How to Add a Watermark in Adobe InDesign [Templates + Examples] 2023

May 08, 2023

Add a watermark to any document or image designed in Adobe InDesign as a way to explicitly send a message that you made or own such material. Whether you use transparent or semi-transparent logos, patterns, or texts in InDesign files, bear in mind that watermarks are important to manage copyright, prevent authorized use, or set a visual design that represents your brand.

Build a Watermark Template in Adobe InDesign – Step-by-Step Instructions

Adobe InDesign or INDD files can be your go-to platform for designing images and documents that include your signature watermarks. With access to Adobe Reader, Adobe Acrobat Pro, or InDesign straight away, you can add a watermark to InDesign from scratch or with a watermark template using these steps:

Step 1: Look for a Watermark Template (Option 1)

Open Template.net and view the collection of watermark templates for inspiration on how to design your Adobe Indesign watermark. One example is the premade watermark template that you may use for confidential or creative design purposes.

Step 2: Search for a Watermark Template (Option 2)

Directly search for any watermark template using the search box found on the main page of Template.net. You can simply write “watermark” or “Adobe InDesign” and suggestions would flood your screen.

Step 3: Choose a Watermark Template

Select the best watermark template that you want to use and you may opt for a PSD, PNG, or PDF file for the format. A tip is to prioritize clicking the “Edit online” button to customize the template first.

Step 4: Edit the Template Online

Clicking “Edit online” means you are transported to the graphic design editor tool of the template. Use this chance to inspect the template carefully and explore the many editable tools inside.

Step 5: Change the Text

Before you deal with Adobe InDesign text fonts or add text effects, the editor tool already grants you the opportunity to change the text of the watermark template. Just click “Fill,” select any of the text box, and write the new text using your keyboard.

Step 6: Add Graphic Designs

Click “Graphics” to access a plethora of graphic templates that you can use to embellish your watermark creatively. You can search for a graphic on the search bar or choose from any of the example illustrations, vectors, stickers, and other visuals below.

Step 7: Set a New Background Color

Even your watermarks deserve a transparent background image, a colorful drop shadow, or a popping color to stand out. Just press “Background” and choose from any of the background colors below or select an image to use as a wallpaper for the watermark design.

Step 8: Download the Template

Add last-minute touches to the design and select “Download” on the right side of your screen. Pick any file format and image quality from there, click the final “Download” button, and proceed to open the template in Adobe InDesign shortly.

Step 9: Use the Type Tool

To add a watermark in Adobe InDesign manually, you have to design it yourself using the Type tool. Make a new INDD file in Adobe InDesign, click the Type tool which has the letter T icon, and type the text you want to use for the watermark may it be your personal name, business name, or a creative moniker.

Step 10: Choose a Font Style

Found on the right portion of the Adobe InDesign workspace, access the Properties panel and move to the Characters category. Then, modify the font style and the font size according to the options available there.

Step 11: Alter the Text Opacity

What makes watermarks notable are their opaque and semi-transparent features and you can achieve that by altering the text opacity. Click the text, tilt it, reposition it towards the center, access the Appearance panel, change the opacity percentage for the watermark such as 7%, and save your work.

Watermark Templates & Examples

Logos and watermarks are worth designing in InDesign and you can use them to protect and brand your digital art, original typography, confidential screenshot, animation design, or even software layout design. And here are other ideas and examples worth including in your next watermark drafts:

Logo and Watermark Template

A logo and watermark go hand in hand since a logo mainly represents a brand while the watermark protects intellectual property. Hence work on them both in one template such as this example.

Do Not Copy Watermark Template

A do not copy watermark directly sends a clear message that the purpose of your watermark is to stop other people from copying or reproducing your work. Include this design in your private works.

Business Watermark Template

Every business should at least have its own business watermark design. And you can start with a simple yet classic look such as this template.

Digital Watermark Template

Digital art, files, and media are encouraged to be protected with a digital watermark. You’d be surprised at how quickly online users could copy or use your digital work without permission when no watermark is found on your digital files.

Picture Watermark Template

Photographers have their signature picture watermark commonly at the edges of their pictures. And a watermark helps identify that you own or created the photograph.

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