How to Add New Text to a PDF Page
A short note, date, or reference label can make a PDF more useful without rebuilding the source document. PDFSwan Add text to PDF places a new text overlay on one page at coordinates you choose.
Open Add text to PDF ↗When to use Add text to PDF
Use this tool to add supported basic Latin text. It does not replace existing wording, reflow paragraphs, or remove the text beneath an overlay. For an interactive form, Fill PDF forms may be more appropriate.
Step-by-step instructions
Load the source file
Open the Add text to PDF workspace using the button above. Choose the source file from your device or drag it into the drop area. Wait for preparation to finish and check the displayed filename. Work from a copy you can retain for comparison, and clear the workspace if you selected the wrong source.
Choose Page number and position
Set Page number to the physical page position starting at 1. Enter From left and From bottom in PDF points. There are 72 points in an inch, so 36 points is half an inch. The defaults are 36 from the left and 48 from the bottom.
Enter Text and Font size
Replace Your text here with your wording. Select a font size between 6 and 144 points. There is no text wrapping or direct on-page positioning control; the text must fit within the page at the coordinates you enter.
Download and verify the result
After processing finishes, select Download PDF. Save the new file before closing the tab or creating another result. Open the actual download in a compatible application and compare it with the source. Check the content and format you need rather than relying only on the success message.
A practical example
To add a reference on page 2, set Page number to 2, Text to Reference ABC-104, From left to 36, From bottom to 48, and Font size to 12. Create the PDF and inspect page 2. If the label overlaps a footer, adjust its coordinates from the original and regenerate.
Tips for a better result
Understand the coordinate direction
Increasing From left moves text right. Increasing From bottom moves it up. These coordinates use the underlying PDF page system, so pre-existing rotation or crop boxes can complicate the visible position.
Keep overlays separate from corrections
Drawing new words over old content does not securely erase the old wording. Do not use an overlay as redaction. If a correction needs the original wording removed, edit the source document or use a suitable PDF editing workflow.
Troubleshooting
Why does the text not fit?
The selected size and position extend beyond the page. Shorten the wording, reduce the font size, or move the label inward.
Why are characters rejected?
The built-in font workflow supports basic Latin text. Replace unsupported symbols or use a document editor with the required fonts.
File limits, privacy and keeping your originals
PDFSwan processes document bytes locally in your browser without a document upload. The task limits are 50 MB total input, 60 files, and 300 PDF pages. Actual performance depends on your device and browser memory. Encrypted PDFs are rejected; choose an unlocked copy you are authorized to edit. Keep your originals, because page operations and edits may change bookmarks, forms, links, annotations, and existing digital signatures.
The home page includes Google Analytics and DeanonX site-tracking scripts. Local document processing does not mean the website has no third-party tracking. Download the result before closing the tab, and use Clear workspace to remove files from the active workspace when finished.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace existing PDF text?
No. This tool adds a new overlay and leaves existing content unchanged.
Can I add text to every page at once?
The current controls target one page per run. Watermark PDF adds the same diagonal label to every page.
Ready to try it?
Follow the steps with a copy of your document, then check the downloaded result before sharing it.
Use Add text to PDF ↗