Quick scenario: your boss emails you a 47-page PDF and says "add page numbers, slap our logo as a watermark, and password-protect it before sending to the client."
You could install Adobe Acrobat ($20/month). You could try one of those "free" online tools that upload your confidential files to who-knows-where. Or you could open three browser tabs and be done in 90 seconds.
Step 1: Add page numbers
Open the Page Numbers tool. Drop your PDF. Pick a position (bottom center, top right, whatever). Click generate. Done.
Step 2: Add a watermark
Open the Watermark tool. Upload the numbered PDF. Type your company name or upload a logo. Adjust opacity and position. Generate.
Step 3: Password-protect it
Open the Protect tool. Upload the watermarked PDF. Set a password. Download the encrypted file.
Total time: about 90 seconds. Total cost: $0. Files uploaded to a server: zero — everything runs in your browser.
Why not just use Adobe?
Adobe Acrobat Pro costs $19.99/month. For most people, you need page numbers once a quarter. You need to compress a PDF before emailing it. You need to merge two contracts.
Compare the best free PDF editors in 2026 — you might be surprised how much you can do without paying a subscription.
Other things you can do
Parchment has 15 PDF tools total — merge, split, compress, convert to images, extract pages, unlock, reorder, and more. All free, all client-side, all open source.
If you find it useful, you can support the project here.
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