How to Insert Image into PDF with PDFFly

Knowing how to add images to PDF can be useful for all kinds of documents, from reports and presentations to forms and proposals. But if you don't have a PDF editor installed, even a simple task like inserting a photo in PDF can feel more complicated than it should.

This short tutorial covers the full process of adding an image to PDF online with PDFFly step by step. You’ll also learn which image formats to use and how to resize and position an image so it fits your document properly.

How to Insert Picture into PDF Online with PDFFly

You don't need any paid desktop software to add a picture to PDF. PDFFly's free online PDF editor lets you do it directly in your browser, whether you're on a desktop or mobile device and regardless of your operating system. Here's how it works in 3 steps.

Upload or Attach Your Document

First, go to pdffly.com, drag and drop your PDF onto the upload area or upload button to browse your computer or device. PDFFly lets you attach an image to a PDF document or any other content without changing the existing document structure and accepts files up to 100 MB.

The platform uses security protocols, including SSL encryption, during upload. Some individual tools state that uploaded files are automatically deleted after processing. For details on data retention and how uploaded content is handled, check PDFFly's Privacy Policy before uploading sensitive documents.

Add Images to PDF

With your document open in the editor, simply upload an image file (a photo, logo or scanned signature) by clicking Image in the toolbar, then drag and drop it to position on the page. Adjust the placement to customize the layout and avoid overlapping existing text. You can add multiple images and position them where needed before downloading.

Resize and Download

Use the resize handles to resize images to fit the document. For best results, resize proportionally to preserve the original aspect ratio – a logo stretched out of proportion will undermine the professional appearance of the document.

When satisfied with the placement and image quality, click Download to save the updated file to your computer – then store or share it wherever you need, including Google Drive or other cloud storage.

File size tip. Images increase PDF file size. After adding your image, run the document through PDFFly's compress PDF tool to reduce file size with minimal quality loss.

Which Image Formats Can You Add to a PDF with PDFFly?

PDFFly accepts the most widely used image formats for photos, scans, graphics and illustrations. Each has a different strength depending on what you're inserting and where the document is headed.

• PNG
  PNG is a good choice for logos, icons, graphics and overlays because it supports transparency. Use it when you need to add a PNG to a PDF cleanly over a coloured background.


• JPG/JPEG
  JPEG works well if you need to insert JPG into PDF for photographs, including product images and report photos. It usually creates smaller files than PNG, which can help keep your PDF size manageable.
  .jpg and .jpeg are two file extensions for the same image format, and PDFFly supports both.


• GIF
  PDFFly's Image to PDF conversion tool converts GIF files to PDF. However, since PDF is a static format, animation doesn't carry over, so the result is a still image. To insert an image into a PDF, use PNG or JPEG.

How to Insert a JPEG into a PDF

Choose JPEG when file size matters. Note that JPEG does not support transparency, so the image will appear with its original background colour.

If you want to create a standalone PDF from a photo first, follow the link to PDFFly's convert JPG to PDF free tool, then continue editing from there.

Pro Tips: How to Put Picture in PDF Quickly

Here are some tips to help you make better decisions about the format, quality and tooling, improving the visual appeal of the finished document before you hit Download.

• Use PDFFly's watermark tool for repeating background visuals
  If you're adding a logo or other visual element over existing document content, a transparent PNG can help you place and customize it on the page without unnecessarily covering the background. Use the Image tool for foreground visuals placed at a specific position, and the Watermark tool for background-layer overlays that shouldn't interfere with the document text.


• Match image resolution to where the document is going
  For PDFs viewed only on screen, moderate image resolution usually looks fine. For documents going to print, the image needs enough pixels to reproduce clearly at its final printed size.
  As a general guideline, photographs for commercial print are often prepared at around 300 pixels per inch at their final placed dimensions – though the right resolution depends on the printer, the image type, and the viewing distance.
  When print quality is critical, confirm requirements with your print provider before finalising the document.


• Combine image insertion with e-signatures
  After inserting an image, use PDFFly's add signature to PDF tool to insert a drawn, typed or uploaded handwritten signature in the same workflow – completing the signature step without switching tools.
  Importantly, an uploaded image of a handwritten signature is an e-signature, not a cryptographically verified digital signature.

Can You Just Paste an Image into a PDF document?

A basic PDF viewer typically doesn't let you modify PDF content – PDF is a fixed-layout format that requires a PDF editor to change. You need a PDF editor or another application that supports PDF editing.

PDFFly functions as that editor: open your PDF, click Image in the toolbar to upload your image file, place it on the page and download the updated document.

Trying to paste image into PDF from your clipboard won't work in a standard viewer, but the upload-and-place workflow in PDFFly covers the same ground in just a few clicks.

More Ways to Use PDFFly

Beyond image insertion, PDFFly also handles tasks you're likely to need on the same document: convert it to Word for deeper text edits, merge it with other files or run OCR to make a scanned PDF searchable. No downloads, no sign-ups, no hidden costs – just open PDFFly in your browser and get started.

Need to add a picture to any PDF for free? Try PDFFly online and get started in just a few clicks.

Frequently asked questions

Can I insert image into PDF for free?

Yes, PDFFly offers image insertion for free: no Adobe Acrobat subscription required, no account needed. Tool availability may vary so check the current tool page for any account or usage requirements before uploading your file.

Can I insert a picture into a PDF on my phone (iPhone or Android)?

Yes, PDFFly works across major desktop and mobile platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iPhone. Open PDFFly’s website in your mobile browser and select an image from your device. No app download is required.

Is it safe to upload and add images to PDF online?

PDFFly uses SSL encryption for file transfers. Individual tool pages state that uploaded files are deleted after processing. For full details on data retention and third-party services, review PDFFly's current Privacy Policy, especially before uploading sensitive or confidential documents.

Can I move, edit, or remove an image after inserting it?

Yes, while your file is open in the PDFFly editor, click any embedded image to reposition, resize or delete it. For advanced editing after downloading, re-upload the PDF document and continue from where you left off.

How do I ensure the inserted image doesn't cover my text?

Use PDFFly’s editing tools to position your image, then preview the full document before downloading it. If you want to add a background image without covering text, use PDFFly’s watermark feature. It places the image behind your document content automatically.

Will adding a picture increase the PDF file size?

Yes, adding images can increase your PDF’s file size, especially if you use high-resolution photos. To keep the file smaller:

• Use JPG or JPEG for photos instead of PNG.


• Compress the finished file with PDFFly’s compress PDF tool.

Compression options let you target a specific output size – 10 MB, 5 MB, 2 MB, or 1 MB – depending on where the document is headed.

Can I add multiple images at once?

PDFFly lets you add multiple images in a single editing session. Insert each image individually; arrange and resize them across one or multiple pages, then download everything as a single PDF document.

Can I add images to a PDF offline?

PDFFly is a cloud-based online tool and requires an internet connection. For offline editing, desktop PDF editors are available for Windows, macOS and Linux, though they typically require installation and manual updates.

For most workflows, PDFFly's browser-based approach avoids installation and works across major desktop and mobile platforms.