Page numbers make a printed document easy to reference and reassemble. They are useful on a merged file that lost its original numbering, a contract that will be signed page by page, or a report assembled from several sources.
How to add page numbers
- Open the Add Page Numbers tool and upload your PDF.
- Choose where the number sits: a corner or the centre, at the top or the bottom.
- Set the starting number and, if the tool offers it, the format, such as
1orPage 1 of 20. - Apply and download the numbered PDF.
Tips for a clean result
- Number last. Merge, reorder, and remove pages first with Merge PDF, Reorder PDF Pages, and Delete PDF Pages, then add numbers so they run in sequence.
- Mind the margins. If a document already has content near the edge, place the number in a corner that is clear, or use Crop PDF to even out the margins first.
- Front matter. If a cover page should not be counted, set the start so numbering begins on the first real page.
- Headers and footers too. To add a document title or a date alongside the number, use Add Header and Footer.
Frequently asked questions
Will the numbers cover existing text?
They are placed in the margin position you choose. On a document with very small margins, pick the clearest corner and check a few pages after downloading.
Can I start from a number other than 1?
Yes. Set the starting value, which is handy when the file is one part of a larger set.
Does adding numbers change the existing text?
No. The page number is drawn on top as a new layer. The original content is untouched.
Is my file kept?
No. The upload and the numbered file are deleted automatically a short time after processing.
Open Add Page Numbers to number your document.