Overlay

The overlay PDF is composited onto each page of the base document. Control opacity, blend mode, positioning, and which pages receive the overlay. 'Repeat' cycles the overlay pages if the base has more pages than the overlay.

Best for:WatermarksLetterheadsTemplatesBranding
Overlay — Layers a second PDF on top of your pages: for watermarks, letterheads, or templates.

Overlay

4 recipesTool page

Layers a second PDF on top of your pages: for watermarks, letterheads, or templates.

The overlay PDF is composited onto each page of the base document. Control opacity, blend mode, positioning, and which pages receive the overlay. 'Repeat' cycles the overlay pages if the base has more pages than the overlay.

Best for:WatermarksLetterheadsTemplatesBranding
How It Works

The overlay PDF is composited onto each page of the base document. Control opacity, blend mode, positioning, and which pages receive the overlay. 'Repeat' cycles the overlay pages if the base has more pages than the overlay.

Blend mode:Normal: overlay covers the base. Multiply: white areas become transparent: ideal for logos and stamps on colored backgrounds.
Opacity:100% is fully opaque, 0% is invisible. Use 10-30% for subtle watermarks.
Repeat:When enabled, overlay pages cycle to match the base document. If your overlay has 2 pages and the base has 10, overlay pages alternate 1,2,1,2,...
Overlay — full app view showing options and imposed result

Overlay tool applied. Options panel on the left, imposed result on the right. Click to zoom.

Options Guide
Overlay File

Upload the PDF to layer on top of your document.

Settings

Control repeat behavior, blend mode, opacity, and page range.

Normal blend mode places the overlay directly on top: white areas are opaque. Multiply blend mode makes white areas transparent, which is ideal for overlaying dark logos onto colored backgrounds. Opacity at 100% is fully opaque; lower values create translucent effects.

Location

Choose where the overlay is anchored using a 9-point position grid.

Select one of nine anchor points: top-left, top-center, top-right, center-left, center, center-right, bottom-left, bottom-center, or bottom-right. The overlay is aligned relative to this point on the base page.

Padding

Offsets the overlay from its anchor position.

Left padding shifts the overlay horizontally. Top padding shifts it vertically. Use padding to fine-tune placement after choosing the anchor point.

Expert Tip

Overlays are for die-line templates, watermarks, or recurring background elements. Set opacity to 100% for die lines and 15-30% for draft watermarks. Upload the overlay file first via the file upload area in the Overlay section.

The overlay PDF must match the page dimensions of your working file. A size mismatch will position the overlay from the bottom-left origin, and it will appear shifted.

Used in Recipes

Box Layout

Folding carton box flat (die-line) with artwork positioned for die cutting.

Apply die template
Add cut contour
Add marks

Bag Layout

Paper or poly bag printed flat and imposed for production.

Apply bag template
Multi-up
Add marks

Envelope Layout

Printed envelopes imposed for flatbed or rotary die cutting.

Apply envelope template
Multi-up
Add die lines

Envelope Production

Printed envelopes imposed and prepared for envelope-making machinery.

Apply die template
Multi-up
Add marks

Try Overlay in your browser

PDF Press runs entirely client-side. Upload a PDF, apply Overlay, and download the result — no upload to a server, no sign-up required.

Open PDF Press