but it is not a lock. Anyone with the right software can remove it, so do not rely on it to protect truly confidential files.