How to Add Image Watermark to PDF (Logo, Signature)
Published on January 25, 2026 • 8 min read
Want to add your company logo, signature, or custom image as a watermark to PDF files? This comprehensive guide shows you how to add image watermarks to PDF documents with full customization options.
Types of Image Watermarks
1. Company Logo Watermarks
- Brand logo for business documents
- Company seal or emblem
- Department or division logo
- Partner or sponsor logos
2. Signature Watermarks
- Digital signature image
- Handwritten signature scan
- Initials or monogram
- Authorized stamp
3. Custom Image Watermarks
- QR codes for tracking
- Barcodes for inventory
- Custom graphics or icons
- Certification marks
How to Add Image Watermark with PdfVala
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Visit PdfVala.com/add-watermark
- Upload your PDF file
- Select Image Watermark option
- Upload your image file (PNG, JPG, or SVG)
- Customize image watermark:
- Size: Small, medium, large, or custom dimensions
- Opacity: 10% to 100% transparency
- Position: Center, corners, or custom location
- Rotation: 0° to 360° angle
- Scale: Maintain aspect ratio or stretch
- Preview on sample pages
- Click Add Watermark
- Download watermarked PDF
✨ Image Watermark Features:
- Multiple formats: PNG, JPG, SVG supported
- Transparency support: PNG with transparent background
- Size control: Scale to any size
- Opacity adjustment: Perfect transparency balance
- Flexible positioning: Place anywhere on page
- Rotation: Any angle for creative placement
- Live preview: See before applying
Preparing Your Image for Watermarking
Best Image Formats:
| Format | Best For | Transparency |
|---|---|---|
| PNG | Logos with transparency | Yes |
| JPG | Photos, complex images | No |
| SVG | Vector logos, scalable | Yes |
Image Preparation Tips:
- Use PNG for logos: Transparent background looks professional
- High resolution: At least 300 DPI for print quality
- Remove background: Use transparent PNG for clean appearance
- Optimize file size: Compress image to reduce PDF size
- Square or landscape: Works best for watermarks
Image Watermark Best Practices
1. Logo Watermark Settings
- Position: Bottom right corner or center
- Size: 10-20% of page width
- Opacity: 30-50% for subtle branding
- Format: PNG with transparent background
2. Signature Watermark Settings
- Position: Bottom right or where signature would go
- Size: Actual signature size (5-10% of page)
- Opacity: 70-100% for clear visibility
- Format: PNG with transparent background
3. Background Watermark Settings
- Position: Center, full page
- Size: Large, covering most of page
- Opacity: 5-15% for subtle background
- Format: PNG or JPG
Common Image Watermark Scenarios
Scenario 1: Company Logo on Business Documents
- Image: Company logo (PNG with transparency)
- Position: Bottom right corner
- Size: 15% of page width
- Opacity: 40%
- Use case: Proposals, reports, presentations
Scenario 2: Signature on Contracts
- Image: Scanned signature (PNG)
- Position: Bottom right or signature line
- Size: Actual signature size
- Opacity: 100%
- Use case: Contracts, agreements, authorizations
Scenario 3: Confidential Stamp
- Image: Confidential stamp image (PNG)
- Position: Diagonal center or top right
- Size: Medium (20% of page)
- Opacity: 50%
- Use case: Sensitive documents, internal files
Scenario 4: QR Code for Tracking
- Image: QR code (PNG)
- Position: Bottom left or right corner
- Size: Small (5-8% of page)
- Opacity: 100%
- Use case: Document tracking, verification
Creating Transparent Logo for Watermark
Method 1: Use Online Background Remover
- Upload your logo to background removal tool
- Remove background automatically
- Download as PNG with transparency
- Use in PdfVala for watermarking
Method 2: Use Image Editor
- Open logo in Photoshop, GIMP, or similar
- Use magic wand or eraser to remove background
- Save as PNG (not JPG)
- Ensure transparency is preserved
⚠️ Image Watermark Tips:
- Always use PNG format for logos with transparent backgrounds
- Higher resolution images look better but increase file size
- Test different opacity levels to find perfect balance
- Position logos in corners to avoid obscuring content
- Keep image file size under 1MB for faster processing
- Preview on multiple pages before applying to entire document
Frequently Asked Questions
What image formats are supported for watermarks?
PdfVala supports PNG, JPG, and SVG formats. PNG is recommended for logos because it supports transparent backgrounds, creating a professional appearance.
Can I use a logo with transparent background?
Yes. PNG images with transparent backgrounds work perfectly and look most professional. The transparency allows the watermark to blend naturally with the document.
What size should my watermark image be?
For best quality, use images at least 500x500 pixels. The tool will scale the image appropriately. Higher resolution images (1000x1000 or larger) work best for large watermarks.
Will image watermarks increase PDF file size?
Yes, image watermarks will increase file size depending on image resolution and file size. Use optimized images (under 500KB) to minimize impact on PDF size.
Can I add multiple image watermarks?
Yes. Add one watermark, download the PDF, then upload again to add another watermark. For example, add a logo in one corner and a signature in another.
Add Image Watermark Now
Add professional image watermarks to your PDF documents. Upload logos, signatures, or any image. Customize size, opacity, and position. Free and secure.
Add Image Watermark Free →Conclusion
Adding image watermarks to PDF files is perfect for branding, signatures, and custom graphics. PdfVala supports PNG, JPG, and SVG formats with full customization of size, opacity, and position. Use transparent PNG logos for the most professional appearance.
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