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How To Insert Images Into PDF

by Hung Nguyen

You can also read this article in German, Spanish, French, Indonesian, Italian and Portuguese.

Insert images into PDFs with ease using Smallpdf. No software to install, no fuss, just fast, flexible tools for any image type or device.

How To Insert an Image Into a PDF

While most basic PDF readers offer basic editing capabilities, adding data in other formats, such as JPG or PNG files, is usually not possible. But with Smallpdf, you can add a JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, or even a GIF to your PDF in just a few clicks:

  1. Upload your file to our PDF Editor tool.
  2. Click on the image symbol at the top.
  3. Select the picture you want to add.
  4. Place and resize the image.
  5. Download or share your completed file.
After inserting an image into a PDF you might have to rearrange some text

After inserting an image into a PDF you might have to rearrange some text

It only takes a minute, even if you’ve never edited a PDF before.

Handy Image Controls to Make Editing Easy

You can embed images directly onto your pages, adjust their size, and layer them exactly how you want—no design skills needed. Use the corner handles to make it larger or smaller without distorting its shape, while the rotate option makes it easy to change the orientation.

You can also lower the opacity to create a watermark effect or blend the image into your background. If you’re adding an image, say a logo, and it needs to appear on each page, hit the duplicate button to get this sorted. 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?

Sometimes a picture just says it better. Maybe you're updating a company profile or adding a headshot to a form, and being able to insert a photo into your PDF saves time. It’s a common need for students, professionals, and anyone who wants their documents to look polished and complete.

Can You Add Images To PDF Using Your Phone?

Absolutely. Visit our site using your browser or install the Smallpdf Mobile App for iOS and Android. Either way, 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 snap a new one using your camera. Once added, you can drag, resize, and position the image. It works just like on a desktop, only smaller.

Are My PDFs and Images Secure?

Your files are always safe when you insert images into PDFs with us. All file transfers use TLS encryption. Smallpdf also removes all files from our servers after an hour of processing—we only keep them online long enough for you to have time to edit and download them. The only exceptions are PDFs sent for signing or shared with others using a link.

More Than Just Images

Within the PDF editor, you can also draw, highlight, and add text or shapes—whatever you need to edit your document. 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 now also edit the content of your PDF right within the editor, as if it were an editable Word document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I insert images into PDF for free?

Yes. The Smallpdf 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 folks use JPG or PNG, but you’ve got options. Just remember 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; this means our tools are available regardless of your operating system. Whether your computer runs on Windows, Linux, or Mac, our Smallpdf editor is ready! It also doesn’t matter whether you’re accessing our website through Firefox, Edge, Safari, or Chrome—we’re very flexible that way.

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 whatever folder you have them in.

Why does my image look blurry or too large?

That usually means the image resolution is too low. For clearer results (especially if you’re printing) try using something that’s 300 DPI or higher.

Can I upload images from my cloud service?

You can import PDFs from Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox directly into Smallpdf. At the moment, though, image files themselves need to be uploaded from your device. Once you’ve downloaded them from your cloud service, they can be added just like any other file.

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.

Inserting, embedding, or even just dropping a picture into a PDF should be simple, and with Smallpdf, it is. Whether it's a logo, a scanned form, or a photo of your pet for a printable calendar, it only takes a few seconds. And it just works, wherever you are.

Hung Nguyen
Hung Nguyen
Senior Growth Marketing Manager @Smallpdf