You can embed a video in a PDF by adding a clickable link, a thumbnail along with a URL, or a QR code that opens the video when scanned.

All these methods work on PDF.net, so in this guide, we will walk you through the steps for each. In addition, we will explain why and when you should embed videos into your PDFs and provide you with troubleshooting tips for common issues that arise during the process.

You can embed a video in a PDF file by adding a clickable link, a thumbnail along with a URL, or a QR code of the video’s URL.

Including videos in PDFs makes them more engaging and easier to understand, as these are great for pitching, educational, and recurring materials.

To embed videos effectively, you should use the widely supported MP4 format, trim their lengths and reduce their resolution ahead of time, as well as add captions or instructions.

You should also test your PDF on multiple devices and readers to avoid compatibility issues and include fallback options like a plain text video link that your viewers can copy.

How to Embed a Video in a PDF File in 9 Easy Steps

 any software. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can 

 with a video by following the procedure described here:

Upload your document by dragging and dropping it into the 

 and select it from your storage to upload it manually.


 will open in a new tab with a full suite of tools.


PDF will open in a new tab with a full suite of tools.

 at the top of the page to activate the tool. Another panel with features should appear above your document.


Click Text and another panel with features will appear above your document

 and click on where you want to place the clickable link; a new textbox will pop up with a blinking cursor for you to type in directly.


Select Add text and click on where you want to place the clickable link

Paste the link to the video that you want to put in your PDF. You can also include a short call to action (CTA) before it, like “Watch this video for more details:”.


Paste the link to the video that you want to embed in your PDF

Highlight the URL and press Ctrl+K on your keyboard to add a hyperlink; this way, when you click on the URL, you will be directed to the page that hosts the video.



You can customize the text you included by 

, color, and size. You can also bold or italicize certain parts to call attention to them.


Customize the text by changing color, font, and size

Once you are happy with your placement, click 

Click Download once you are happy with the video placement

Name your document and press Download PDF

This is the simplest way to include a video in a PDF with our PDF editor. You can complete the entire process in just a few minutes; our intuitive interface is designed to help users save time!

2 Other Ways to Add a Video to Your PDF File

 to put a video in a PDF file using PDF.net; let’s take a closer look at each.

Follow these steps to insert a video into a PDF with a thumbnail and a URL:

Open our PDF.net and upload your document.


Other Ways to Add a Video to Your PDF File

Click Image in the toolbar at the top of the page

Drag and drop your thumbnail in or press 

 to upload it from your device. Make sure that the image is in 

 the thumbnail by selecting it and dragging it around. You can also 

Reposition the video thumbnail by selecting it and dragging it around

: You can go a step further to mimic the display of a video by overlaying the thumbnail with a triangle, indicating the

 in the toolbar at the top of the page, press 

, and then select the space underneath the thumbnail that you just inserted.


Click Text, press Add text, and then select the space underneath the thumbnail

Paste the video’s URL into the textbox that appears.


Paste the video’s URL into the textbox that appears

 to save your PDF and share it with others easily.


Download to save your PDF and share it with others

This way of making interactive PDFs with videos is great when you want to have a 

 and are branding your document a certain way. It 

 your personal or professional identity, so it is easy for others to recognize your work immediately. You can use this method for:

media kits, proposals, sponsorship requests, etc.

training manuals, workbooks, guides, etc.

 that open the videos when you scan them. This method is particularly suitable for 

, such as posters, brochures, manuals, and handouts.

Unlike embedded multimedia in a PDF, which some devices don’t support, QR codes work across phones, tablets, and computers, and they can 

. Therefore, you won’t have to find workarounds to 

 at the top of the page and click on it. A box will pop up for you to 

Button to open an upload box where you can drag and drop or manually upload your QR code

Place your QR code properly on your page, flipping, rotating, or resizing it as necessary.


Adjust your QR code on the page by flipping, rotating, or resizing it for proper placement

Test that the QR code works by scanning it with your phone or tablet. Once you confirm that it leads to your video, it is time to 

 in the top right corner, enter a name, and click 

Click Download in the top right, enter a file name, and select Download PDF

Why Should You Embed a Video in a PDF Document?

