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Add Page Numbers to PDF

Stamp page numbers on a PDF in formats like "Page 1 of 9" or roman numerals, with position, size, margin and start number.

Overview

Adds page numbers to a PDF in formats such as 1, Page 1, Page 1 of 9, 1/9 and lower or upper case roman numerals. Choose one of six positions, the font size, margin, colour and starting number, skip a cover page or number only a page range. Numbering runs in your browser and the PDF is never uploaded.

How It Works

Drop a PDF and pick a format and a position at the top or bottom, aligned left, centre or right. Adjust the font size from 6 to 36 pt and the margin from the page edge from 0 to 96 pt, choose a colour, and set Start at to the first number to print. Skip first pages leaves pages such as a cover unnumbered, and Only these pages limits numbering to a range like 3-20. A live preview shows the first numbered page. The download is saved with -numbered added to the file name.

Step-by-Step Usage Guide

  1. Drop the PDF you want to number.
  2. Choose a format, such as Page 1 of 9, and a position like Bottom center.
  3. Set the font size, margin, colour and starting number.
  4. Use Skip first pages or Only these pages to leave a cover or front matter unnumbered.
  5. Check the preview, then download the numbered PDF.

Technical Specifications & Standards

Numbers are drawn as real text with Helvetica, one of the standard fonts every PDF viewer has built in, so nothing needs embedding and the numbers are searchable. The tool works out which pages get a number first: it skips the first pages you specify, applies the page range, then counts up from your starting number, so the total in Page n of N reflects only the pages that are numbered. Skipping a cover and starting at 1 gives the second page the number 1. Rotated pages are handled by placing the number upright as the page is displayed, so a landscape page that uses a /Rotate value still gets its number at the visual bottom rather than along a side. Roman numerals cover 1 to 3999. Helvetica only covers Latin characters, so custom text is not offered here, and existing page content is kept as it is. Encrypted PDFs must be unlocked first.

Targeted Use Cases

  • Numbering a merged report so reviewers can refer to specific pages.
  • Adding Page n of N to a contract or legal bundle before signing.
  • Using roman numerals for front matter, then arabic numbers from chapter one.
  • Numbering a thesis while leaving the title page blank.

Notes & Gotchas

  • Keep the margin at least 24 pt so printers do not clip the number.
  • Number front matter and body separately by running the tool twice with different ranges and formats.
  • Use a mid-grey colour if black numbers distract from the page design.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add page numbers to a PDF but skip the first page?

Set Skip first pages to 1. The cover stays unnumbered and numbering begins on page two with your Start at value, usually 1.

Can I add Page 1 of N style numbers?

Yes. Choose Page 1 of 9 or 1/9 in the Format list. The total counts only the pages that receive a number, so skipped pages are not included.

Will page numbers appear correctly on landscape or rotated pages?

Yes. The number is placed upright relative to how the page is displayed, so rotated pages get it at the visual top or bottom you chose.

Can I use roman numerals?

Yes. Pick i, ii, iii or I, II, III. Numbers from 1 to 3999 are written as roman numerals; anything outside that range falls back to digits.

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