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

Do a test run and scan the QR code with your phone or tablet via the built-in app or an 

. 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.

Add clickable video links, thumbnails, or QR codes—no software installation required.

Make Your PDF Interactive in Minutes

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 tool like the 

, an online tool for editing and adjusting videos before embedding them in your PDF. 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 Add Text to PDF Online: A Quick and Secure Method

How to Make PDFs Searchable: 3+ Simple Methods

How to Edit Scanned PDFs | Methods, Examples, & Tips

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

Learn how to add a watermark to your PDFs online and offline. Discover step-by-step instructions, advanced features, and pro tips for perfect results.

To add a watermark to a PDF, you can use an online tool like pdf.net, PDF editing software like Acrobat, or built-in features on Windows and Mac, depending on which operating system you use. This is important for numerous reasons, including 

authentication, confidentiality, and branding

. It helps individuals keep their intellectual property secure and prevents their PDFs from unauthorized use.

In this guide, we will show you how to add a watermark to a PDF online and offline, what the different types of watermarks are, and how to use the most advanced watermarking features.

A watermark is a text, logo, or image that signals ownership, enhances document security, and reinforces branding within PDF files.

There are visible and invisible watermarks, offering different levels of protection and detectability.

You can use different methods (online PDF editor, dedicated software, and built-in system features) to watermark PDFs with varying levels of flexibility and complexity.

Watermark effectiveness depends on factors such as opacity, placement, and integration with additional security measures such as password protection.

Proper implementation and use of reliable tools affects both document integrity and protection against unauthorized use.

A watermark is a text, logo, or image that appears in front of or behind the content of a PDF document. Similarly to stamping traditional documents, it serves as a signal that the document and its contents are being protected by the owner.

Most often, we use watermarks for the following purposes:

 Watermarks can help protect your classified and confidential documents or pages with sensitive information. They remind users that they are operating with sensitive data and prevent them from unauthorized actions.

. You can use a business name or logo to watermark PDF pages for marketing purposes.

. Putting your name or logo as a watermark clearly implies who the owner of the document is. This can make it harder for other people to use it without permission or as their own file.

There are two main types of watermarks—

. Visible watermarks are texts, images, or logos that can be clearly seen on a document. With visible watermarks, PDF protection is higher, as it is difficult to copy or manipulate the content while bypassing the watermark.

Meanwhile, invisible watermarks are embedded within the content, and users cannot see them 

for changing document format or removing 

. This is because such watermarks use encryption and 

, which embed hidden data within the pixels of an image.

How to Add a Watermark to a PDF File: 4 Methods Explained

To add a watermark to a PDF file, you can use four different methods: pdf.net, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Edge, and Preview on Mac. Here’s how they compare:

Now, let’s see how to add a watermark to PDF with each method.

 to add a watermark to your PDF may be the simplest option, as 

. Plus, our editor is easy to use and very intuitive, so the entire process takes only a few minutes.

 and upload your document by clicking on 

 and selecting it from your computer. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your PDF into the box.


Uploading a PDF file on pdf.net using the Choose file button

Selecting the Image tool in the pdf.net editor toolbar

Browsing and selecting a PNG image to use as a watermark

Position it in your document and use the slider above it to change the opacity.


Adjusting watermark position and opacity in a PDF document

Adobe Acrobat is a go-to software for editing PDFs, so, naturally, it allows you to easily add watermarks to your document. However, 

you’ll need to purchase a subscription to use its services

; the free trial version doesn’t allow you to actually try out this tool.

If you opt for Adobe regardless, here’s what you should do:

Right-click on the document and select the 

Opening a PDF file with Adobe Acrobat from the right-click menu

Selecting the Edit option in Adobe Acrobat interface

Choosing Add Watermark from the Watermark dropdown in Adobe Acrobat

 or write your own text and adjust the size and opacity.

If you’re using Windows, there is a way to add a 

watermark to your PDFs for free with built-in programs

. Namely, Microsoft Edge allows you to do this in just a couple of steps.

Opening a PDF file with Microsoft Edge from the right-click menu

 option (the capital T in a box icon) from the toolbar at the top.


Selecting the Add text tool in Microsoft Edge PDF viewer

Hover over the document and select where you want to start typing. A box will appear when you click, allowing you to add text.


Adding a text box to a PDF document in Microsoft Edge

Change the color and size of the text if necessary.


Adjusting text color and size for a watermark in Microsoft Edge

 icon in the top-right corner to finalize the process.


Saving a PDF with a text watermark in Microsoft Edge

; Edge allows you to watermark just with text.

To add a watermark to your PDF on Mac, you can use the 

feature, which you can access in Preview.

Here’s where to find it and how to use it:

Opening the Print dialog in Preview on Mac using Command+P

Enabling the Apply Watermark option in Preview print settings

Typing and customizing watermark text in Preview on Mac

Saving a PDF with a watermark using Save as PDF in Preview

Advanced Features to Consider When Adding a Watermark to a PDF

Different types of PDF watermark software usually offer options that can make your documents look picture-perfect. Let’s see which advanced features to consider when adding a watermark to PDFs:

Whether you are using text, an image, or a logo as a watermark, it is crucial to adjust the 

 of your watermark depending on whether you want your PDF content to be visible.

Simply put, if you want your watermark to cover certain parts of the text and make a bigger impact, choose a higher or maximum opacity. On the other hand, if you prefer to keep the content readable, you can opt for low opacity levels.

Another element that affects readability is the position of your watermark. Specifically, opaque and large watermarks may cover a considerable part of a PDF page and obscure the content.

If you wish to avoid this, you can place the watermark in the footer, header, or on the margins of your file. Additionally, it’s possible to choose among the 

 and add your watermark anywhere you prefer, or simply position the watermark within the page and make it appear over the content.

After you finish adding watermarks to your PDFs, you can 

 using the password tool. For instance, if your file is confidential, you can allow access to only particular users. You can also restrict your document (e.g., 

 to prevent the content from being edited or copied), increasing the overall protection levels.

4 Best Strategies for Adding a Watermark to a PDF File

You can add watermarks to documents in an easy but effective way using 

#1. Create a Backup and Use Reliable Software

Firstly, it is crucial to create a backup of your document before experimenting with watermarks. If you forget to create a copy of your original file and accidentally choose an unreliable watermark tool, the file may 

Some low-functioning tools may also deteriorate the quality of your PDFs; if online software makes your file too large, it will require 

, which may also negatively impact the properties of your file. This is why we don’t suggest you watermark PDFs for free but opt for 

 with options such as a PDF preview that allow you to identify possible irregularities.

add authenticity and originality to your document

Edit PDF

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

How to Add a Watermark to PDF: A Simple 4-Step Guide

How to Remove Pages From a PDF Document Online & Offline Easily

How to Insert Images into a PDF Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Add Pages to a PDF: 3 Easy Methods + Tips

How to Change PDF Permissions: Protect and Unlock Your PDFs

How to Scan Multiple Pages Into One PDF: Windows, Mac & Mobile

How to Change a PDF’s Background Color: 3 Easy Methods

How to Edit a Locked PDF: Easy Tools & Common Issues