How to add a header and footer to a PDF
- Tap "Add a PDF" or drop it onto the box.
- Type the header, the footer or both, and choose left, centre or right.
- Choose the text size, colour and pages, then tap the Add button and download.
Good to know
Type {page} for the page number, {pages} for the number of pages, {date} for today’s date and {file} for the file name. "Page {page} of {pages}" becomes "Page 3 of 12" on the third page of a 12-page PDF. {page} is the page’s place in the file, also when you leave the cover page out.
The text is written onto each page, so every PDF app and printer shows it, and it sits the right way up even on pages that are stored sideways. Text too long for the page is made smaller to fit.
The text can be in English and other European languages, Greek, Russian and other Cyrillic alphabets, Chinese (simplified), Hindi, Bengali, Arabic and Urdu. Western European letters use the standard Helvetica font; other letters use a free Noto font that is downloaded when needed and built into your PDF. The tool names any character it can’t write.
Questions
Can I skip the cover page?
Yes. Tick "Leave the first page out". You can also choose odd or even pages, or type page numbers such as 2-10.
How is the date written?
The way your browser writes dates in your language and region, such as 22 October 2026 or October 22, 2026. It is the date on the day you add the header or footer.
Can I add only page numbers?
Yes. Type Page {page} of {pages} as the footer, or use Add page numbers, which has ready-made styles.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The header and footer are added by your browser on your device.
Page last reviewed 21 October 2026.