Add page numbers to any PDF
This tool adds page numbers to a PDF in a few clicks. Pick one of six positions: top or bottom, and left, center or right. Then choose a format: a plain “1”, “1 of N”, “Page 1” or “Page 1 of N”, where N is the total number of pages.
You can also set the font (Helvetica, Times or Courier), the size and the margin from the edge, so the numbers fit your document instead of crashing into a footer or a logo.
Skip the cover and start where you want
Many documents should not show a number on the cover or the table of contents. Use the page range (from–to) to number only the pages you choose. For example, number from page 3 to the end and leave the first two clean.
The starting number is separate from the range. That means page 3 of the file can be labeled “1”, which is how theses, reports and books usually work. It also helps when a PDF is one part of a longer document and should continue from, say, page 41.
When numbered pages make a difference
Court filings, grant applications and university submissions often ask for numbered pages so reviewers can refer to them. A printed stack with numbers is also easier to put back in order if it gets dropped or shuffled.
If you are assembling a document from several files, combine them first with Merge PDF, arrange them with Organize PDF, and add numbers last. That way the count covers the final document and nothing is out of sequence.
Good to know before you start
Numbers are drawn on top of the page. If your document already has numbers in the same spot, both will show, so pick a different position or margin. Check a page with a busy footer in the preview of the downloaded file before sending it.
Everything happens in your browser and your PDF never leaves your device. If the file is password-protected, remove the protection first with Unlock PDF.
Choosing a position and format that fits
Bottom center is the most common spot and works for most reports and essays. Bottom right is handy for documents that will be bound or stapled on the left, since the number stays easy to see while flipping pages. Top positions suit documents with a busy footer, like letterhead.
“Page 1 of N” is useful when a document is emailed or printed, because the reader can tell at once whether any page is missing. A plain number looks cleaner in books and formal papers. Courier gives a typewriter look, while Times matches most traditional documents.