Page Numbers
Add page numbers with custom font, size and position.
or click to browse — supports PDF files up to 100MB
How to use
- 1 Drop or click to upload your file
- 2 Adjust options if shown
- 3 Click Run Tool
- 4 Download your result instantly
- ✓ Files up to 1GB
- ✓ Unlimited jobs/hour
- ✓ Batch processing
- ✓ Priority support
Files are processed securely and permanently deleted within 1 hour. We never store, read, or share your documents.
Why this works
Add visible page numbers to every page of a PDF \u2014 useful for printed handouts, court filings, and any document where the reader needs to reference a specific page.
Most PDF generators don\u2019t emit visible page numbers by default \u2014 the page indicator in your PDF reader is software chrome, not part of the document itself. Print the PDF and the numbers disappear. Page Numbers stamps real, printable page-number text onto each page so the numbering survives printing, screenshotting, and re-export.
The stamp position is configurable: bottom-centre (the most common), bottom-right (preferred for court filings and academic submissions), bottom-left, top-centre, top-right, or top-left. Bottom-centre is the right default for almost everything.
The number format is configurable: `1, 2, 3...` (the default), `Page 1 of 10`, `1 of 10`, or `Page 1`. The \u201cof N\u201d formats are especially useful for printed documents where a reader needs to know whether they\u2019ve received the full document.
Starting number is configurable too. If your PDF is part of a larger compiled document (volume 2 of a multi-volume report, chapter 3 of a book), set the starting number so page numbers continue from the previous volume rather than restarting at 1.
The page-number stamp is composited into the page content, not added as a separate annotation \u2014 it survives printing, screenshotting, and re-export. It cannot be turned off in a PDF reader. If you later need to renumber, use Page Numbers again with a different starting number or format \u2014 it overlays cleanly without removing the previous stamp, so you may want to flatten or re-process the underlying document first if multiple stamps would conflict visually.
Privacy note: page numbering runs entirely in your browser when you pick "Process in your browser" above the upload zone. pdf-lib stamps page numbers onto each page locally and the result is returned as a download — your file never leaves your device. Useful when you're preparing legal exhibits, signed agreements, or audit documentation where adding page numbers shouldn't require sending the document over the network.
How it works
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1Upload your PDFDrop the PDF that needs page numbers into the upload box.
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2Pick the positionBottom-centre is the standard default. Bottom-right is preferred for legal filings.
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3Pick the format`1, 2, 3...`, `Page 1 of 10`, `1 of 10`, or `Page 1`. The of-N formats help readers know they have the full document.
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4Run and downloadPress Add Page Numbers. The output has the page-number stamp composited into every page.
Real-world uses
Lawyers
Court filings often require Bates-style numbering or bottom-right page numbers. Add them in one step before filing.
Academics
Submitted papers and grant applications usually require numbered pages.
Authors
Manuscripts going to editors or beta readers benefit from clear page references in feedback.
Trainers
Printed handouts let attendees say \u201cgo to page 14\u201d \u2014 impossible without visible numbering.
Common questions
Can I run this tool without my file leaving my device?
Yes — this is one of the tools that supports our in-browser privacy mode. Pick "Process in your browser" above the upload zone and the entire operation runs locally via pdf-lib. Open the Network tab in your browser's DevTools while running the tool: you will see zero outbound requests during processing. That is the verifiable basis for the claim that your file never leaves your device. Server mode remains available for very large files or features that need server-grade processing.
Will the page numbers print?
Yes. The stamp is composited into the page content, not added as a separate annotation, so it survives printing, screenshotting, and re-export.
Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?
Yes. Set the starting number if your PDF is part of a larger compiled document (volume 2, chapter 3, etc.) so numbering continues from the previous part.
Can I skip page-numbering on the cover page?
Not directly in one step. Workaround: split off the cover page, page-number the rest starting from 1, then merge the cover back. Or page-number everything and accept a number on the cover.
Will the page numbers cover my existing footer content?
Possibly. The stamp is placed in the margin area. If your existing footer already uses that area, the new page number may overlap. Pick a different position (top-right, for instance) if your bottom margin is occupied.
How do I remove page numbers I added earlier?
Stamps composited into the page content can\u2019t be cleanly removed. If you need to renumber, the cleanest path is to regenerate the source PDF without page numbers, then re-stamp with the new sequence.
Does this work on scanned PDFs?
Yes. The page-number stamp overlays on top of the existing page image \u2014 it doesn\u2019t matter whether the underlying content is born-digital or scanned.