Add page numbers to a PDF

Insert numbers in the position and format you want.

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About this tool

Numbering matters as soon as a document is going to be discussed. Court filings, tenders, assignments and contracts all need someone to be able to say 'see page fourteen' and have everyone land in the same place.

Documents assembled from several sources rarely have numbers, or have three conflicting sets. This adds one clean sequence over whatever is already there. The numbers are real text, so they stay sharp when printed and can be searched.

How to page numbers

  1. Add your PDF.
  2. Pick a position using the nine-square grid.
  3. Choose the format — a plain number, 'Page 1', or '1 of 10'.
  4. Set a starting number if the document does not begin at one, then select Add page numbers.

Common questions

Can I start at something other than 1?

Yes. Set the starting number, which is what you want when a cover page is not counted or the document continues from an earlier volume.

Will numbers cover existing content?

They are placed in the page margin, but a document with an unusually full footer could overlap. Check the result and move the position if it clashes.

Can I skip the cover page?

Not directly. Split the cover off, number the rest, then merge the two back together.

Are the numbers real text?

Yes, drawn as text rather than images, so they print sharply and can be found by search.

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