Add Page Numbers to a PDF
Number the pages of a PDF in the corner or centre, at the top or bottom, as 1, Page 1, 1 of 10, or Page 1 of 10. Start from any number and leave the cover page blank if you need to. Works in your browser with no upload.
How to add page numbers to a PDF
- 1Pick the position. Choose top or bottom, then left, centre, or right. Bottom centre is the most common choice.
- 2Pick the format. Plain numbers (1), Page 1, 1 of 10, or Page 1 of 10.
- 3Set the first number and the cover. Change the first number if this file continues an earlier one, and tick the box to leave the first page unnumbered.
- 4Add your PDF and download. Drop the file onto the box, then scroll through the numbered copy to check it.
Which position and format to choose
Different documents have different conventions. These are safe defaults:
- Reports, essays, and theses: bottom centre with plain numbers. This is what most university style guides expect.
- Legal bundles and tender documents: bottom right, often as Page 1 of 120, so a missing page is obvious.
- Printed booklets and manuals: bottom outside corner. If you print single-sided, bottom right works on every page.
- Forms and short letters: Page 1 of 3 at the top or bottom right tells the reader immediately whether they have the full set.
Leaving the cover page unnumbered
Tick "Don't number the first page" and the cover stays clean. Numbering then starts on the second page with whatever first number you set.
Style guides differ on whether the cover counts. If your second page should read 1, leave the first number at 1. If the cover counts as page 1 and the next page should read 2, set the first number to 2. With the "of" formats, the total shown is the last number printed, so it always matches the final page.
Continuing numbering from another file
The first number setting is useful whenever a PDF is part of a larger document:
- A thesis written chapter by chapter, where chapter 3 must begin on the page after chapter 2 ends
- A second volume or annexure of a submission that continues from the first
- A report whose front pages are produced separately, so the main text starts at 5
Number after merging, not before
If you are combining files into one bundle, merge them first and number the merged file once. Numbering each file separately gives you several sequences that all restart at 1.
The same goes for deleting pages: remove unwanted pages first so the sequence has no gaps. Add a watermark or password last.
Avoiding clashes with existing footers
If your document already has text in the same spot, such as a copyright line or old page numbers from a word processor, the new number will sit on top of it. Pick a position that is empty on your pages, for example top right when the footer is busy, and scroll through the result before sending it.
Numbers are placed about 7 mm from the edge, inside the printable area of most printers. Landscape pages are handled automatically, so numbers stay upright and in the corner you chose.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Roman numerals for the front matter?
No, numbers are always 1, 2, 3. A common approach is to leave the front matter unnumbered and number the main text from 1.
Can I choose the font or size?
Numbers use a small, plain, dark grey font that suits almost any document. Font and size are not adjustable.
Does adding numbers change the rest of the page?
No. The number is added on top of the page. Text, images, links, and form fields stay as they were.
Will it work on a scanned document?
Yes. Numbers are added to scanned pages the same way as to any other page.
Can I number only some of the pages?
You can skip the first page. For other selections, split the document, number the part you need, and merge the files back together.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The numbers are added in your browser, so the document never leaves your device.