Add page numbers to PDF

When do PDF page numbers matter?

Page numbers matter whenever readers need to cite, discuss or reassemble a document. They are expected in reports, theses, legal bundles, manuals and board packs, and courts often require every page of an exhibit bundle to be numbered consecutively. They are especially useful after merging several PDFs, because each original file restarts its own numbering and the combined document otherwise has none that matches its real order.

Which number formats and positions can I choose?

There are five formats and six positions: top or bottom of the page, each at the left, center or right. Start number, font, size, color and distance from the edge are adjustable, and the preview, rendered from your own file with pdf.js, updates as you change them. The table shows what each format prints on the third of twelve numbered pages.

• Font size from 6 to 36 pt, in a sans, serif or monospaced font and any color.
• All pages or a custom range, with an option to leave the cover page unnumbered.

Where should page numbers go?

Bottom center is the most common choice for reports and books, while bottom right makes it quick to thumb through a printed bundle. Keep the size at 9 to 12 pt so numbers are readable without competing with the content. If your pages already have footers, increase the distance from the edge so the number does not overlap them, and use the preview arrows to check several different pages.

For documents that will be bound, place the number away from the binding edge so it is not lost in the gutter. Serif numbers match body text set in a serif typeface, and a gray color keeps them visible but unobtrusive. Page 1 of N lets a reader tell that no pages are missing, while a plain number keeps slides uncluttered.

Are the numbers real text or images?

They are real text, drawn into each page with a standard PDF font, so they remain sharp, selectable and searchable, and the file size barely changes. Rotated and cropped pages are handled automatically. The PDF specification, ISO 32000-2, also defines page labels, which only change the number shown in a viewer's toolbar and print nothing; this tool adds visible numbers and leaves page labels untouched.

There are limits worth knowing. The tool does not detect or replace numbers already printed on the pages, and it uses Arabic numerals only, so roman numerals for front matter are not available. If the page order is still changing, reorder first with Organize PDF and number the final order, because added numbers do not update when pages move.

How do I number a bundle made of several PDFs?

Merge the files first with Merge PDF, then number the combined document in one pass so the numbering runs across the whole bundle. When parts must stay separate, for example volumes of a legal bundle, number each file on its own and set Start at to continue from where the previous volume ended. To add a DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL stamp as well, use Add Watermark before or after numbering.