What does PDF Overlay do?
PDF Overlay is a free online tool that can overlay one PDF on top of another (stamp/letterhead). The PDF result from PDF Overlay is a separate copy to inspect before you use it elsewhere. One possible use is prebuilt pdf stamps applied to a working file.
A PDF overlay places pages from a second PDF over the first using qpdf's overlay task. It is useful for a prebuilt stamp layer, form background or graphic that already exists as a PDF.
Prepare the two files with matching page width and height and alignment before uploading. An overlay combines visible content.
It does not on its own understand which area is a label, which parts should be see-through or how a page should be resized. An overlay uses the second PDF as visible content over the first.
The two sources should have page sizes that suit the intended placement. A pale source can still cover text beneath it.
Check a page with dense content before using the result. This is a compositing step, not an encryption step.
Overlay one PDF on another online: steps
Before using PDF Overlay, decide what the new copy must contain and where it will be used. Upload the base file first and the overlay second, checking angle and page sizes in both. Review the upload area and all values required by the current PDF Overlay form.
Choose the source
Check that a letterhead does not obscure the body text. For PDF Overlay, add the required sources in the intended input order. Keep a source copy for another attempt.
Review the form values
The PDF Overlay form has no extra task settings. Check the source in the file area.
Run the file task
Use Process PDF Overlay after checking the source and form values. Wait for the job to finish. An error means this attempt failed.
Save and check the output
Check placement, readability and the mapping between source and overlay pages in the combined result. Store the output on your device. Name this copy separately from the original.
Overlay pages: uses for PDF Overlay
PDF Overlay can help with graphic letterheads combined with file pages. It can also be used for template layers tested against a generated report. The PDF result from PDF Overlay must suit the intended reading or editing step, so keep the source until that check is complete.
- Prebuilt PDF stamps applied to a working file.
- Graphic letterheads combined with file pages.
- Template layers tested against a generated report.
- Visible marks added from a separate PDF asset.
Formats and limits for PDF Overlay
The PDF Overlay form accepts PDF sources. Each PDF Overlay upload can be up to 300 MB, which equals 300 MiB. The allowed suffixes on the PDF Overlay page do not prove that a source has valid content inside it.
| Accepted formats | Maximum file size | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 300 MB per file (300 MiB upload limit) |
An opaque overlay can cover underlying content without securely deleting it. Page matching and repeated overlays follow the format change engine's behavior.
How this tool works
PDF Overlay uses qpdf to handle the source on the server. The PDF Overlay request uses your chosen input rather than any local editing project left on your device. Check the PDF contents produced by PDF Overlay before treating them as ready for another app or reader.
For PDF Overlay, your browser uploads the source to our file-processing server. This is a server task, not local editing.
Files are due for deletion within 1 hour. Cleanup runs during normal service operation. Keep a local download for future use.
PDF Overlay questions and answers
If PDF Overlay gives an unexpected result, start by checking the source type and the values used in the form. Check the PDF contents from PDF Overlay as well as the filename or displayed message. For another result type, compare PDF Overlay with the separate tools described in these answers.
What matters when using PDF Overlay?
Compare source page sizes before overlaying a form template. View that area at its intended display size. Note any differences that affect your purpose.
Why try Add Watermark PDF?
Add Watermark PDF offers another task beside PDF Overlay: overlay watermark text on every page of a PDF. Add Watermark PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from PDF Overlay matches a listed input type for Add Watermark PDF.
Why try Merge PDF?
Merge PDF offers another task beside PDF Overlay: combine multiple PDF files into one. Merge PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from PDF Overlay matches a listed input type for Merge PDF.
Why try Change PDF Page Size?
Change PDF Page Size offers another task beside PDF Overlay: resize PDF pages to A4, Letter, or custom size. Change PDF Page Size returns PDF. The stated PDF output from PDF Overlay matches a listed input type for Change PDF Page Size.
What if my PDF result does not open?
For a failed PDF Overlay result, first confirm that the download completed and that the viewer supports PDF. Try another local viewer for that format.
Record any error message for support. Keep private source material out of the report.
How do I report a problem with PDF Overlay?
Contact support with the PDF Overlay page name, source format and the error you saw. Mention any relevant form settings you chose. Do not send passwords or private attachments.