pdfcosmos

Add Text to PDF

Click anywhere on your PDF and type, entirely in your browser.

Free, fast, and privacy-first.

Add the PDF you want to add text to

or drag & drop a file here

PDF onlyone fileup to 100 MB

Add text to a PDF — type anywhere, even on a scan

Adding text to a PDF should be as simple as clicking where you want it and typing — and that's exactly how this works. Open your PDF, click any spot on the page, and a text box appears ready for your words. Drag it into position, resize it, and set the font (Helvetica, Times, or Courier), the size, and the color; make it bold, italic, or underlined so your note either blends into the document or stands out. Because the text is placed freely, you're never limited to existing form fields.

That freedom means it works on any PDF, including a scanned or printed page with no text layer at all — perfect for filling a form that was never made fillable, labelling a diagram, or adding a quick correction. The whole thing runs in your browser with pdf.js and pdf-lib, so your file is never uploaded and never leaves your device. To place checkmarks, dates, or a signature as well, use Fill & Sign; to stamp one line across every page, see Add Header & Footer or Add Watermark.

  • Click and type anywhere

    Drop a text box on any spot of the page — you're not limited to existing form fields.

  • Works on scanned PDFs

    Add text to a flat or scanned page that has no text layer, like a printed form.

  • Full font control

    Choose Helvetica, Times, or Courier, set the size and color, and go bold, italic, or underlined.

  • Private by design

    Text is drawn in your browser with pdf-lib; your PDF never leaves your device.

How to add text to a PDF

  1. Add your PDF

    Click “Select PDF”, or drag a single file into the upload area. Any PDF works, even a flat scan with no text layer.

  2. Add a text box

    Click “Text”, then click the page where you want the box, and type. Pick the font, size, and color, and drag or resize the box any time.

  3. Download

    Download your PDF. The text is drawn straight onto the page.

Frequently asked questions

Are my PDF files uploaded to a server?
No. Your PDF is rendered and edited entirely in your browser with pdf.js and pdf-lib. The file never leaves your device. You can confirm it in your browser's Network tab: no file data is sent.
Can I add text to a scanned PDF?
Yes. The text is placed freely on the page, so it works on any PDF, including a scanned or printed page that has no text layer or form fields. Just drop a text box where you want it and type.
Can I choose the font, size, and color?
Yes. Each text box has its own font (Helvetica, Times, or Courier), size, and color, and can be made bold, italic, or underlined, so you can match the document or make your note stand out.
Can I edit the text again after downloading?
The text is burned onto the page, so it isn't a separate layer you can click to edit later. Keep your original file if you may need to change it, and add text to a duplicate.
Can I also add a checkmark, a date, or a signature?
Yes. Use our Fill & Sign PDF tool to place text, checkmarks, dates, a drawing, or a signature anywhere on the page. To stamp one line across every page, see Add Header & Footer or Add Watermark.
Is Add Text to PDF free?
Yes, it's completely free to use, with no sign-up and nothing to install.