How heavy should a proof mark be?

Visible but not destructive: the client can judge composition and detail, and still see it is a preview. Trial one image first.

Strip metadata before sending?

For outbound packs, a common order is strip then stamp so location fields are less likely to ride along. See strip-then-watermark and Metastrip.

No. Stampdrop is not an official ID or credential issuing tool. Read the reference-copy notice for wording limits.

Same mark for final delivery?

Often no. Proofs can be denser; finals may switch to a corner mark or drop the preview phrase per your agreement.

GUIDE

How should I watermark sample proofs for clients?

Proof watermarks should stay visible without blocking judgment: a light diagonal tile or a short “sample / preview” line, kept off faces and product heroes. For outbound packs, a common order is strip metadata first, then stamp. Stampdrop is not an official ID or credential issuing tool.

When you preview with Stampdrop, the mark communicates status—it should not make the set unreviewable. Free local batch overview: free batch watermarks (no upload). Opacity and placement detail: opacity & position.

1. What a proof mark is for

Clients need light, framing, expression, or product texture—and a clear signal that this is a preview, not a finished asset cleared for free reuse. A watermark is a status cue. It does not replace contracts, selects, or copyright terms.

Keep copy short: “sample,” “preview,” “for review.” For ID-copy style materials, read the reference-copy watermark notice and follow the receiving party’s rules.

2. Visible, not destructive

Light diagonal tile — harder to crop away casually; density in the tiled watermark guide.
Corner logo + soft centered phrase — brand stays clear without covering the hero.
Trial one hard image for opacity and placement, then batch. See opacity & position.

After approval, finals may drop the preview phrase or switch to a corner mark—follow your delivery agreement, not a single forever template.

3. Outbound order: strip, then stamp

Phone shoots often carry location fields. For client ZIPs, a common path is: batch-strip with Metastrip, stamp in Stampdrop, ZIP and spot-check. Checklist: strip metadata, then watermark.

Strip is not the same as recompressing for size. Internal previews may skip strip when your agreement allows keeping fields.

4. Spot-check and handoff

Faces, product heroes, QR quiet zones.
First, last, and one middle file in the ZIP.
HEIC sources: convert first — HEIC watermark workflow.

Support: [email protected].

FAQ

How heavy? Visible but reviewable.

Strip first? Common for outbound packs; see SD-3 and Metastrip.

Official ID tool? No. See the reference-copy notice.

Same as finals? Often no; adjust per agreement.

Disclaimer

Stampdrop is not an official ID or credential issuing tool. Judge results by the files you export. Support: [email protected].

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