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How to Add Draft Watermark to PDF Without Losing Quality?

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Published By Siddharth Tehri
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Approved By Anuraag Singh
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Modified On December 24th, 2025

Sharing an incomplete or partially finished PDF document can cause frustration or miscommunication among viewers. From a research paper to a business proposal, the non-final PDF document requires a clear message—under review. Here, adding the “Draft Watermark” offers many benefits. This helps viewers or readers to understand that the proposed document needs revisions. In the following article, we will learn how to add draft watermark to PDF in seconds.

Whether you’re a professional expert or a beginner, you may seek simple, faster, and reliable techniques to draft watermark without compromising quality. So, let’s dive in to find out the best tools or a stepwise guide.

What is the Meaning of the Draft Watermark in PDF?

The “Draft” watermark in PDF is a visible text that indicates the document’s status. In other words, embedding the draft watermark lets viewers clearly understand that the file is still under moderation or review. Moreover, it drives better communication among the team.

With this, the reader can work over the PDF and make the required changes till approval. The draft text watermark is primarily used on business reports, proposals, survey documents, and other similar documents. Below are the benefits of applying the draft watermark to PDF document:

  • Draft watermark protects information from unauthorized sharing.
  • It lets viewers understand that the document is still in the work process.
  • Foster clear communication to prevent confusion and frustration.
  • With this, legitimate users can share feedback until the final copy is made.

In summary, the visual draft text watermark offers a clear understanding and overview of the document status. Now, let’s briefly learn the reason for inserting a draft watermark in PDF files.

Why Viewers Add Draft Text Watermark to PDF?

Previously, we explained the meaning of the draft watermark. Now, learn the common uses and reasons for applying the draft text watermark to a document:

  • Secure PDF Document: Adding a draft watermark ensures the document remains unfinished. In other words, it minimizes the risk of tampering, copying, or unauthorized sharing of PDF documents.
  • Seamlessly Work on PDF: The draft text allows document creators to control the versions till making it the final copy. Moreover, it improves professionalism when sharing the file among viewers.
  • Foster Better Communication: Applying a watermark to unfinished or draft text indicates clear communication, allowing professionals to correct errors or revise the document without compromising quality.

After discovering the benefits of adding the draft watermark, you might be wondering how to insert a draft text watermark. Before jumping into the methods, let’s first find out if I can put the draft or unfinished text into a PDF document.

Can I Add a Draft Watermark to My PDF Document?

Yes, adding a draft watermark to a PDF is possible when using secure and reliable software. Both free and advanced tools are available for inserting the draft mark on a PDF document. Whether it’s single or multiple PDF files, the method works in all scenarios. Now, let’s walk through to learn the techniques.

How to Add Draft Watermark to PDF Quickly? (Official & Non-Technical Solution)

  1. Start with downloading the SysTools PDF Watermark Creator on your machine.
  2. Dual features: Add Files or Folders to access PDFs.
  3. Tab Save radio icon > Change to set the path > Next.
  4. In the next window, tab Text Watermark option.
  5. Under the Watermark Text, write the word “Draft“.
  6. Now, custom choose Font/ Color/ Size/ Position.
  7. After this, add the number of pages > hit Generate.

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How to Insert Draft Watermark in PDF Online – Try PDF Websites (Free)

Many free online PDF websites are listed for adding the draft text watermark. Without frustrating sign-ups or software installation, you can insert the draft mark into PDF files. Whether you’re a beginner, professional, businessperson, or occasional user, online tools are the best choice for adding a custom “Draft” watermark without hassle.

The other highlights of these tools include a free and simple solution, providing extra comfort for non-technical users. Here are the steps to make a draft watermark in PDF online using free platforms:
Search for an online website and open it.

  1. To upload the PDFs, use the drag or drop feature.
  2. Navigate to Text Watermark > add Draft.
  3. Now, download the PDF with a draft watermark.

Pros of Online Services:

  • No requirement for third-party tools, especially the installation of offline software.
  • Most online PDF tools are basic and don’t require technical skills.
  • Free for all sources and operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and mobile phones.

Cons of Free PDF Tools:

  • Adding the official documents to third-party online tools increases the risk of compromise.
  • Free online platforms offer limited features and have daily usage limits.
  • Online solutions may not offer advanced features and can compromise the quality of PDFs.

How to Add Draft Watermark to PDF Using Adobe Acrobat Pro​ Tool

To insert watermark to PDF document, try Adobe Acrobat Pro software. It is among the professional yet dedicated tools for applying different text watermarks in PDF files. Using this advanced software, users can effortlessly add a draft watermark in minutes. Furthermore, the built in tool allows the user to paste custom text and remain with the original quality and elements intact. Now, follow the steps to create a “draft” watermark in PDF files using Adobe Acrobat software:

  1. First, download or launch Adobe Acrobat Pro on your machine.
  2. Tab Tools and choose the Edit PDF option.
  3. After this, use the Watermark feature > Add Watermark.
  4. Now, type Draft text and set the font size.
  5. Choose the necessary pages or range.
  6. Finally, use the OK and download the document.

Pros of Adobe Acrobat Pro Tool:

  • It is a professional utility that lets you apply the draft watermark while controlling the formatting.
  • The process is straightforward for both professionals and beginners. It won’t offer software failure.
  • Effortlessly maintain original font and formatting during the process.

Cons of Acrobat Tool:

  • Adobe isn’t a freeware solution; instead, it is based on costly subscription plans.
  • New users get confused when applying the draft watermark in PDF files.
  • It isn’t the ideal solution for adding the draft watermark in bulk mode.

How to Add Draft Watermark to PDF Files – Try SysTools Pro Software (Desktop-Solution)

If you’re wondering how to add draft watermark in PDF, use SysTools Pro Utility for adding the draft mark. This is a desktop-based solution, useful for the Windows OS. Using this independent tool, users can add a custom watermark to all pages of their PDF. In other words, you can add any mark to your PDF files, including Draft. This way, you can indicate that the copy is under review.

Most importantly, this is a straightforward and dedicated tool for applying text watermarks. Additionally, it allows you to add other PDF annotations. Furthermore, the software offers smart features like controlling the PDF font, size, position, and more. Using the tool, users can dual feature for uploading the files in batch mode. Now, let’s discover the stepwise guide.

Guide on How to Add a Draft Watermark in PDF​

  1. Start by downloading the SysTools-mentioned utility on your Windows OS.
  2. Use the “Add Files or Folders” for uploading the required PDFs.
    tab add files to access pdfs
  3. Click “Save” and then, Change to add file location > Next.
    click the change feature
  4. Under the Text Watermark section > manually type Draft text.
    under the text watermark, type draft
  5. After this, adjust the font, position, appearance, color, etc.
  6. Finally, use the Generate option to get the draft watermark in PDF files.

Also, discover steps to add signature in PDF files.

Final Words

In the above stepwise guide, we have listed 3 best ways on how to add draft watermark to PDF document. Using these methods, you can effortlessly add custom text or a draft watermark to PDF files. Among all the tools, SysTools’ recommended software is a reliable and cost-saving solution. Using the utility, you can add draft text to a single or entire PDF file in one go.