Add Page Numbers to PDF
Number the pages of a report, thesis or contract in seconds. Pick where the numbers go and how they read, start from any number and leave the cover page blank. Everything happens in your browser.
Results appear here. Files are processed on your device and never uploaded.
How it works
- Add a PDFDrop one or more files; they stay on your device.
- Choose the style"1", "Page 1", "Page 1 of 10", "1 / 10" or "- 1 -".
- Set position and startSix positions, any starting number, and an option to leave the cover page unnumbered.
- DownloadThe numbers are written into the PDF as real text, so they print sharply and can be searched.
Choosing a numbering style
Bottom centre is the most common choice for reports, essays and books. Bottom right suits business documents and anything that will be flipped through in print, because the number sits where a thumb lands. "Page 1 of 10" tells readers when they have the whole document, which is useful for contracts, invoices and forms that might be printed and separated.
Theses and reports often have a title page that should not carry a number. Tick "Skip first page" to leave it blank: the cover still counts, so the second page shows 2. If the cover should not count at all, also set "Start at" to 0, and the second page becomes page 1.
Tips
- Merge all chapters into one file first with Merge PDF, then number them in one go so the count runs continuously.
- Numbers are placed about 1 cm from the edge. If they overlap an existing footer, switch to the top of the page or another corner.
- Pages that are rotated are handled correctly: the number appears upright where the reader expects it.
- For legal document sets that need Bates numbers with a prefix, use the number styles here and add the prefix with Watermark PDF, or ask us for a Bates option through the feedback button.
Frequently asked questions
Will the numbers change my content?
No. They are drawn on top of each page; existing text, images and links are unchanged.
Can I number several files at once?
Yes. Each file is numbered separately with the same settings. To number them as one continuous document, merge them first.
Can I remove the numbers later?
Not easily, so keep your original file. The tool always creates a new copy.
Is my document uploaded?
No. The PDF is processed by your browser and never sent anywhere.