PDF Header & Footer
Add repeating text to the top and bottom of every PDF page. Company name, document title, copyright notice, contact info — anywhere in the margins. Runs entirely in your browser.
Drop PDF here or click to upload
Any PDF · Headers and footers added in your browser
PDF Header & Footer runs 100% in your browser
Your files are never uploaded to any server. All processing happens locally on your device using modern browser technology. Private, fast, and free.
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How to Add Headers and Footers to a PDF Online
Open the PDF Header & Footer tool
Navigate to the tool. No signup, no upload to a server.
Upload your PDF
Drop any PDF file — reports, contracts, manuals, ebooks, all work the same way.
Add header and footer text
Type what you want in any of 6 positions: top-left, top-center, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-center, bottom-right. Use {page} to insert the current page number.
Download your PDF
Hit Apply — the text is added to every page. Download the result instantly.
Pro Tips
- •Use top-left for company name, top-right for date, bottom-center for page number — standard business document layout.
- •The {page} placeholder inserts the current page number wherever you put it. {pages} inserts the total. Try ‘Page {page} of {pages}’.
- •Headers and footers are added as a layer over the existing content — if your PDF already has margins with content, the text could overlap. Use the PDF Crop tool first if needed.
- •Keep font size 9–12 for body documents. Larger sizes start to intrude on the content area.
- •Different headers for different sections aren’t supported here — the same text repeats on every page. For sectional headers, use a dedicated PDF editor.
Who needs PDF Header & Footer?
Students
Academic work and assignments
Professionals
Business and office tasks
Creatives
Design and content creation
Everyone
Personal everyday tasks
When to Use PDF Header & Footer
Brand business documents
Add company name and logo-substitute text to every page of proposals, reports, and white papers.
Legal document tracking
Add case number, attorney name, or version date to every page of filings or evidence binders.
Academic submissions
Add author name, course, and ‘Page X of Y’ to every page — standard format for essays and theses.
Multi-section reports
After merging multiple PDFs into one, add consistent headers and footers to make the combined document feel cohesive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The text is added entirely in your browser using pdf-lib. Your document never leaves your device.
Can I use a different header on the first page?
Currently the same header and footer apply to all pages. For cover-page exceptions, split the PDF first with our PDF Splitter, header just the body pages, then merge.
How does {page} and {pages} work?
These are placeholders. {page} becomes the current page number (1, 2, 3...). {pages} becomes the total page count. Combine like ‘Page {page} of {pages}’ for full numbering.
Can I add an image (like a logo) as a header?
Not currently — text only. For images, our PDF Editor supports logo placement.
Will the text overlap with my content?
Possibly, if your PDF has tight margins. The tool places header text at the top margin and footer at the bottom margin. Use the PDF Crop tool to extend margins first if needed.
PDF Header & Footer vs Alternatives
Adding headers and footers to PDFs is common for branding and document tracking.
Adobe Acrobat Pro
Industry standard
Key difference: Powerful section-specific headers and footers, but requires a paid subscription and learning curve.
Microsoft Word + export
Roundabout approach
Key difference: Only works if you have the original Word source. Doesn’t help when you receive a PDF you didn’t create.
Online PDF services
Smallpdf, iLovePDF, etc.
Key difference: Convenient but require uploading your file to their servers — risky for confidential drafts.
Browser-only processing, 6-position layout, page-number placeholders, no upload, no signup, instant download.
Good to know
- All processing happens in your browser. Very large files may be slower on mobile devices or older computers.
- Results depend on the quality and format of your input. For best results, use high-quality source files.
- Once you close the browser tab, all data is gone. Make sure to download your results before closing.
Key Features
100% Free
No hidden fees, no premium tiers, no limits on how much you use it. Free today, free tomorrow, free forever.
Complete Privacy
Your files never leave your device. Everything is processed locally in your browser — we physically cannot access your data.
No Registration
Start using the tool immediately. No account, no email, no personal information required. Just open and use.
Works Everywhere
Compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge on desktop and mobile. Works offline once the page has loaded.
Full Step-by-Step Guide
Detailed walkthrough with pro tips and best practices for getting the best results every time.
Read guideFrequently Asked Questions
Every common question answered — file limits, privacy, supported formats, compatibility, and more.
View FAQCompare Alternatives
See how PDF Header & Footer stacks up against Adobe, Smallpdf, and other paid and free alternatives.
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