Question 1

Does this tool encrypt or password-protect my PDF?

Accepted Answer

No. This tool applies a visible diagonal watermark (such as 'FOR KYC ONLY') and optional formal cover notices across pages. It does not encrypt, lock, or password-protect your document. Anyone who receives the file can open and view its contents without entering a password.

Question 2

What is the difference between visual watermarking and cryptographic PDF security?

Accepted Answer

Visual watermarking deters unauthorized reuse, employee forwarding, or fraudulent KYC re-submission by visibly stamping the recipient name, purpose, and date across the document. Cryptographic security uses ciphers (such as AES-128 or AES-256) and user/owner passwords to restrict file opening, printing, or copying.

Question 3

Why doesn't the tool currently encrypt files, and when will real encryption arrive?

Accepted Answer

Robust client-side PDF encryption requires implementing PDF Standard Security Handlers (Revision 5/6 AES-256) inside WebAssembly. Full client-side cryptographic password encryption is planned for an upcoming release; currently, users requiring strict access restriction should use native OS print-to-PDF security or dedicated utilities like qpdf.

Question 4

Can a recipient remove the watermark from the downloaded PDF?

Accepted Answer

The watermark is stamped directly into the PDF content stream as a vector text layer via pdf-lib. Standard users opening the file in browsers, mobile viewers, or Acrobat cannot remove it. However, because the document is not cryptographically signed or encrypted, someone with advanced vector PDF editing software could theoretically modify the content stream.

Question 5

Does stamping a watermark degrade text sharpness or balloon file size?

Accepted Answer

No. Unlike tools that rasterize the entire document into bitmap images, pdf-security injects vector text layers directly into existing PDF pages using pdf-lib. Your original vector text and layouts remain crisp at all zoom levels, and the resulting file size increases by only a few kilobytes.

Question 6

Are my KYC documents or ID proofs uploaded to any server during watermarking?

Accepted Answer

No. Watermarking runs completely in-memory inside your browser tab using pdf-lib. Your Aadhaar cards, passports, bank statements, and tax forms are never uploaded to any external server.

Watermark a PDF

Notice: This tool does not encrypt or password-protect your file

Optional: Document Notice Cover Page

Visible watermark only — does not encrypt

Frequently asked

Feedback, bugs & custom requests

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