You should embed a video in a PDF because it makes the document more 

without taking up as much space as writing everything out.

A study in health education found that video-based learning 

. In general settings, videos are believed to be 

Here are some situations where you can benefit from embedding a video in your PDF:

When creating presentations and reports. 

Since these are usually client-facing, you would want them to be as engaging as possible. Videos make this happen by breaking up slide after slide or page after page of text. They also take up just a slide or page to cover the same amount of information, so you won’t have drawn-out PDFs.

When making interactive training materials. 

The visuals and sounds in a video can make it easier for learners to understand complex concepts. They are particularly great for providing step-by-step instructions, such as in PDF product guides. Studies show that 

 prefer watching videos to learn about new products.

Videos grab attention, and they are the number one choice for content consumption nowadays. For example, videos in email campaigns can increase click‑through rates by 

. Additionally, people are more likely to share content that contains videos with others. If you want to expand your PDF’s reach, embedding it with videos is a smart move.

Keep these tips in mind when embedding a video in a PDF on Mac, Windows, etc.:

Some video formats might play on your device but fail on someone else’s due to compatibility issues. Embedding MP4 in a PDF file is the safest choice because it is widely supported across platforms. It also ensures smooth playback without requiring extra plugins and maintains consistent quality. Meanwhile, you should avoid AVI, MOV, or WMV, as they tend to require specific codecs.

Keep video file size reasonable to avoid large PDFs. 

Large videos can add to a PDF's size and make it slow to open and difficult to 

, as well as cause certain devices and readers to crash. You can compress it or shorten its length using a PDF video editor online. It also helps to adjust the resolution; full 1080p is often unnecessary.

Test the PDF on multiple devices before sharing. 

Each PDF reader handles embedded videos differently, and performance can vary across devices and operating systems. Therefore, you should open the PDF on multiple devices and readers and play the entire video each time to check for issues. Pay attention to the audio and any accompanying captions or interactive elements, too.

Add captions or instructions for video playback. 

This way, your viewers can access the content without confusion. Captions and instructions improve 

 for those who are hard of hearing. Plus, it allows all viewers to follow along even if they watch muted; according to recent studies, 

3 Common Issues When Embedding Videos in PDFs

Here are a few common issues when embedding videos in PDFs and how to troubleshoot them:

Videos are not playing in certain PDF readers. 

Older readers or readers on mobile apps may fail to play videos, so to avoid playback problems, it is best to use the MP4 format and test your PDF on multiple readers before sharing. You should also 

 and allow viewers to copy the videos’ URLs in case they aren’t clickable.

 Bloated PDFs can prompt your viewers to bounce, consume more storage space (especially when 

), and lead to crashes or freezes on older devices. As such, you should make it a standard to 

 and optimize your videos' lengths to keep your files manageable.

Compatibility problems with older software versions. 

Many older readers and operating systems will not support the latest video codecs, which prevents the videos on your PDFs from playing. Interactive elements, like clickable links, may also be broken. To address this, you should include a plain-text link to the videos as a fallback.

Start Making Your PDFs Interactive With Our Tool

, and you can upload your document to edit with our full suite of tools 

 and download your document. The exporting process itself takes just a few seconds; you will have professional, video-embedded PDFs that are ready to share

Knowing how to embed a video in a PDF properly allows you to take your documents to the next level. You can make them engaging, easier to understand, and more shareable by following one of the three simple embedding methods we outlined above. In return, they become far more interactive, informative, and impressive to your viewers.

#1. Can I embed a YouTube video in a PDF?

 by using PDF.net. You can insert a textbox and paste the YouTube video link in it, or 

 of the video’s thumbnail along with its URL. Additionally, it’s also possible to create a QR code that leads to the YouTube video and attach it as an image in your PDF.

