Insert images into PDFs with ease using Smallpdf. No software to install, no fuss, just fast, flexible tools for any image type or device.
The ability to insert images into PDFs is increasingly important for tasks like updating forms, enhancing reports, or adding visual elements to documents.
Most PDF readers come with limited editing tools, and they often don’t support image formats like JPGs, PNGs, or GIFs.
This guide explains how you can add images to your PDF files quickly and easily using a simple, browser-based solution that works on any device.
How To Insert an Image Into a PDF
Most standard PDF readers offer limited editing tools and typically don’t allow you to add image files like JPGs or PNGs.
With Smallpdf, you can easily insert a JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, or even a GIF into your PDF in just a few clicks. Here’s how:
- Upload your file to our PDF Editor tool. You can do this by either dragging and dropping your file into the upload area or by clicking “Choose Files” to select a PDF from your device.
- Click on the image symbol in the top toolbar.
- Select the picture you want to add from your device.
- Place and resize the image how you’d like it to appear.
- Download your new PDF by clicking the “Download” button on the top right-hand side of the screen. You can also click “Finish” if you’d like to share or export your file in a different format.
It only takes a minute, even if you’ve never edited a PDF before.
Handy Image Controls to Make Editing Easy
With our PDF Editor, after inserting an image, you can reposition, resize, and rotate it to fit your layout. These simple controls make it easy to align images with your content.
Use the corner handles to make your image larger or smaller without distorting its shape, and the rotate option makes it easy to change the orientation.
You can also lower the opacity of the image to create a watermark effect or blend it into your background.
If you’re adding an image like a logo, and it needs to appear on each page, use the duplicate button to do this. There’s no need to import the same image dozens of times.
For even quicker workflows, you can paste images directly from your clipboard.
Why Add Images to a PDF?
Visual elements often help convey information more effectively than text alone. Adding images like logos, charts, or headshots can make your PDFs more informative and professional.
It’s a common need for students, professionals, and anyone who wants their documents to look polished and complete.
Can You Add Images To a PDF Using Your Phone?
Visit PDF Editor using your browser or install the Smallpdf mobile app for iOS and Android. Using these tools, you’ll find it easy to insert images on the go.
After opening your PDF in the app, tap the image icon to upload a photo from your gallery or take a new one using your camera. Once added, you can drag, resize, and position the image.
Are My PDFs and Images Secure?
With Smallpdf, all your files are protected with TLS encryption, and files are automatically deleted from our server after one hour. This ensures your PDFs and images remain secure and private.
The only exceptions are PDFs sent for signing or shared with others using a link.
More Than Just Images
In addition to inserting images, our PDF Editor allows you to draw, highlight, add text, and include shapes—helping you customize documents as needed.
If you need to fill out a form or sign a document, you’ll find those tools here, too.
And if you’re a Smallpdf Pro user, you can also edit the content of your PDF right within the editor, as if it were an editable Microsoft Word document.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inserting Images Into PDFs
Can I insert images into PDF for free?
Yes. The Smallpdf PDF Editor lets free users upload and place as many images as they need, with no software required.
You only need a Pro account for certain advanced editing features, such as direct text changes, and you can always try out the Pro features by signing up for a 7-day free trial.
What types of image files can I use?
JPGs, PNGs, GIFs, BMPs, and TIFFs all work great. Most people use JPG or PNG, but you’ve got further options when you use our PDF Editor. It’s worth noting that animated GIFs will show as a static image only once added to a PDF.
Can I add an image to a PDF on a Mac?
Smallpdf is an online service, meaning our tools are available regardless of your operating system.
Whether your computer runs on Windows, Linux, or Mac, our Smallpdf editor is ready for you to use.
It also doesn’t matter whether you’re accessing our website through Firefox, Edge, Safari, or Chrome; our tool works on any browser.
How do I insert more than one image?
After placing your first image, simply click the image icon again to upload the next one. You can repeat this as many times as needed, whether you're building a photo-heavy report or adding stamps to multiple pages.
You can also copy and paste images from any folder where they are located.
Why does my image look blurry or too large?
A blurry or overly large image usually means the image resolution is too low. For clearer results, especially if you’re printing your PDF, try using an image that’s 300 dots per inch (DPI) or higher.
Will adding images increase my PDF size?
Yes, but it depends on the size and resolution of the image. If the file becomes too large after editing, you can use our Compress PDF tool to reduce the file size while keeping your images crisp.
Add Images to PDFs with Ease
Inserting an image into a PDF should be simple, and with Smallpdf, it is. Whether it's a logo, a scanned form, or a photo for a printable calendar, it only takes a few seconds. And it works wherever you are.
