How to Add More Content to a PDF Without Changing the Layout

Sometimes a PDF page does not have enough space for all the information you need without cluttering the design.

Instead of redesigning your layout, you can add extra content that appears only when readers choose to view it.

In FlowPaper, this is done with Expanded Content, which adds a Read On tab so readers can open extra text, images, or interactive elements on demand.

Video tutorial

Step-by-step: Add expanded content to your PDF

1) Import your PDF and enter Edit mode

1) Import your PDF

2) Select the Elements template

3) Open your document and enter Edit mode:

Click **Edit **(top right), or
Double-click the top area of a page

2) Open the expanded content panel

Open expanded content editor

At the bottom right of the editor, click the Expanded Content tab.

A new content window will appear.

3) Add text content

Paste or type your content into the editor
Text will be added as standard body text by default
Use the floating toolbar to format text

4) Add columns and layout

Add columns and interactive elements

To create columns:

1) Click the pages icon in the column toolbar

2) A new column will appear

3) You can add multiple columns to structure your content.

5) Add interactive elements

You can enhance your expanded content by adding interactive elements such as: video, links, images, audio and other interactive components.

To add an element:

1) Select the column

2) Use the right-hand panel

3) Choose the element you want to add

4) Place it where needed and configure it

6) Preview your content

Expanded content in desktop view

1) Switch to Design mode

2) Navigate to the page

You will see a green “Read On” tab at the bottom of the page.

Click it to access the additional content.

7) Edit or remove content

Edit or remove expanded content

1) Go back to Edit mode

2) Open the Expanded Content tab

3) Update your content or click Remove tab

When to use expanded content

Expanded content is useful when you want to:

Add more information without changing your layout
Keep your design clean and uncluttered
Provide optional or detailed content
Create layered reading experiences (short → detailed)