Add Page Numbers to PDF

What this tool does

Add Page Numbers to PDF writes numbers onto every page or a chosen range. Pick one of nine positions, a format like 1 / 12 or your own text, the starting number and font, check the live preview, and save the numbered PDF locally.

Long documents without page numbers are hard to discuss. In a meeting, a review or a court bundle, someone always needs to say "see page 14", and printed pages that slip out of a stack cannot be put back in order. Merged PDFs are especially likely to lack numbering, or to have restarted numbers from each source file.

This tool draws the numbers directly onto each page with pdf-lib, using the standard PDF fonts Helvetica, Times or Courier, so the result opens in any viewer. Numbers are positioned relative to the page as you see it, even when a page carries a rotation flag, and a live preview shows the first numbered page before you save. The file stays in your browser throughout.

How to use Add Page Numbers to PDF

1. Drop a PDF onto the upload area.
2. Choose a Position, for example Bottom centre or Top right.
3. Pick a Format, or choose Custom and write your own text using {n} and {total}.
4. Set Start at and, if needed, Pages to number, such as 3- to skip a cover and contents page.
5. Adjust Font, Size, Margin and Colour while watching the preview.
6. Press Add page numbers and download the numbered PDF.

Tips for better results

• {total} is the last number printed, so numbering pages 3 to 20 starting at 1 gives Page 1 of 18. Use {pages} if you want the total page count of the file.
• Mirror left/right on even pages places numbers on the outer edge of each page, which is how printed books are laid out.
• A margin of 10 to 15 mm keeps numbers clear of the area that office printers cannot reach.
• Custom formats can carry a prefix, such as "Appendix B - {n}" or "CASE-2026-{n}".

Common use cases

• Numbering a merged application pack or court bundle before submission.
• Adding Page X of Y to a contract so missing pages are obvious.
• Numbering a thesis from the first chapter while leaving front matter unnumbered.
• Labelling printed handouts so loose pages can be re-sorted.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Placing numbers where the document already has a footer, which makes them overlap. Check the preview and change position or margin.
• Using characters outside the Western European range in a custom format. The standard fonts cannot display them, and they are replaced with a question mark.
• Starting at 1 when the pages are a continuation of another volume. Set Start at to the correct first number.