PDF guides
Text vs Image Watermarks for PDF: Which to Use
Watermark PDF supports two watermark modes — text and image — and choosing the right one depends on what you are trying to communicate and what assets you already have.
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When a text watermark makes sense
Text watermarks are fastest when you need a short label like "DRAFT", "CONFIDENTIAL", or "SAMPLE" and don't want to prepare a separate image file. They also scale cleanly at any size since they are drawn with a font rather than a raster image.
When an image watermark makes sense
Image watermarks are the right choice for a company logo, a stamped signature graphic, or any mark that isn't just text. Looty Tools accepts PNG and JPG for the watermark image — PNG is a better fit for logos with transparency, while JPG works well for photographic marks.
Shared controls
Both modes use the same position, opacity, rotation, and size controls, so switching between a text label and a logo image does not change how you place or scale the watermark.
Text vs Image Watermarks FAQ
- Can I switch between text and image after choosing one?
- Yes. The mode toggle switches the input field shown; your position, opacity, rotation, and size settings carry over.
- Does a PNG watermark support transparency?
- Yes. A PNG with transparent areas will show the underlying page content through those areas, which works well for logos.
- Can I use a GIF or WebP image as a watermark?
- Not currently. Only PNG and JPG are supported for image watermarks.
- Which mode is better for a "DRAFT" stamp?
- Text — it is faster to set up and stays crisp at any size without needing an image file.
- Which mode is better for a company logo?
- Image — upload the logo as a PNG or JPG and position it like any other watermark.
Related guides
- How to Watermark a PDFStamp text or an image watermark onto a PDF in your browser: choose a mode, position, opacity, and page range, then export a stamped copy.
- Watermark Position & OpacityLearn how position, opacity, rotation, and size controls interact when watermarking a PDF, and how to pick settings that stay legible without hiding content.
- How to Convert Images to PDFCombine JPG, PNG, WebP, and HEIC/HEIF images into one PDF with page settings, exact file limits, and accurate HEIC browser decoding notes.