Photo watermarks: copyright and leak prevention

Why watermark?

Common goals: credit the creator, discourage reposting, mark “draft” or “sample”, or separate internal review copies. Wording, size, opacity, and placement depend on the goal.

Watermarks are not a legal guarantee, but they signal source and add a practical barrier to casual misuse.

Readable placement and opacity

Too faint has little effect; too strong hides the image. Preview on mobile and print if both matter.

Avoid covering faces or critical text. Consistent wording and position across a set helps brand recognition.

Keep the original

Watermarked output is a new file. Store the original separately and share only the marked version when needed.