What's the difference between a header and a watermark?

Headers live in the top or bottom margin and are typically small, discreet text meant for identification (dates, names, page numbers). Watermarks are usually large, diagonal text (like 'DRAFT' or 'CONFIDENTIAL') stamped across the center of the page, intended to be highly visible. Choose a header for practical information, and a watermark for status labeling.

Will the header show up if I convert the PDF to Word?

In most cases, yes — because the text becomes part of the page content, conversion tools like pdf_to_docx will carry it over as text or as a positioned element, depending on the converter. Unlike annotations that often get dropped, stamped content travels with the page.

Can I add a header to just the first page or only a specific section?

Yes — you can target specific page ranges. For example, you might want 'CONFIDENTIAL' on pages 1–10 and a different reference number on pages 11–20. Just describe the range along with your text and FlowPDF applies it only where you specify.

What if my document already has headers — will this overwrite them?

FlowPDF adds your new header on top of the existing page content. If the original PDF already has text in the same area, you'll see an overlap. You can ask FlowPDF to 'remove existing headers first, then add mine' to avoid clutter.

Can I use dynamic values like the current date or file name in my header?

Absolutely — you can include placeholders in your instruction. For example, say 'add a footer with the current date on the right side' and FlowPDF will stamp today's date. Or say 'use the original file name in the header' to make sure your printed documents are always traceable back to the source file.

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Add Headers and Footers to PDF Online — Free, No Sign-Up

Headers and footers are the quiet workhorses of professional documentation. A page number might seem trivial until you're printing a 200-page contract and drop the stack. A company name in the header turns a generic printout into branded correspondence. A date stamp helps auditors track which version of a document was actually circulated. FlowPDF lets you stamp any text you want — top or bottom, left, center, or right — onto every page of your PDF in one go. You don't need to open a desktop publisher or fiddle with template layers. Just describe what you need: 'Add a footer saying CONFIDENTIAL on every page,' or 'Put our company name and the date in the top right.' The text becomes part of the page content — not a floating annotation that can be accidentally deleted — so it survives printing, merging, and further editing.

Upload, then tell us what to stamp and where

or drag & drop your PDF here

No sign up

Secure & private

Free to use

How it works

1
Upload your PDF.
2
Describe your header or footer — for example, 'add a header with my company name on the left and page numbers on the right' or 'stamp DRAFT COPY in the footer of every page.'
3
Check the preview to make sure the positioning and text look right.
4
Download your finished PDF — every page now carries your chosen text.

Frequently asked questions

Yes — FlowPDF supports different content for left and right pages, which is essential for printed booklets or double-sided documents where the margin alignment shifts. For example, you can ask for 'the page number on the outside edge of every page' and FlowPDF will automatically flip the position based on odd/even.