How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF
Last updated · By the PDFSolution team
Merged bundles, court exhibits, tender submissions and scanned files usually arrive with no continuous numbering, which makes them impossible to talk about. Adding numbers stamps a small piece of text onto each page so that 'page 34' means the same thing to everyone holding the document.
The only real decisions are where to put the number and where to start counting.
Ready to do it now? Open the tool this guide describes.
Add page numbersStep by step
- 1
Open Add Page Numbers and add the PDF
Numbering is drawn onto the pages in your browser; the file is not uploaded.
- 2
Choose the position
Bottom centre is the safe default. Bottom right suits documents that will be bound on the left.
- 3
Set the starting number and range
Skip a cover page by starting the numbering on page 2, or continue a sequence from an earlier volume.
- 4
Apply and download
Numbers become part of the page content, so they print and survive being sent on.
Useful tips
- Number the bundle after merging, not before, or you will end up with two competing sequences.
- Check a page that already has a footer — a printed footer and a stamped number in the same place look careless.
- For documents that will be printed double-sided, an outer-corner position reads better than a fixed side.
Common problems
- The number overlaps existing text
- Choose a different position, or add a margin so the stamp sits clear of the content.
- The numbers are too small to read when printed
- Increase the font size; screen-legible is not always print-legible.
- The document already had numbers
- There is no way to remove printed numbers that are part of the page image. Either accept both, or rebuild the bundle from unnumbered sources.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I start at a number other than 1?
- Yes, set any starting value.
- Can I number only part of the document?
- Yes, restrict the page range before applying.
- Are the numbers removable afterwards?
- No. They become page content, so keep the un-numbered original if you may need it.
- Is my file uploaded?
- No, the stamping happens on your device.
- Do the numbers work on scanned pages?
- Yes — the number is drawn on top of the scanned image.
Related guides
- How to Merge PDF Files Into One DocumentCombine documents in the right order, then tidy up rotation, ordering and file size.
- How to Reorder Pages in a PDFFixing documents that arrived in the wrong order, including the classic interleaved double-sided scan.
- How to Add a Watermark to a PDFMarking drafts and internal copies clearly — and being realistic about what a watermark actually prevents.