What is a watermark: concept, need for application to documents, purpose

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Everyone knows what a watermark is. The most common option is watermarks on banknotes. Such watermarks, which are visible only in the light, were placed on nominal paper, stamps, and in the modern version - on multimedia products. Despite the rather large age of this technique, it is still the most effective way to protect banknotes worldwide.

Conceptual material

A watermark or filigree is an image on paper that looks lighter when viewed through the light or darker in reflected light against a darker background. At its core, a watermark is a paper defect that is intentionally created by the manufacturer and is intended to determine the authenticity of the product. Watermarked paper is obtained by pressing into it during the manufacture of a metal roller (eguter, dendiroli, roving).

Eguter is a rollerfrom a material similar to a window mesh. It is on it that the wires are located, which create the watermark pattern. This embossing is transferred to the stock, which shrinks and decreases in thickness at the site of the embossing. That's what a watermark on paper is. However, this is a very simplified description of one of the methods (the filigree method) for making such paper, which is called laid paper.

There is a more complex method of watermarking paper - embossing. When using this method, not only a change in optical density in a certain area is achieved, but also a different depth of tones, and a gradation of shades of gray. The egouter mesh in this case is replaced by a specific relief surface on the roller.

Visible or hidden

Watermarks can have different levels of visibility. Some of them can only be detected after certain procedures or the application of special liquids for watermarking, which wet the paper but do not damage it.

Such marks are useful in researching paper to determine dating, establishing initial dimensions, identifying trademarks. In addition, it is the application of watermarks that greatly complicates the possibility of counterfeiting paper media and logos.

That is why these techniques are widely used in the manufacture of paper carriers of increased secrecy and reporting, the manufacture of banknotes and various kinds of documents with watermarks. Everyone knows what a passport is, and the corresponding signs ineveryone has seen it.

Historical background

Reliable data on the appearance of paper with watermarks refer to 1282-1283. The first samples of such paper were made in Bologna (Italy).

In the 13th century, it was Italy that became the place where paper production was put on a grand scale. Note that in those days, paper was made from lime-treated rags. As a result, a jelly-like paper mass was formed, which was poured into special molds made of copper wire. Most likely, it was the prints of this wire that served as the prototype of the watermark, which every craftsman considered it his duty to add to his product.

It was the Italian paper craftsmen who invented the filigree method of making paper with branded watermarks. "Filigree" in translation from Italian is a delicate work, which is decorated with a cantle. This is what watermarks are, and Italian masters throughout Europe were famous for their pretentiousness.

Watermark classification

Watermarks can be true (natural) and simulated. The former are obtained directly during the manufacture of paper, the latter - they change the optical density of the finished paper.

According to the number of shades observed, watermarks are:

• Solid - dark or light characters, visible through the light.
• Duo-tone - contains both dark and light parts.
• Multitone - images with a gradual transition of tones.
• Combined - combine all of the listed elements.

In addition, watersigns also differ in the type of placement on paper.

Watermarks today

Modern banknotes of many countries have watermarks. And although many modern protection methods are used in the manufacture of modern money, watermarks do not lose their relevance. According to statistics, only 15% of counterfeit money is watermarked.

Watermarks are used to protect diplomas, stocks and securities, personal documents and even train and plane tickets from counterfeiting.

Today it is fashionable to order paper and envelopes with watermarks - company logos or the owner's initials.

Modern electronic watermark

The purpose of such images is to protect film and photo products from counterfeiting and illegal distribution. These are visible or invisible signs that carry unique digital codes that contain information about the rights to this intellectual property.

Visible electronic watermarks today can be applied to visual content by anyone with the help of specially designed programs. This is how photographers, designers, and artists protect their rights to images. In addition, such labels today are also a branding tool. They help the consumer remember the manufacturer, and serve as additional advertising for the latter.

It is worth noting that the name "watermark" behind such electronic labels has been preserved purely traditionally. After all, to paper, these signs do not have the slightestrelationship.

A few tips

If you want to protect your personal visual content when you post it online, use mobile application services. We have selected the top 5 easy-to-use and affordable apps to protect your photos and logos:

• PhotoMarks 2 is a lightweight and fast watermarking application.
• PhotoMarks 2 is an application with unlimited text row possibilities.
• Marksta is one of the most popular watermarking apps.
• A+Signature is a multifunctional content that allows you to make signatures on images.
• PhotoMarkr is a free app to create your own watermarks.

Modern offer of applications allows you to create your own logo without watermarks. Such a sign will become a branding and advertising tool for experienced and novice businessmen.