How to use Add page numbers
- 1
Choose one or more PDFs.
- 2
Pick a position, a format such as “Page 1 of 12”, and the first page to number.
- 3
Press Add page numbers and download the numbered PDF.
Choosing a format
Plain numbers are tidy for books and handouts. “Page 1 of 12” helps when pages might get separated, such as faxed or printed contracts. “1 / 12” is a compact version of the same idea for slides.
Skipping the cover
Set “Start numbering on page” to 2 if the first page is a cover that should stay blank, and “First number” to 1 so the first numbered page reads 1. Courts and agencies often require exactly this.
Position and margin
Six positions are available: top or bottom, each on the left, center or right. Bottom center is the most common choice; bottom right works well for double-sided documents bound on the left. The margin setting moves numbers further from the edge if your printer clips them.
Rotated and mixed-size pages
Numbers are placed relative to how each page is displayed, so landscape and rotated pages get their number in the expected spot, the right way up. Each page is measured individually, so mixed sizes are fine.
Add page numbers: frequently asked questions
Can I use Bates numbering?
Use a custom format such as ACME-{n} with a first number of 1001 to produce a simple Bates-style sequence.
Which font is used?
Helvetica, a standard PDF font available in every viewer, in the size and color you pick.
Can I number several PDFs continuously?
Merge them first with Merge PDF, then add page numbers to the merged file.
Will numbers cover existing text?
Numbers are drawn on top of the page. If a page has content in the margin, pick another position or a larger margin.