Headers vs footers vs page numbers — what's the difference?
All three add text to the top or bottom of PDF pages, but they serve different purposes. Headers typically carry document titles, chapter names, or company branding at the top. Footers carry page numbers, dates, legal disclaimers, or contact information at the bottom. The page numbers tool is a focused shortcut for just numbering — the headers and footers tool gives you full control over any text in both positions.
How to add a header or footer to a PDF free
- Open ihatepdf.cv/headers-footers
- Upload your PDF
- Choose Header, Footer, or both
- Enter the text for each — static text, dynamic page number, or current date
- Set font, size, color, and alignment
- Apply and download the updated PDF — no watermark
Dynamic content options
- Static text — any fixed text: company name, "CONFIDENTIAL", document title
- Page number — inserts the current page number, auto-incremented on every page
- Total pages — inserts the total page count (e.g. "Page 3 of 12")
- Date — inserts today's date in your chosen format
- Combined — mix static and dynamic: "Company Name | Page 1 of 20"
Exclude certain pages from headers/footers
Cover pages and table of contents pages often shouldn't have headers or footers. You can set the tool to skip the first page, the last page, or any specific page range.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a header to some pages and a footer to others?
Yes. Configure header and footer independently, including which pages each applies to.
Can I add a logo image to the header?
The headers and footers tool supports text. For image headers, add your logo as a watermark positioned in the header area.
Does the PDF with headers/footers have a watermark?
No. ihatepdf never adds its own watermarks.