#2. Will the embedded video work on mobile devices?

 video playback and the video is in a widely compatible format like 

#3. Can I edit or replace the video later?

you can edit or replace the video later with our PDF editor

 if you originally inserted a clickable link or 

to replace your old thumbnails or QR codes. PDF.net allows you to store and organize your PDFs for as long as you need, so you won’t have to go looking for them or 

#4. Does embedding a video increase PDF file size?

embedding a video in a PDF will increase the file size

, and it might bloat your file significantly if it is 

. To ensure your document’s size stays reasonable, 

 and optimize the video before embedding it.

How to Embed a Video in PDF: Full Guide for Interactive PDFs

You can draw on PDFs using PDF.net’s Draw tool, which comes with options to customize the strokes, colors, and opacities and export easily.

The answer to “How do I draw on PDFs?” is simple: you can use PDF.net for that. The tool offers a virtual marker or a pen, as well as options to customize the strokes and colors to add visual cues to your documents easily. Other methods include using Mac’s Preview, Microsoft Edge’s PDF editor, or mobile apps.

In this guide, we will walk you through the specific steps for each method and provide tips to help you keep your PDFs professional. We will also address the common concern about quality loss after drawing and answer other frequently asked questions.

You can draw on a PDF easily with PDF.net; it offers an intuitive interface, a full suite of tools for customizability, and quick export options.

Mac’s Preview app, Microsoft Edge’s built-in PDF editor, iOS’s Files app on mobile, and Android apps like Xodo also offer PDF drawing tools.

To ensure your PDF remains professional, you should use three to four consistent colors and add pages for the drawings to avoid overcrowding.

You should also combine your drawings with highlights and comments to provide context, and make it a habit to work on copies to protect the original document.

Generally, you won’t lose quality when drawing on PDFs, but just in case, avoid converting your document to other formats or exporting it by the print workaround.

To draw on a PDF, you can use our browser-based editor and follow these steps:

Open PDF.net and upload your document. It will open in a new tab with a full suite of tools after several seconds.


 at the top of the page, and then upload your PDF to use our online PDF annotation tool.


Find Draw in the toolbar at the top of the page

Choose between a marker or a highlighter in the panel that appears to add drawings to your 

Choose between a marker or a highlighter in the panel to draw on a PDF

Adjust the stroke’s thickness to suit your needs and draw directly on the page. You can also change the colors.


Adjust the stroke’s thickness to suit your needs and draw directly on the page

 to undo any strokes you made by mistake.


 in the top right corner, give your file a name, and select 

You can use our freehand PDF editor to draw, write, or sketch on your PDF files easily.

When Would You Need to Draw on a PDF File?

You would need to draw on a PDF file when you want to mark up a PDF online without having to recreate the entire file or 

Sketching diagrams or arrows to clarify ideas

Adding comments while reviewing contracts or design drafts

As such, knowing how to draw on PDF files is useful for students, teachers, freelancers, professionals, and everyday users. It makes your 

Additionally, while studying, note-taking, or working, annotating PDFs and drawing on them can improve your performance and productivity.

it can help you understand, retain, and recall information better. One study found that 

annotating improved reading comprehension

 in an eighth-grade social studies class. Annotations from educators can also help drive students’ iterative improvement.

 it makes collaboration more efficient. Instead of sending back-and-forth emails or arranging Zoom calls, you can draw on your documents and share them. It is also possible to 

You can also draw on a PDF file using Mac’s Preview app, Microsoft Edge’s PDF editor, or mobile apps. Let’s take a closer look at these other methods:

If you want to draw on PDFs using a Mac device, you can do so with the pre-installed 

 tool; this is good for circling text, underlining points, or adding arrows

 text in different colors to draw attention to certain details

 to emphasize important sections. The blue handles let you resize, while the green handles let you reshape their forms. With these, you can also use the 

 tools to make it easier to locate key areas when reviewing your PDF

This is a great alternative to drawing on PDFs online for free. You can use it when you are 

#2. Using Microsoft Edge’s Built-in PDF Editor

Microsoft Edge’s built-in PDF editor lets you write on a PDF and add drawings. Open your PDF in it, find the toolbar at the top of your screen, and click 

You can also start marking up your document with the 

 tool. Alternatively, you can select the line of text you want to annotate, and then right-click and choose 

 app to draw on your PDFs. Simply open your document, tap the 

 icon to enable annotation mode, and use the 

 that appear at the bottom of the screen.

