Inserting a “DRAFT” watermark into a PDF is an easy but effective way to communicate that the document is not a final version. Whether you are sharing contracts, reports, or designs, the draft watermark gives the recipient a clear indication of a document's status. In this article, we will go into detail as to why you may want a draft watermark, and different ways on how to insert draft watermark in PDF document instantly. 

What are the Benefits of Adding Draft Watermark to PDF?

Watermarks are visual indicators and are considered the background text or images over a document. Applying the watermark in a PDF document becomes essential in many situations. Moreover, it allows you to share the draft of any contract or report with anyone. Here are the other benefits of a draft watermark:

Status Clarity – Helps you disambiguate an incomplete document.

Professionalism – Facilitates transparency amongst coworkers, clients, or stakeholders.

Security – Prevents unauthorized distribution of drafts.

Differentiate the Final Copy – Distinguishes drafts from the final version when multiple files are circulating.

After understanding the advantages, you might be seeking a way how to insert draft watermark in PDF​ document. Now, let's move to understand methods for adding the draft stamp to PDF files. 

How to Insert Draft Watermark in PDF - Try Free Online PDF Tools 

This section of the article refers to free, online tools that you can use to add a watermark to a PDF file without having to purchase a software program like Adobe Acrobat Pro. Let’s take a look over online tools and benefits: 

Popular online PDF editors include Smallpdf, iLovePDF, and PDF2Go.

These editors work entirely in your browser, so you need not download or install anything.

When you use one of these editors, you basically upload your PDF, select the option that allows an uploaded watermarked, and simply enter “DRAFT” (or whatever you want it to the watermark to say).

These tools let you control things like font size, font color, opacity, and watermark placement.

After adding the watermark you can immediately download the updated PDF.

These tools are fast and convenient for a single use or for documents that are not confidential. These tools will not be good for protected or sensitive documents, as uploading files to a third-party website can constitute a privacy or security risk. If your document is protected or private, then a desktop PDF editor (such as Adobe Acrobat Pro or Foxit) would be more secure.

In other words, we won’t recommend using online tools for inserting a watermark from a PDF document. So, look for better software and offline solutions for applying the stamp to your PDF files. 

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a technique to remove watermark from a document, use SysTools PDF Watermark Remover. Using this advanced tool, you can effortlessly remove the watermark from any PDF file. This tool is capable of removing all types of watermarks from PDF files. 

How to Add Draft Stamp in PDF Document - Adobe Acrobat DC Software 

Adobe Acrobat DC is among the professional and cutting-edge software to add a watermark stamp or logo to PDF document. Using this advanced utility, you can simply insert the custom watermark or even a draft PDF file. Moreover, it is a reliable and trusted solution for both professionals and business users. 

Compared to online tools, the software offers better features. Also, it ensures meeting your industrial standards. So follow the steps on how to insert draft watermark in PDF​ using Adobe Acrobat DC software: 

Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and then open the document you want to annotate.

From the main menu, select Tools > Edit PDF > Watermark > Add.

In the box that appears: Text: Enter “DRAFT.” 

Font, Size and Color: Set to your preferences. 

Opacity and Rotation: You should adjust the opacity lower than 40% (30% - 50% is common) and possibly rotate for appearance. 

You also have options for Page Range, in case you only want certain pages marked.

Click OK and then save your document.

Tip: You can always come back to change or remove the watermark under Watermark > Update or Remove.

Adobe Acrobat DC is commonly recognized as professional software. However, it isn’t cost-effective for all. In other words, it is based on subscription plans. Hence, you can’t bear the high cost of this software. So, choose the advanced yet cost-saving software for inserting the watermark in a PDF document. Now, let’s dive into it. 

How to Add Draft Stamp in PDF - SysTools PDF Tool 

Whether you want to insert “Draft” or any other text to your PDF document, choose the SysTools PDF Watermark Creator tool. The software is designed for Windows operating systems. Unlike Acrobat, this is a highly cost-saving tool for inserting the custom watermark into PDF document. Using this software, you can simply add text, image, time, logo, and even a stamp to PDF files without hurting the formatting. 

Besides this, the tool offers other benefits like a simple interface and fast processing. This way, you can insert a watermark to multiple pages with a single click. Additionally, you can choose the font style, text, and position when inserting the watermark. Here is the steps for adding the draft watermark to PDF document using SysTools Pro software: 

Install and access the SysTools PDF Pro utility on your machine. 

“Add Files or Folder” for uploading the PDF into the interface. 

Tab “Save” feature and go to Change for setting the location > Next. 

From the top menu > Text Watermark > enter Draft > press Generate. 

Concluding Words 

In the above guide, we have listed 3 ways on how to insert draft watermark in PDF document. Using these methods, you can instantly custom add the watermark to any PDF. Compared to other tools, use the SysTools PDF Pro utility for inserting the watermark into the document.