How to Add a Watermark to Your Images
- Upload your images — Drag and drop photos into the upload area, or click "browse files" to select them. You can watermark multiple images at once with the same settings.
- Customize your watermark — Enter your text, choose a placement (tiled diagonal is the most protective), and adjust size, color, opacity, and rotation. See a live preview as you adjust.
- Apply & download — Click "Apply Watermark" to process all images. Download them individually or use "Download All" for the entire batch.
Why Watermark Your Images?
Watermarks protect your photos and artwork from unauthorized use. Whether you're a photographer sharing proofs with clients, an artist posting work online, or a business protecting product images, watermarks provide a visible deterrent against image theft. They also serve as subtle branding, keeping your name or company visible whenever your images are shared.
Tiled vs. Single Placement
Tiled / Diagonal Repeat is the most effective protection. Your watermark text repeats across the entire image at a diagonal angle, making it impossible to crop out. This is what professional photographers use for proof images and client reviews.
Single placement (center, corners) is more subtle and works well for light branding. A corner watermark is easy to crop out, so use center or tiled placement for real protection.
Watermark Best Practices
- Opacity 30-50% — Visible enough to deter theft while still showing the image clearly. Go higher (60-80%) for proof/draft watermarks.
- Use your name or brand — "John Smith Photography" or your website URL works better than generic text.
- Keep originals safe — Always save unwatermarked originals. The watermark is permanently baked into the downloaded image and cannot be undone.
- Match the font size to the image — Use "Auto" font size to automatically scale the watermark to fit the image dimensions.
Privacy & Security
Unlike online watermark tools that upload your photos to a server (where they could be stored, analyzed, or leaked), FilePulp processes everything locally in your browser. Your images never leave your device. This is especially important for watermarking — the whole point is protecting your images, so the last thing you want is to upload them to a third party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this watermark tool free?
Yes, completely free. No sign-up, no hidden fees. We don't add any watermarks of our own — only your custom text appears on the image.
Are my images uploaded to a server?
No. All watermarking happens locally in your browser using JavaScript and the HTML5 Canvas API. Your images never leave your device — we never see, store, or have access to your files.
What is a tiled watermark?
A tiled watermark repeats your text across the entire image in a diagonal pattern. This is the most effective way to protect photos from unauthorized use because the watermark covers the full image and can't be cropped out.
Can I watermark multiple images at once?
Yes! Select or drag and drop as many images as you want. The same watermark settings are applied to all images, and you can download them individually or all at once.
What opacity should I use?
For most uses, 30-50% opacity works well — visible enough to deter unauthorized use while still allowing people to see the image. Use lower opacity (15-25%) for subtle branding, or higher (60-80%) for proof or draft watermarks.
Can I remove the watermark later?
No. The watermark is permanently baked into the image when you download it. Always keep your original unwatermarked files. The purpose of watermarking is to create a protected version for sharing.