There is a marker, a pen, a highlighter, and a pencil, and for each, you can adjust the stroke’s thickness, color, and opacity. If you make mistakes, the 

 can help you undo them; once you are done, you can 

, such as Xodo, Adobe Acrobat, or Foxit PDF, have similar features. However, you need to download them first, and some may include ads or rather limited functionality that can slow you down.

4 Handy Tips for Drawing and Annotating PDFs Professionally

Keep the following tips in mind when drawing and annotating to ensure your documents remain polished and professional:

Drawing or writing on PDFs in too many different colors can make your content look 

If you don’t choose the right combinations and contrasts, you can also affect your 

. For example, using red on green may be difficult for color‑blind readers to distinguish, and using gray on white can strain the eyes.

In contrast, using colors intentionally can be helpful in many ways:

This improves the flow of reading and helps you draw attention to specific sections as needed.

 This allows you to organize your ideas, 

improve retention and recall with color cues

, and find important points or patterns while skimming and scanning more easily.

Consistent use of certain colors can reinforce your personal or professional brand so that your work is instantly recognizable. This is essential if you are drawing on PDFs and then sharing or distributing them.

#2. Avoid Overcrowding Pages With Markings

If your PDF is already text-heavy, marking it up further can 

; your content will then be difficult to read and can create 

. This counteracts all the benefits of adding annotations and drawings to your document in the first place.

 directly to avoid taking up too much space. Also, don’t forget to re

 before sharing them; a page might appear crowded on a phone while looking fine on a laptop.

#3. Combine Drawings With Highlights or Comments for Context

Using drawings along with highlights and comments can make 

. For example, you can draw an arrow to point to a specific sentence and add a comment explaining why it is important.

later on, you won’t have to rack your brain trying to remember what each mark means. It also helps anyone else reading the document 

#4. Always Annotate a Duplicate to Protect the Original

You should never draw directly on your original PDF, as you might need to duplicate it or edit it in the future. Instead, 

 and make all your annotations, highlights, or drawings on that version.

To avoid accidentally working on your source document or prevent others from doing so, you can apply a password. PDF.net has a 

 tool that allows you to do this easily; simply follow these steps:

Enter a strong password into the input field.


Always Annotate a Duplicate to Protect the Original

The tool will password-protect your document

Your file has been successfully encrypted and protected

Do You Lose Quality When Drawing on a PDF?

You generally don’t lose quality when drawing on a PDF

. PDFs are vector-based, so annotations like highlights or shapes can be added without compromising the original content.

 to formats like JPEG, PNG, or DOCX, the document may be compressed, which reduces clarity. If you 

 to create a new document, some printers or drivers may also rasterize or compress the content, which affects the quality.

To minimize the chances of this happening, you should

be sure to preview by zooming in on all the drawings and ensuring that they are crisp.

, so you won’t have to wait for anything to install; in 

, you can choose a marker or a pen to draw freehand over the pages.

Additionally, we have AI tools that can help with the process. For example, you can use our 

 to identify the key points, and then draw stars next to them or circle them so that they are easy to find at a glance. You can also ask questions about your content via our 

 feature to extract action items and flag them with symbols.

Blog

How to Embed a Video in PDF: Full Guide for Interactive PDFs

How to Draw on PDFs: Add Shapes, Notes & Sketches Online

How to Save Google Meet as PDF (Chats, Notes & Transcripts)

How to Create a Link to a PDF: A Step-by-Step Guide

Best AI PDF Summarizer in 2025: Top 10 Tools Compared

How to Remove a Watermark from a PDF: 3 Methods Explained

How to Download a Webpage as a PDF: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Remove Pages From a PDF Document Safely and Easily

Are Electronic Signatures Safe: Here’s What You Need to Know

3 Simple Methods to Summarize a PDF With AI