Watermark Image
Add text watermarks to images
Updated
Processed on our server. Sent over HTTPS to an isolated job, then deleted once you download.
Drop an image here
JPG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, TIFF, GIF, BMP, HEIC
Max 50 MB
Color
Position
Add an image to start
Up to 50 MB per file
No daily limit and no watermark on the result.
No account needed
Free to use. No signup, no email, no trial.
How to use Watermark Image
Upload your image
Click the upload area or drag and drop your image (JPG, PNG, WebP, or other formats).
Configure the watermark
Enter your watermark text and adjust font size, color, opacity, and position (center, corner, or tiled).
Click Add Watermark
The watermark is applied to your image on our server.
Download the watermarked image
Click Download to save the watermarked image.
What is image watermarking?
An image watermark is visible text placed over a picture to identify its owner or source. Put your name across a picture and the calculation changes for anyone considering reusing it without asking. That is the entire mechanism: a semi-transparent text layer, visible enough to identify the source, light enough to leave the content readable.
You can configure the watermark text, position, opacity, font size, and color. The result is a standard image file in the same format as the original, with the watermark rendered into the pixels.
How much protection it buys comes down to placement. A mark tucked into one corner is a signature: it survives nothing more determined than a crop. A mark across the centre at moderate opacity is a deterrent, because removing it means reconstructing the pixels underneath it. A tiled mark repeating across the full frame is the strongest option available without rendering the image unusable, since no region of the picture can be cut free of it.
Watermarking runs on our server, and files are deleted right after download (see our processing model for details). The watermark is rendered directly into the image pixel data using sharp's compositing, making it a permanent part of the image file. Unlike metadata-based watermarks that can be stripped with a simple metadata editor, pixel-embedded watermarks require advanced inpainting or cloning techniques to remove. For maximum deterrence, use a tiled watermark at 25-34% opacity with your name or brand across the full image. If you also need to watermark PDF documents, use the Watermark PDF tool instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove a watermark added by this tool?
Watermarks are rendered directly into the image pixels. They can be removed with advanced image editing (inpainting), but this is difficult and time-consuming on complex backgrounds.
What opacity should I use for a watermark?
For copyright marking, 20-40% opacity keeps content visible while clearly marking ownership. For 'draft' or 'confidential' notices, 50-70% is more prominent.
Can I watermark multiple images at once?
The tool processes one image at a time. For batch watermarking many images, consider dedicated desktop software.
Can I tile the watermark across the entire image?
Yes. Choose the 'tiled' position option to repeat the watermark text in a grid pattern across the whole image. This provides stronger protection against cropping out the watermark.
What font size should I use for a watermark?
The ideal font size depends on image resolution and watermark purpose. For a subtle brand mark on a 1920x1080 image, 24-36px at low opacity works well. For a prominent DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL notice, 60-100px makes the text clearly readable. For tiled watermarks, smaller sizes (18-28px) create a denser pattern that is harder to remove. Preview the result before downloading and adjust until the watermark is visible without obscuring the image content.
Should I use a watermark or password protection for my images?
Watermarks are visible deterrents that mark ownership while keeping the image viewable. They are best for images you share publicly (portfolios, proofs, stock previews). Password protection prevents access entirely and is used for files you only want specific people to open. For PDF documents, you can use Protect PDF to add password-based access control. Images do not support password protection natively, so watermarking is the standard approach for visual content.