What is a Watermark?
A watermark is a visible marking overlaid on an image to identify the creator or discourage unauthorized use. It can consist of text (such as your name or logo) or an image and is placed semi-transparently over the original.
Watermarks are a proven means of protecting intellectual property. Photographers, designers, and agencies use them to mark their work before sending preview images to clients. They are also a popular branding method for social media publication.
Formidex supports both text and image watermarks. You can freely adjust position, size, transparency, and rotation. For maximum protection, a tiled pattern covering the entire image is also available.
How does the Watermark tool work?
The tool renders your watermark as a semi-transparent layer over the original image. For text watermarks, you can choose font, color, and size. For image watermarks, your logo or emblem is positioned with adjustable transparency.
Tiling repeats the watermark in a regular grid across the entire image. This pattern is particularly difficult to remove and offers the best protection against unauthorized use. The spacing between tiles is adjustable.
Tips for best results
Choose a transparency that makes the watermark visible without overpowering the image. A value between 30 and 50 percent opacity is a good compromise for most cases.
Place the watermark where it cannot be easily cropped out. A corner alone offers little protection since it can be cut off easily. A tiled pattern or central placement is significantly more secure.
For professional branding, use your logo as an image watermark instead of plain text. Ensure the logo remains recognizable even at small sizes and semi-transparent.
Common use cases
Preview images for clients: photographers and designers send drafts with watermarks so clients can review images without being able to reuse them without payment.
Branding on social media: a subtle watermark with your name or logo on every posted image strengthens your brand and makes authorship clear when the image is shared.
Stock photo protection: on stock photo platforms, preview images are always watermarked. Only after purchase does the customer receive the version without a watermark.