How to Add a Header and Footer to a PDF (Free, Online)

Adding a header or footer to a PDF gives your document a professional, finished look. Whether you need page numbers, a confidentiality notice, a date stamp, or a document title on every page, this guide shows you how to do it for free in your browser without any software.

What can you put in a PDF header or footer?

Headers appear at the top of every page and footers at the bottom. Common uses include page numbers (Page 3 of 12), the document title, a company name, a date, a confidentiality label such as "Confidential" or "Draft", copyright notices, and reference numbers. A good header and footer make a document easier to navigate and look more official.

How to add a header and footer step by step

Step 1: Open the header and footer PDF tool. The file is processed in your browser, so it stays completely private.

Step 2: Upload your PDF by dropping it into the upload area.

Step 3: Type your header text, footer text, or both. You can use variables: {{n}} for the page number, {{total}} for the total page count, {{date}} for today's date, and {{title}} for the filename.

Step 4: Choose the font size and position, then download your updated PDF.

Adding page numbers automatically

One of the most common needs is automatic page numbering. Instead of typing a number on each page, you use the {{n}} variable, which the tool replaces with the correct page number on every page. Combine it with {{total}} to get a "Page 1 of 10" style across the whole document. This works no matter how many pages your PDF has.

Keeping your document private

Documents that need headers and footers are often official — contracts, reports, invoices. These should not be uploaded to random servers. A browser-based tool processes everything on your own device, so your sensitive document never leaves your computer. This is the safest way to edit confidential PDFs online.

Tips for professional headers and footers

Keep header and footer text short so it does not crowd the page. Use a smaller font size (8-10pt) so it stays subtle. Put page numbers in the footer and document titles or confidentiality notices in the header. Consistency across all your documents makes your work look polished and trustworthy.