Protect PDFs with watermark

Filemonk's PDF watermarking feature helps you protect your digital products from unauthorized distribution by automatically stamping PDFs with unique customer information. When customers purchase and download your PDFs, the system applies personalized watermarks containing order details, customer names, and purchase dates.

Getting Started with PDF Watermarking

Before you can protect PDFs with watermark, you need to understand the two ways to enable this feature and the requirements for using it.

Requirements for PDF Watermarking

• Paid subscription plan
• PDF files must be uploaded to Filemonk's Content Library (internal files only)
• Files cannot be external URLs or links to third-party hosting

Accessing Watermark Settings

The global PDF protection settings allow you to control watermarking for all your PDF files from one central location.

Enable PDF Watermarking

1. Navigate to Settings from the left menu bar
2. Click the PDF protection tab
3. Toggle on PDF Watermark to enable the feature

4. Choose your watermarking scope:

• Stamp all PDFs: Automatically watermarks every PDF file in your library

• Stamp specific PDFs: Only watermarks PDFs you manually select

Tip: If you choose "Stamp specific PDFs," you'll need to enable the "Protect PDF with watermark" checkbox for each file you want to protect in your Content Library.

1. Navigate to Content Library from the left menu bar
2. Click Files Uploaded
3. Select the PDF file you want to protect
4. In the file details, check Protect PDF with watermark
5. The file will now be watermarked when customers download it

Customizing Your Watermark Design

Filemonk provides extensive customization options to create watermarks that match your brand and security needs.

Access the Watermark Editor

1. From the Settings > PDF protection page
2. Click Customize PDF watermark button

3. The editor opens in fullscreen mode with live preview

Watermark Text and Variables

Create dynamic watermark text using Liquid variables that automatically populate with customer and order information:

• {{order.name}} - Order name (e.g., #1001)
• {{order.email}} - Customer's email address
• {{order.email_or_phone}} - Customer's email or phone number
• {{order.customer_name}} - Customer's full name
• {{order.date}} - Purchase date
• {{shop.name}} - Your store name

Example watermark text:

{{order.name}} - {{order.email}}
Purchased by {{order.customer_name}} on {{order.date}}

Font and Appearance Options

Customize the visual appearance of your watermarks:

• Font Selection: Choose from 25+ professional fonts
• Font Size: Adjust from small to large (numeric value)
• Font Color: Use hex color codes (e.g., #ff0018 for red)
• Opacity: Control transparency from 0-100%

Watermark Positioning Options

Choose from 8 different positioning styles for your watermarks:

• Diagonally across: Places watermark at a -45 degree angle across the center
• In the center: Positions watermark in the middle of the page
• At the top: Places watermark at the top center of the page
• At the top left: Positions watermark in the upper left corner
• At the top right: Positions watermark in the upper right corner
• At the bottom: Places watermark at the bottom center of the page
• At the bottom left: Positions watermark in the lower left corner
• At the bottom right: Positions watermark in the lower right corner

When Watermarking Happens

Understanding when and how watermarking occurs helps you set proper expectations for your customers and troubleshoot any issues.

Automatic Processing During Downloads

• Watermarking is triggered when customers access their download pages
• The system checks for unwatermarked PDF files in each order
• CloudConvert processes the watermarking in the background
• Customers receive the watermarked version once processing completes

Processing Timeline

• Small PDFs (under 5MB): Usually processed within 30-60 seconds
• Large PDFs (over 5MB): May take 2-5 minutes depending on file size
• Multiple PDFs: Each file is processed individually
• First download: May show a brief loading message while watermarking occurs

Use Cases and Benefits

PDF watermarking provides multiple layers of protection and business benefits for digital product merchants.

Protection Against Unauthorized Distribution

• Traceability: Each watermarked file contains unique customer information
• Deterrent Effect: Visible watermarks discourage sharing and piracy
• Legal Evidence: Watermarked files can help identify the source of unauthorized copies
• Brand Protection: Maintains the integrity of your digital products

Business and Security Benefits

• Customer Accountability: Links downloaded files to specific customers
• Professional Appearance: Shows customers you take digital security seriously
• Compliance: Meets requirements for certain industries requiring document tracking

Advanced Tips

These advanced techniques help you maximize the effectiveness of your PDF watermarking strategy.

• Strategic Text Placement: Use diagonal positioning for maximum visibility without interfering with content readability
• Customer Information Balance: Include enough identifying information to be useful but not so much that it clutters the document
• Color Selection: Choose watermark colors that are visible but not distracting (light gray or red work well)
• Font Size Optimization: Test different sizes to ensure watermarks are readable but don't dominate the page
• Variable Combinations: Combine multiple variables for comprehensive customer identification
• Preview Testing: Always preview watermarks with sample content before going live

Known Limitations

Be aware of these platform constraints and system limits when implementing PDF watermarking.

• File Format Restriction: Only PDF files can be watermarked; other formats are not supported
• Internal Files Only: External URLs and third-party hosted files cannot be watermarked
• Processing Dependencies: Relies on CloudConvert API availability and performance
• Paid Plan Requirement: Feature is only available with per-order billing subscription
• File Size Impact: Very large PDFs may experience longer processing times
• Retroactive Limitation: Previously downloaded files are not automatically re-watermarked

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions for PDF watermarking problems.

FAQs

Q: Can I watermark files that are already linked to products?

A: Yes, you can enable watermarking for existing files at any time. New downloads will include the watermark.

Q: Do customers see the watermarking process happening?

A: Customers may see a brief loading message during their first download while the watermark is applied. Subsequent downloads are immediate.

Q: Can I use different watermarks for different products?

A: Currently, all watermarks use the same template design. You can use Liquid variables to include product-specific information in the text.

Q: What happens if CloudConvert is unavailable?

A: Customers will receive the original unwatermarked file. The system will attempt to watermark the file during their next download attempt.

Q: Can I remove watermarks from files after they're applied?

A: Watermarks are applied to copies of your files. Your original files remain unchanged in the Content Library.

Q: How do I know if watermarking is working correctly?

A: Test by placing a sample order and downloading the files. You can also monitor processing in your order analytics.

Q: Are there any file size limits for watermarking?

A: While there's no strict limit, very large files (over 50MB) may experience longer processing times or occasional failures.

Q: Can I watermark files in languages other than English?

A: Yes, watermarking supports international characters and multiple languages in the text content.

Updated on: 19/07/2025