Headers vs footers vs page numbers — what to use when
The page numbers tool is a focused shortcut for numbering only. The headers and footers tool gives you full control over any text in both the top and bottom margins simultaneously. Use headers for document title, chapter name, or company name at the top. Use footers for page numbers, dates, legal disclaimers, or classification labels at the bottom.
How to add a header or footer to a PDF free — step by step
- Open ihatepdf.cv/headers-footers — no sign-up required
- Upload your PDF
- Choose Header, Footer, or configure both simultaneously
- Enter text for left, center, and right positions in each area
- Use tokens to insert dynamic content: page number, total pages, or today's date
- Set font, size, color, and margin distance from the page edge
- Apply and download — no watermark
Dynamic content options
- Static text — any fixed text: company name, "CONFIDENTIAL", document title, department name
- Page number — auto-incremented on every page
- Total pages — displays "Page 3 of 12" format when combined with page number
- Date — inserts today's date in your chosen format
- Combined — "Acme Corp | Page 1 of 20 | 2025-07-18"
Exclude cover pages and front matter
Set the tool to skip the first page (or multiple pages) so your title page and table of contents don't show the document header. You can set separate first-page headers if the cover page needs different branding from the body pages.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a logo to the header?
The headers tool supports text. For a logo in the header position, use the Watermark tool to position an image in the top area of each page.
Does the PDF with headers/footers have a watermark from ihatepdf?
No. ihatepdf never adds its own watermarks to any output file.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Headers and footers are added entirely locally using pdf-lib. Your file never leaves your device.