How to Add Pages to PDF Online
(Insert Blank Page or Extra Page) – 2026 Guide
I needed to add one blank page between chapters and couldn't figure out how
Printing a booklet for a workshop. Had 19 pages of content. Printers need multiples of 4 for booklet printing. Needed one blank page at the end to make it 20. Simple, right? Not so simple when you're staring at a PDF and there's no obvious "add blank page" button. I figured it out. Now you will too. Whether you need blank pages, want to insert a page from another document, or just need to add something at the end - here's how.
Why Would You Need to Add Pages to a PDF?
Blank Pages
- Printing booklets need even page counts
- Separator between document sections
- Space for handwritten notes
- Workbooks need answer spaces
Pages from Other PDFs
- Adding a signature page to a contract
- Inserting missing scanned pages
- Combining appendix to main document
- Adding terms and conditions at the end
Real example: Last week someone needed to add a blank page between every chapter of their ebook because the formatting looked weird on tablets. Added 12 blank pages in about 2 minutes.
The Page Number Problem Nobody Warns You About
Here's the thing nobody tells you.
When you add a new page to a PDF, the page numbers printed on each page (like "Page 3 of 20" at the bottom) DO NOT update automatically. They're just text. They don't know you added a page.
Example:
You have a 10-page document. Page 5 says "Page 5" at the bottom. You insert a new page between pages 3 and 4. Now:
- • Old page 4 is now page 5, but still says "Page 4"
- • Old page 5 is now page 6, but still says "Page 5"
- • Everything is off by one from that point forward
Fix: If correct page numbers matter, you'll need to edit them manually or use a tool that can renumber pages. Most people just live with the mismatch or add a note.
Method 1: Add a Blank Page
Upload your PDF
Find a tool that lets you see all pages as thumbnails. PDFSwift shows you every page so you know where you're inserting.
Choose where to add
Decide if you want the blank page at the beginning, between specific pages, or at the end.
Click "Add Blank Page"
Some tools have a button. Some need you to right-click. Look for the option near where you want the page.
Download
Save your PDF with the new blank page in place.
Note: Blank pages are completely white. No headers, no footers, no page numbers. If you want it to match your document's style, you'll need to add those elements separately.
Method 2: Insert a Page from Another PDF
Upload your main PDF
The one you want to add pages to.
Upload the source PDF
The file that has the page you want to insert.
Select which pages to insert
Choose specific pages (like page 3 only) or all pages. Most tools let you pick.
Choose position
Before page X, after page X, or at the beginning/end.
Insert and download
Click insert, wait a moment, download your combined PDF.
Pro tip: This is basically merging, but with more control. You're not just sticking files together - you're putting pages exactly where you want them.
Real Scenarios Where People Needed This
The Booklet Printer
My friend runs workshops. Prints booklets for attendees. Had 23 pages of content. Booklet printing needs pages in multiples of 4 (4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24). Added one blank page at the end. Made it 24 pages. Printed perfectly.
The Contract Signature
Client sent a contract. Forgot to include the signature page in the PDF. Had it as a separate scanned page. Inserted it at the end. One combined PDF, ready to sign.
The Workbook
Teacher created a workbook. Wanted blank pages after each chapter so students could take notes. Added 7 blank pages between chapters. Students happy. Teacher happy.
The Missing Scan
Someone scanned a 10-page document. Page 7 was missing (scanner skipped). Scanned page 7 separately. Inserted it between pages 6 and 8. Fixed document.
Tools That Actually Work
PDFSwift
Free, no signup, works in browser
- Add blank pages anywhere
- Insert pages from other PDFs
- Works on phone and computer
Smallpdf
2 free uses per day
- Easy to use interface
- Uploads to their servers
iLovePDF
Free, no daily limits
- Good for merging and inserting
- Also uploads to servers
Adobe Acrobat Online
Free trial then paid
- Professional features
- Requires account
I built PDFSwift specifically so people don't have to upload their documents to random servers. Your files stay in your browser.
Can You Do This on a Phone?
Yes. Works fine.
I tested PDFSwift on an old Android and an iPhone 12. Both worked. The interface adjusts to your screen size. You tap to select files from your gallery or downloads folder. Add pages. Save back to phone.
Apps also work if you prefer. Xodo on Android, PDF Expert on iPhone. But for occasional use, a website is easier - no installation, no storage used.
Questions People Actually Ask
Why would I need to add a blank page to a PDF?
Lots of reasons. You're printing a booklet and need an extra page to make the page count even. You want to add notes between sections. You're creating a workbook and need space for answers. You scanned something and realized you missed a page. You're merging documents and need a separator. Blank pages aren't just empty space - they're useful when you need them.
Can I add a page from another PDF?
Yes, that's actually more common than adding blank pages. Most online tools let you upload a second PDF and insert specific pages from it into your main document. You can take page 3 from one file and insert it after page 5 in another. Or take all pages from a second PDF and append them at the end. Works like merging, but with more control over exactly where each page goes.
Will adding pages mess up my formatting?
No. PDFs are fixed format - adding a page doesn't change anything on existing pages. Your text stays where it is, images don't shift, page numbers don't automatically update (that's the one thing to watch for). The new page just slides in. Everything else stays exactly the same.
What about page numbers? Will they update automatically?
This is the catch. If your PDF has page numbers printed on each page (like "Page 1 of 20" at the bottom), those won't update when you add a new page. They're part of the content, not automatic. After inserting a page, page 3 still says "Page 3" even if it's now actually page 4. If correct numbering matters, you'll need to edit those numbers or live with the mismatch. Some tools can renumber pages, but it's not automatic.
Can I add pages on my phone?
Yes. Most online PDF editors work in mobile browsers just fine. PDFSwift works on any phone - upload from your gallery or files, add pages, save back to your phone. No app needed. If you do this a lot, some people prefer apps, but for occasional use, a website is easier.
Quick Summary
- Blank pages: Useful for printing, notes, separators
- From other PDFs: Insert missing pages, add signatures, combine documents
- Page numbers: They won't update automatically. Keep that in mind.
- Tools: PDFSwift (no uploads), Smallpdf (2/day), iLovePDF (unlimited uploads)
- Phone: Works fine. Same as computer.
Takes about 60 seconds once you know what you're doing.
Add Pages to Your PDF Right Now
Upload your PDF. Add blank pages or insert pages from other files. No signup, no uploads to servers, no limits.
Works on phone and computer • Files stay private • Free forever