Document standardization

Add Header and Footer

Apply consistent header/footer text across every page.

Header + footer

apply across all pages

Typography control

font size and margin settings

50MB

max source file size

Maximum file size: 50MB

Content & Update Info

Reviewed By: PDFMagic Editorial TeamLast Updated: 2026-03-04Editorial Policy · See our publishing and review standards
  • Steps on this page were verified against the current tool UI.
  • File size limits and processing statements were re-checked for consistency.
  • FAQ and privacy-related wording were refreshed to avoid stale conflicts.

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When to use this tool

Add Header and Footer is useful when you need to apply consistent header/footer text across all pages and get a standardized PDF suitable for policy docs, reports, and internal circulation.

Pick a goal before processing

Choose one goal to get a recommended mini-workflow and reduce trial-and-error.

Reduce retries under upload limits. Keep only required pages, then compress.

  1. Split by section
  2. Remove non-required pages
  3. Compress to target size
Open full playbook →

How to use

  1. Upload file: Select your source PDF from local device.
  2. Configure options: Adjust the key options for this operation.
  3. Export result: Run processing and download the new PDF file.

Real interface preview

This screenshot shows the actual working interface of the current tool so you can confirm the flow before uploading files.

Add header and footer tool interface screenshot
Captured from the live page with default settings.

Route preview gallery

Preview current and nearby route interfaces, then jump with one click when you need to switch workflows.

Need a different route?

Use these shared routes when you need the full playbook, a deeper guide, a different tool, or a safer support path.

Need the full workflow

Open the matching task playbook

Reduce retries under upload limits. Keep only required pages, then compress.

Open playbook →

Need edge-case guidance

Open the detailed guide for this tool

Use the dedicated help article when you want step-by-step guidance, caveats, and safer checks before delivery.

Open tool guide →

Need a different operation

Browse neighboring PDF tools

Open the full tools directory when you realize the real task is merge, split, convert, protect, or inspect.

Open tools directory →

Need route confirmation

Use Help, FAQ, and support routes

Go to the help hub when you want broader walkthroughs, quick answers, or escalation options before you continue.

Open help center →

Practical tips

  • Use short identifiers like project code, version, or confidentiality tags.
  • Use clear and small test files first when trying a new workflow.
  • After export, quickly check key pages, fonts, and layout before final delivery.

Operator hint cards

Use these focused hints when you want fewer mistakes and faster final delivery.

Run a 2-3 page sample first

Validate readability and page order before processing a full file.

Keep a full playbook one click away

When the current run is not ideal, switch to scenario playbook without resetting context.

Open playbook →

Use fallback routes before manual tweaks

Switching to neighboring workflows often resolves edge cases faster than repeated local edits.

Open fallback route →

Limits and compatibility

Very long text may overlap page content. Keep header/footer concise.

Frequently asked questions

Will Add Header and Footer reduce PDF quality?

This operation keeps existing PDF page content as-is. Always preview the output before external delivery.

Where does Add Header and Footer run?

This page uses browser-side processing based on pdf-lib for the core operation.

What if my file is too large?

Current page limit is 50MB. If needed, compress or split the source PDF first, then process again.

Operation profile

Primary operation

apply consistent header/footer text across all pages

Expected result

a standardized PDF suitable for policy docs, reports, and internal circulation.

Main caveat

Very long text may overlap page content. Keep header/footer concise.

Workflow confidence

High · Current flow usually works well for most input files.

Recommended next tool

Add Page Numbers

Detailed guide

Need a full walkthrough with edge cases and best practices? Open the dedicated help article for this tool.

Smart next-step recommendations

Recommended by workflow similarity and tool usage priority:

Workflow bundles

Use these pairings when you need to finish a complete workflow, not just one isolated action.

  1. Bundle 1: Add Header/Footer + Add Page Numbers: Run Add Header/Footer first, then continue with Add Page Numbers to finish the workflow with fewer retries. Add Page Numbers
  2. Bundle 2: Add Header/Footer + Bates Numbering: Run Add Header/Footer first, then continue with Bates Numbering to finish the workflow with fewer retries. Bates Numbering
  3. Bundle 3: Add Header/Footer + Edit PDF: Run Add Header/Footer first, then continue with Edit PDF to finish the workflow with fewer retries. Edit PDF

If current flow fails, try these routes

These alternatives are selected from neighboring workflows to reduce retries and unblock delivery.

  1. Add Page Numbers: Same-category fallback with lower switching cost. Open route
  2. Bates Numbering: Same-category fallback with lower switching cost. Open route
  3. Edit PDF: Same-category fallback with lower switching cost. Open route

How to choose the right PDF tool

If you are comparing workflows, use this quick matrix to avoid extra trial and error.

Your scenarioRecommended toolWhy this tool
Combine several files into one packageMerge PDFsKeeps all pages in sequence for one deliverable.
Send only part of a long reportSplit PDFExport selected ranges without editing original file.
Rebuild page order before submissionReorder PagesSupports custom sequences like 3,1,2 or 8-4.
Lower file size for email or upload limitsCompress PDFReduces size while keeping readable quality.
Need to revise content before exportingEdit PDFHandles text overlays and visual adjustments quickly.