Add Page Numbers to a PDF: Choose Position and Format
Page numbers make longer documents easier to reference. Add Page Numbers writes a small number near the bottom edge of each PDF page and creates a new downloadable file.
How to use this tool
- Select the PDF to number.
- Choose the first page number. This is useful when numbering a section that continues from another document.
- Select bottom-left, bottom-center, or bottom-right placement.
- Choose plain numbers, “Page 1”, or “1 / total” formatting.
- Click Add numbers and download, then inspect pages with unusual sizes or rotated layouts.
Options explained
The total in the fraction style refers to the number of pages in this PDF. The first number applies to the first page in the file.
Privacy and file limits
The tool places a small black label near the bottom edge. It does not detect existing page numbers or automatically avoid footnotes and page content.
Choosing the first number
The first number applies to the first page of the file. Leave it at 1 for a normal document. Set it to another number when your file continues a longer document, for example 10 if the file is a chapter that starts on page 10, or 2 if the cover page is a separate file. The numbers then count up from that value.
Position and style
The number is placed near the bottom edge, at the left, the centre or the right. Centre is common for reports and right is common for printed pages that are read as a book. You can show only the number, the words Page 1, or a fraction such as 1 / 12, where the second number is the total pages of this file. The label is small black text, so the tool is not meant for pages with a black footer.
Doing it in the right order
Number a PDF last. First merge the files with Merge PDF, remove pages you do not need with Delete PDF Pages and put the pages in order with Organize PDF, and then add the numbers so they run without gaps. Look at a few pages afterwards, including pages with a footer or a rotated page, because the tool does not move the label away from existing text.
Frequently asked questions
Can the numbering start at 10?
Yes. Set First number to 10 and the first page of the file shows 10.
Will it replace page numbers that are already there?
No. It adds a new label, so a page that already has a number will show two numbers.
Can I put the number at the top of the page?
No. The tool places it at the bottom left, centre or right.
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