PDF Overlay: Add a Letterhead or Background to a PDF
Place one PDF on top of or behind another: add your company letterhead, a stationery background, a stamp or a form layout to every page. Free, in your browser.
Most tools never upload your files
How to add a letterhead to a PDF
A PDF overlay places the page of one PDF on top of, or behind, the pages of another. The most common use is to add a letterhead to a PDF: you write a letter, quote or invoice in any app, save it as PDF, then lay your company letterhead behind it so it looks like it was printed on your own stationery. You can also add a background design, a certificate frame, a stamp or a pre-printed form layout. The overlay stays vector, so logos remain crisp and the text remains selectable. It is free, needs no account and runs entirely in your browser.
How to add a letterhead to a PDF
- Add your document first. This is the letter, quote, invoice or report you want to brand.
- Add the letterhead PDF second. Its first page is used as the overlay.
- Choose where it goes. Behind the text for letterheads and backgrounds, On top for stamps and frames.
- Choose the pages. Every page for stationery, First page only for classic business letters.
- Apply and download. The result keeps the name of your document with "letterhead" added.
Common uses
| You want to | Overlay file | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Brand a letter or quote | Letterhead with logo and footer | Behind, first page only |
| Use company stationery on every page | Header and footer design | Behind, every page |
| Add an "Approved" or "Paid" stamp | Stamp on a transparent page | On top |
| Put a certificate in a frame | Decorative border | Behind or on top |
| Print answers onto a form layout | The blank form | Behind |
How to prepare a good letterhead PDF
- Leave the writing area empty. Keep the logo at the top and contact details at the bottom, with a clear middle.
- Match the page size. Use US Letter if your documents are Letter, A4 if they are A4.
- Leave room in your document. Set top and bottom margins in your letter so the text does not run over the logo or footer.
- Only have a logo image? Convert it with JPG to PDF, or add it as a stamp with PDF Watermark.
Overlay, watermark or header?
Use this overlay when your design already exists as a PDF and must look exactly the same. Use PDF Watermark to add a short text or image such as CONFIDENTIAL or DRAFT, and Add Header and Footer for simple lines of text like a company name, date or page numbers. After branding, you can sign the letter with Sign PDF.
Why not just print on letterhead paper?
Pre-printed stationery is expensive, goes out of date when your address or logo changes, and does not help with documents you send by email. A digital letterhead added to the PDF looks identical on screen and on paper, costs nothing, and can be updated in seconds. Many small businesses use it for quotes, invoices, offer letters and certificates.
Private by design
Letters, contracts and invoices often contain personal and financial details. WoowPDF combines the two PDFs with JavaScript on your own device, so nothing is uploaded, stored or logged, and no watermark is added.
Features
- Uses the first page of a second PDF as a letterhead, background, stamp or form
- Place it behind the text (letterhead, stationery) or on top (stamp, frame)
- Every page or the first page only, as most business letters need
- Stays vector: logos and lines remain sharp, text stays selectable
- Scales the overlay to fit pages of a different size, centered
- Runs in your browser: letters and contracts are never uploaded
Frequently asked questions
What file do I need for the letterhead?
A PDF of your letterhead with an empty middle, such as one exported from Word, Canva, InDesign or Illustrator. Only its first page is used. If you only have an image of your logo, turn it into a PDF first with JPG to PDF.
Behind or on top: which should I choose?
Choose Behind the text for letterheads, stationery and backgrounds, so your document's text is drawn over them. Choose On top for stamps, seals, frames and transparent overlays that must stay visible over everything.
My letterhead covers my text. What went wrong?
Your letterhead PDF probably has a white page background, which hides what is behind it when placed on top. Use Behind the text, or export the letterhead with a transparent background.
Can I add the letterhead only to the first page?
Yes. Choose First page only. Many companies print the full letterhead on page 1 and leave the following pages plain.
What if my document and letterhead have different page sizes?
The letterhead is scaled to fit each page and centered. For best results, use the same size for both, for example both US Letter or both A4.
Is the result still editable text?
Yes. Both layers are kept as vector PDF content, so text stays selectable and searchable and logos stay sharp at any zoom.