PDF stamping is a process of adding a digital watermark or stamp to a PDF document to prevent piracy. In this blog post, we will learn what is a PDF stamp, and how to add a stamp in PDF documents.
Stamping PDFs have become popular among content creators to prevent unauthorized distribution of PDFs. If you add a stamp to your PDF document it becomes a permanent part of the document, providing a layer of security and authenticity.
What is PDF Stamping?
PDF stamping is also known as PDF watermarking. It involves adding stamps to a PDF document. Some popular stamps include text, email address, digital signature, image, logo, and date. These elements serve as a means of identification, authentication, or protection. By adding a stamp to a PDF, you can establish ownership, indicate confidentiality, track document revisions, and deter unauthorized distribution.
The process of adding a stamp to a PDF typically involves using specialized software or tools. These tools allow users to insert, customize, and manage stamps according to their specific requirements. Whether it’s a “confidential” watermark, a customer’s email address, a company logo, or a digital signature, PDF stamping empowers owners of PDF documents to enhance the security, integrity, and professionalism of their digital documents.
Below, you will learn how to add a stamp to a PDF document.
How to Add Stamp in a PDF?
In this section, we will learn how to add a stamp to a PDF document in Adobe Acrobat and Payhip.
Adobe Acrobat
Using Adobe Acrobat you can easily add stamps at any position in a PDF. Follow the below-mentioned steps to add a stamp using Adobe Acrobat.
Step 1: To add a stamp, you will need to open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat. Then, click on the All Tools menu. Now, click on the View more option (see the below image).
Step 2: Now click on Add a stamp.
Step 3: From the left panel, click on Stamp and then select a desired stamp from the given categories – Dynamic, Sign Here, and Standard Business. See the below screenshot.
Please note that when you select a particular stamp, you can place it anywhere on your PDF. In the below screenshot, you can see that I have added a stamp at the top right of my PDF.
You can also adjust the size of the stamp. To change the size, click on the stamp and drag it from the corner to the size you want.
This is how you can add a stamp to your PDF document.
Payhip
Payhip is an e-commerce platform that allows users to create online stores and sell digital products like online courses, ebooks, coaching, memberships, and physical products.
If you’re selling ebooks, guides, checklists, templates, and more in PDF format, you can protect them from illegal distribution by using the PDF stamping feature offered by Payhip.
When you apply PDF stamping to your digital product and once a customer purchases your product their email address and date of purchase will be stamped on the top left of every page of your PDF files.
If a customer shares your PDF files online, you’ll be able to see who has shared them. Thus stamping a PDF will discourage customers from sharing your content.
To add a PDF stamp, follow the process mentioned below.
Step 1: Log in to your Payhip Dashboard. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up for your free account here – Join Payhip for free.
Step 2: After logging in to the Payhip Dashboard, navigate to Account and click on Settings. Now, click on Advanced Settings as shown below.
Step 3: After selecting Advanced Settings, you’ll see the option – Protect your PDF files. See the below screenshot.
Now, select the checkbox – Stamp the buyer’s email on the top left of each page of your PDF for files below 250MB.
That’s it, now whenever a customer buys your PDF product, his/her email address and date of purchase will be automatically stamped on the PDF file. See an example here.
Benefits of PDF Stamping
Below I have mentioned some of the benefits of adding a stamp to PDF files.
- Branding: Adding a company logo, name, or signature as a stamp helps in branding and ownership identification.
- Security: Stamping can deter unauthorized use of the document and serve as an indicator of authenticity.
- Piracy: If you’re selling ebooks in PDF format, adding a stamp to an ebook can discourage your customers from sharing it with others. Thus, PDF stamping also helps in preventing ebook piracy.
- Informational Context: Stamps can provide additional context or disclaimers, such as “Confidential”, “Approved”, or “Draft.”
FAQs
Can I customize a PDF Stamp?
Customizing a PDF stamp depends on the software or applications you’re using. For example, in Adobe Acrobat, you can customize the stamp on a PDF but if you’re using Payhip, you won’t be able to edit the stamp.
Can I place the PDF stamp anywhere on the page?
The placement of PDF stamps also depends on the software or applications you’re using. For example, Adobe Acrobat allows you to place PDF stamps anywhere on your page.
Is it possible to add stamping to documents other than PDF?
No, stamping is only possible in a PDF document.
