Though watermarks date back to at least the 13th century, they remain a key part of how we protect documents today. By placing text or an image behind a text, you can help deter recipients from using it outside of its intended means.
Typically, there are two reasons to use a watermark – to prevent counterfeiting and to identify users who share documents illegally. However, though you may think that all watermarks are more or less equal, that’s far from the case. A poor implementation of digital Watermarking PDF Documents can make it essentially useless; such is the case with Adobe PDF.
Watermarks from many traditional PDF providers, including Adobe, can be easily bypassed. For non-password-protected documents, it’s as easy as removing the watermark in settings and re-saving it. Those that are password-protected can have their password removed with readily accessible cracking tools, through a third-party PDF software, via conversion to a different format, or with a screenshot and an editing program.
Then there’s the method of displaying the watermark itself. Many watermarking systems apply the same watermark, in the same position, to every document. This makes it all but impossible to identify the source of a document leak if you get hold of a leaked copy.
With all of these issues, you may be wondering if adding a watermark to a PDF is even worth it. The reality is that it depends entirely on the software you choose to add watermark to PDF files. Here are the main factors you should be considering when looking for a PDF watermarking solution:
Covered Topics
How easily can the watermark be removed?
Whether you’re using a watermark as a deterrent against unauthorized sharing or to stop falsification, the ability to easily remove it will seriously hamper its effectiveness. The best PDF DRM solutions will make it impossible to remove watermarks through cracking or conversion and block screenshots to prevent any kind of manual editing. For less sensitive use cases, though, a solution that just makes it very hard may be enough.
Do you need to identify who has shared a document?
One of the best deterrents against document sharing is displaying the reader’s details to them in the watermark. This means that if they share the document outside its intended use, they’re all but guaranteed to getidentified as the culprit. For organizations, such watermarks offer the opportunity to trace which departments and users leaks are coming from and pursue the appropriate action.
For this to work, though, the software used to add a watermark to PDF files needs to support two things: dynamic watermarks and strong anti-watermark removal technology. Dynamic watermarks will display the user’s name, email, or license code on their documents for identification, but they’re of little use if the recipient can just remove their watermark and share with little consequence.
When do you need your watermarks displayed?
Watermarks can be shown on the document and/or when printed. You’ll likely want watermarking software that can do both. However, it’s also useful if it allows you to show a different watermark when viewed digitally as to when printed. This can help you tell if a document leaked from a print or digitally, and can also account for the differences in contrast and paper color that come with printed PDFs.
How customizable does it need to be?
Some Watermarking PDF Documentssoftware has generic watermarks with the same font and position on each document. Depending on your requirements, you may or may not need a system that is more customizable than that. For example, a thicker font for documents where you want the watermark to really stand out, or a graphic instead for shorter documents. You may also want different colours and fonts depending on the position of the watermark on the document.
It may also be necessary to avoid placing a Watermarking PDF Documents on the first, cover page, in multiple places on the same page, or at different opacities. The lack of options such as this may not be vital, but they can make your company look unprofessional and ultimately affect the perception of your clients.
Closing words
Watermarking PDF Documents are a centuries-old technology, but if you consider these factors when choosing a solution, they can still be of significant use. A good watermarking system gives you control over every aspect of the watermark, from when it’s shown to how it’s shown and even the specific fonts and text displayed.
Most importantly, by avoiding software like Adobe Acrobat and adopting more robust watermarking software, you can mitigate the chance that your watermark will be removed. While it’s true that this extra functionality comes at a cost, it’s infinitely better than paying for an ineffective solution.
