Add Text and Images to a Scanned PDF with PDF.co and Zapier

Step 1: Prepare the Scanned PDF

This example adds a note, a logo, a visible signature image, and a clickable link over a scanned invoice.

The scan remains the background. The added objects do not replace or delete the text embedded in that image. Use a copy of the invoice and place new content in clear space.

Create a Zap with a file trigger, such as Google Drive’s New File in Folder, and test it with your scanned PDF.

Step 2: Add PDF Filler

Add PDF.co and select PDF Filler. Connect your account by signing in to PDF.co and authorizing access.

PDF Filler supports adding text and images and filling existing form fields. For this scanned invoice, use the text and image inputs. A scan does not contain fillable fields simply because it looks like a form.

Step 3: Configure Text, Images, and Links

In Source File URL, map the Google Drive trigger’s File value. See the file-source guide for other storage services.

Set the output filename to annotated-invoice.pdf.

Use the PDF Inspector to measure clear space on your document. Coordinates start at the top-left corner, and page numbering starts at 0.

The coordinates below are illustrative; adjust them for your invoice.

Add a Note

In Text Annotations, enter:

72;500;0;Received for review;12;Arial

This places the note at x=72, y=500 on the first page, using 12-point Arial.

Add a Logo and Signature Image

Use Image Embeds with this format:

x;y;pages;imageURL;linkToOpen;width;height

For example:

72;560;0;YOUR_IMAGE_URL;;150;50

Replace YOUR_IMAGE_URL with an accessible PNG URL or a filetoken:// reference from PDF.co’s file storage.

The empty position between the two semicolons after the URL leaves the optional hyperlink unset. Adjust the dimensions to suit the image’s proportions.

Add the signature as another image entry with its own URL and coordinates. Separate multiple image entries with |. Use only a signature you are authorized to place. A signature image does not create a certificate-based digital signature.

Add a Clickable Text Link

Add this entry to Text Annotations:

72;620;0;PDF.co;12;Arial;0000FF;https://pdf.co

It adds blue text linking to PDF.co. Separate this entry from the note with |.

Leave Fillable Form Fields blank for this example. Refer to the PDF Filler documentation for the complete input formats.

Step 4: Test PDF Filler

Test the PDF.co action and check that it completes without an error.

Open the successful output URL to view the generated PDF.

Step 5: Review the Result

Compare the output with the original invoice:

• Confirm that the scanned page remains visible.
• Check the page number and placement of each added object.
• Verify that the logo and signature have suitable proportions.
• Open the clickable link and confirm its destination.
• Ensure that no added content obscures existing information.

Adjust the coordinates and test again if necessary.

Adding content over a scan is not a way to remove confidential information. OCR may add recognized text, but deleting that text does not erase the original image pixels.

Step 6: Save the Updated PDF

Download the PDF before its temporary output URL expires.

To save it automatically, add a storage action such as Google Drive’s Upload File, map PDF.co’s output URL into File, and select a destination folder separate from the trigger folder.

You now have a scanned PDF with added text, images, and a clickable link, while preserving the original scan as the background.