Add Header and Footer to PDF — Free Online Tool
Upload your PDF document
Securely add branding and navigation elements instantly
Supported: PDF • Max 50 MB
Configuration
Visual Appearance
Selective Range
Quick Answer: How to Add Header and Footer to PDF?
To add a header and footer to a PDF for free: upload your file to Plainscan, enter your text in the configuration sidebar, customize the font size, color, and margins, and click "Add Header & Footer". Our tool allows you to add professional branding, copyright notices, and automatic page numbering (e.g., "Page 1 of 10") instantly. Your updated PDF is processed securely via TLS encryption and is ready for download without any watermarks or quality loss.
What this tool does
This tool allows you to add custom text to the top and bottom margins of your PDF. You can customize font size, color, and positioning, as well as add automatic page numbering.
When to use it
Ideal for branding business reports, adding case numbers to legal documents, or inserting academic headers to theses and research papers.
How to use
Upload your PDF document to our secure cloud workspace.
Enter your desired header and footer text in the configuration sidebar.
Customize the font, color, and margins to match your document style.
Select the page range if you only want to brand specific sections.
Click 'Add Header & Footer' and download your professionally updated file.
Good to know
- Your files are processed securely via TLS and never stored permanently
- Files are automatically and permanently deleted after 24 hours
- Secure server-side processing for complex document tasks
About this tool
Professionalize your documents by adding custom headers, footers, and automatic page numbering to your PDFs. Our secure, encrypted cloud processing ensures high-quality branding for legal, academic, and business reports.
How to Add Header and Footer to PDF Online (Step-by-Step)
Securely brand your documents in seconds without expensive software like Adobe Acrobat.
Upload PDF
Securely upload your document or drag & drop directly into the tool.
Add Content
Type your custom header/footer text and choose date or page numbering.
Set Styling
Adjust font size, color, and positioning to match your document style.
Choose Range
Apply to all pages or select a specific range for professional branding.
Download
Click apply and download your safe, watermarked PDF instantly.
Powerful PDF Branding Features
Everything you need for professional document management in one free tool.
Custom Text & Labels
Add case references, confidentiality stamps, or document titles to any margin.
Automatic Page Numbering
Generate dynamic page numbers (e.g., Page 1 of 10) for easier document navigation.
Precision Layout Control
Adjust margins, alignment, and spacing to ensure text never overlaps important content.
Privacy-First Architecture
Secure TLS encryption for all file transfers with automatic permanent deletion from our servers within 24 hours.
High-Speed Processing
Add headers and footers to large PDFs instantly with our optimized browser-side engine.
Fully Mobile Responsive
Work on the go from your iPhone, Android, or tablet without needing any app installation.
Common Use Cases
See how professionals use Plainscan to organize and protect their documents.
Legal & Contract Management
Add case numbers, client references, and strict confidentiality notices to document headers. Ensure every page is numbered for courtroom or archival compliance.
Academic & Research Papers
Stamp your name, submission date, and university department on every page. Use page numbering to maintain coherence in long research documents or theses.
Business & Financial Reports
Add company branding, "Draft" status watermarks, or internal tracking IDs. Professional footers help keep multi-page financial statements organized.
Invoices & Billing
Stamp invoice IDs or "PAID" notices across headers. Add contact information and payment terms to footers for clear, consistent customer billing.
Plainscan vs. Other PDF Tools
Why thousands are switching to our privacy-first browser tools.
| Feature | Plainscan | Adobe Acrobat | iLovePDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secure Cloud Processing | YES | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic File Deletion | Standard | Standard | |
| TLS Encryption | YES | Standard | Standard |
| 100% Free Forever | YES | Paid Subscription | Freemium Limits |
| Secure Account & Dashboard | YES | Paid Only | Optional |
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is it free to add headers and footers to a PDF?
Yes. Plainscan's PDF Header & Footer tool is 100% free for all registered users. Simply create a secure account to access our full suite of professional PDF tools.
2Are my PDF files safe when using this tool?
Absolutely. We use industry-standard TLS encryption for all file transfers. Your documents are processed on our secure servers and are automatically purged within 24 hours of completion to ensure your total privacy.
3Can I add page numbers like 'Page 1 of 10'?
Yes. By enabling the 'Automatic Page Numbers' switch, the tool will automatically calculate and stamp page numbers in a professional format on every page.
4Can I customize the font size and color?
Yes. The configuration sidebar allows you to adjust the font size from 8px to 32px and choose any custom hex color for your text.
5Does this tool work on specific pages only?
Yes. You can use the 'Page Range' settings to define exactly which pages should receive the header and footer branding.
6Is there a file size limit for PDFs?
Our secure cloud processing supports files up to 50MB for free users. For larger documents or high-volume processing, consider a Pro plan.
7Can I add both a header and a footer at the same time?
Yes. You can enter text for both the top (header) and bottom (footer) margins simultaneously before applying the changes.
8How do I remove a header or footer?
Once applied, the header/footer is permanent in the new file. We recommend keeping your original file and downloading the updated version as a separate document.
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