This tutorial shows how to insert images in PDFs with Adobe Acrobat. We will also resize, rotate, and move images, as well as arrange images behind text.
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The figures below are from Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. These steps will also work in Adobe Acrobat Standard DC, Adobe Acrobat 2020, and Adobe Acrobat 2017. Adobe’s free PDF display software, Acrobat Reader, doesn’t provide a way to add images to PDFs.
How to Insert Images in PDFs
The steps below assume you are adding an image to an existing PDF. If you need to create a new PDF or add a blank page to an existing PDF, please see my other tutorial “How to Create a Blank PDF in Adobe Acrobat.”
- Select the Tools tab.
- Select Edit PDF from the Tools Center.
- Select Add Image from the Edit PDF toolbar.
- Locate and select the image in the Open dialog box.
- Select the Open button.
Your image should now be added to your PDF.
How to Modify Images in PDFs
You can skip to step 3 if your Edit PDF toolbar is already open.
- Select the Tools tab (see figure 1).
- Select Edit PDF from the Tools Center (see figure 2).
- Select Edit in the Edit PDF toolbar.
- Select the image. A border with resizing handles will appear when the image is selected.
With the image selected, you can now resize it, rotate it, move it, or arrange it behind a textbox.
How to Resize Images
- Select and hold one of the resizing handles (see figure 7).
- Drag the image to a new size.
Pro Tip: If you want to maintain the image’s shape, select a corner resizing handle rather than a side resizing handle.
How to Rotate Images
- Select the rotation handle extending from the top of the border.
- Rotate the image to the left or right, as necessary.
Pro Tip: You can also right-click the image and select Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical, Rotate Clockwise, or Rotate Counterclockwise from the shortcut menu.
How to Move Images
- Hover your cursor over the image until it becomes a movement cursor, which is two crossed arrows.
- Select and hold the image with the movement cursor while dragging it to a new location.
How to Arrange Images behind Text
- Right-click the image.
- Select Arrange from the shortcut menu.
- Select an option from the submenu:
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- Bring to Front moves the image to the top of all other objects (e.g., text boxes or other images).
- Send to Back moves the image below all other objects.
- Bring Forward moves the image up one layer.
- Send Back moves the image down one layer.
Depending on the number of text boxes and images you have layered over one another, you may have to experiment with these options until you achieve the desired visual effect.
Related Resources
How to Add and Format Text in PDFs with Adobe Acrobat
How to Add Headers and Footers to PDFs in Adobe Acrobat
How to Add Headers and Footers to PDFs in Adobe Acrobat
Updated September 24, 2022