You install Image Watermark to protect your photos. Thumbnails have watermarks. But when someone clicks to view full-size image, no watermark. They can download unprotected image. That is frustrating because your protection is useless.
A common issue is that Image Watermark applies watermarks only to thumbnail sizes by default. Full-size images are skipped to save server resources. The plugin is not broken. You need to enable watermarking for full-size images.
Why Full-Size Images Are Not Watermarked
Image Watermark processes images when you upload them. It can apply watermarks to multiple image sizes: thumbnail, medium, large, and full. By default, many versions skip “full” size. Full-size images are the original uploaded file. Watermarking them takes more resources. Plugin disables it by default.
This is not Image Watermark being bad. You need to enable full-size watermarking manually.
The Most Common Watermark Gaps
- Full-size images (original uploads) not watermarked
- Images uploaded before plugin installation (never processed)
- Images in subfolders or custom upload directories
- Images added via FTP (not through WordPress media library)
- WebP or AVIF images (format not supported by watermark)
Each gap needs different fix.
How to Watermark Full-Size Images
- Go to Image Watermark → Settings → Image sizes
- Check “Full size” option
- Save settings
- Go to Image Watermark → Bulk Watermark
- Select “All images” or specific images
- Run bulk watermark process
- Wait for processing to complete
This applies watermarks to full-size images. Existing images will be processed.
How to Watermark Images Uploaded Before Plugin Installation
Images uploaded before Image Watermark was installed have no watermarks. Use bulk watermark tool. Go to Image Watermark → Bulk Watermark. Select all images. Run process. All existing images will receive watermarks based on current settings.
This may take time on large libraries. Run overnight.
Alternative: Use Server-Side Watermarking
If Image Watermark misses too many images, consider Easy Watermark or Watermark. These offer more control. Some site owners use image CDN with built-in watermarking (BunnyCDN, ImageKit).
CDN watermarking applies watermarks on delivery, not on upload. Works for all images including full-size.
People Also Ask About Image Watermark Coverage
Why are my full-size images not watermarked?
Because “Full size” option is disabled. Enable it in settings and run bulk watermark.
Should I stop using Image Watermark?
No. Just enable full-size watermarking. Run bulk watermark on existing images.
Is Image Watermark worse than Modula Watermark?
Modula Watermark has same size options. Both need full-size enabled.
Final Thoughts
If Image Watermark misses full-size images, enable “Full size” in settings. Run bulk watermark on all existing images. Full-size images will be protected. Thumbnails already protected.