Add Page Numbers to PDF Online – Free, Private Tool

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How to add page numbers to a PDF

The common path has three stages:

1. Upload: Choose one or more PDFs or load the example. Reorder a batch before numbering.
2. Choose numbering: Select a format, physical page preset, displayed starting number, and visual position. Advanced settings stay collapsed until needed.
3. Preview and download: Verify the first, last, and selected pages, then download one numbered PDF, separate PDFs in a ZIP, or one merged PDF.

How your file is handled

PDF.js renders local previews and PDF-lib writes standard text operators into a new downloadable PDF. The browser holds source bytes in memory; the page contains no upload request for selected files. Normal export overlays vector text and leaves existing page content in place. “Create space” changes the page canvas size and translates original content by 36 points before adding the number. Existing numbers, bookmarks, form fields, signatures, encryption, and permissions are not removed or repaired; modifying a digitally signed PDF can invalidate its signature.

There is no fixed size cap in the interface, but available device memory is the practical limit. Encrypted or malformed files may be rejected by the browser libraries. Mixed page sizes are measured independently. Existing rotation metadata is preserved, but stamp coordinates are not automatically reoriented for rotated pages; inspect an exported sample before a production run.

Publisher: Starlight Tools, by Starlight Robotics. Last code review and sample export check: 18 July 2026. The implementation check covers standard portrait, landscape, and mixed-size sample pages. Browser rendering, mobile memory limits, PDF signatures, and physical printer settings vary, so verify a representative output in your target desktop or mobile browser and print one sample page before a production run.

FAQ

How do I skip a cover and start with page number 1?

Choose Skip cover and leave Displayed starting number at 1. Physical PDF page 2 receives the first stamp, displayed as 1; excluded pages do not consume sequence numbers.

Should I use numbers only, Page X, or Page X of Y?

Use Numbers only for compact pagination, Page X when the label needs context, and Page X of Y when readers need the total. For Page X of Y, the total can mean every page in that PDF or only its selected pages.

Can a Bates sequence continue across several PDFs?

Yes. Add and reorder multiple PDFs, select Bates numbering, and enable Continuous sequence across files. The batch table shows each file’s planned first and last Bates value before export.

How wide should Bates number padding be?

Choose enough digits for the largest expected number: four digits through 9,999, six through 999,999, or eight through 99,999,999. Padding affects display, not the underlying sequence value.

What if the PDF already has page numbers?

The tool does not remove existing numbers. Choose a different position, use a contrasting label, or enable Create space for numbers so the new stamp does not cover the existing footer or header.

How can I avoid covering existing content?

Use the preview, printer-safe margins, or Create space for numbers. Create space enlarges each page canvas and moves the original page content to leave a new band around it; a warning appears for stamps near unsafe edges or too wide for the page.

Are mixed page sizes and rotated pages supported?

Each page size is measured independently. Existing PDF rotation metadata is preserved, but stamp coordinates are not automatically reoriented for rotated pages. Export and inspect a sample; process pages with a shared orientation separately when placement differs.

Can this open password-protected or permission-restricted PDFs?

No password is requested by this page. A PDF that the browser libraries cannot open or modify will show an error; unlock an authorized copy first and try again.

Is there a PDF file-size limit?

The page sets no fixed upload limit, but processing is limited by available browser and device memory. Large image-heavy PDFs and many-file batches may work better on a desktop with other tabs closed.

Will output quality and printed stamps be preserved?

Normal export adds vector text without rasterizing existing page content. The stamp is saved into the PDF page and should print in viewers that print page content; printer margins, scaling, transparency, and color settings can affect the physical result, so test a sample page.

Page-number and Bates-number guidance

Displayed-number rule

Displayed number = starting number + stamped-page index. The first stamped page has index 0. Excluded pages do not consume a number.

Worked cover-page example

For a 24-page report, choose Skip cover and start at 1. PDF page 1 remains unchanged, PDF page 2 shows 1, and PDF page 24 shows 23. With Page X of Y and “Only selected pages,” the last label is Page 23 of 23; with “All pages in this PDF,” it is Page 23 of 24.

Worked legal-production example

A prior production ended at CASE-000124. Choose Bates, prefix CASE-, start 125, padding 6, and continuous sequence. If the ordered batch selects 10 pages in the first PDF and 14 in the second, its ranges are CASE-000125–CASE-000134 and CASE-000135–CASE-000148.

Padding-size guide

Position recommendations

Bottom center is familiar for reports and manuals. Outer margins help readers scan printed spreads. Top or bottom right is compact for Bates identifiers. Use the printer-safe preset or Create space when source text already reaches the edge.