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Add page numbers to a PDF

Add page numbers to a PDF: position, format (1, 1 / 10, Page 1 of 10), first numbered page, size and margin. Live preview, no upload.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • No file uploaded
  • Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone

Your files stay on your device: nothing is uploaded.

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About this tool

A report, a thesis or a file to print is much easier to follow with page numbers. Choose where they go and how they look, and check the result in the preview before downloading.

When to use it

Make a printed document easy to follow

With numbers, anyone can find a page mentioned in a meeting or a table of contents.

Prepare a thesis or file

Skip the cover and contents, and start numbering where the text begins.

Combine several PDFs

After merging, number the whole thing for continuous pagination.

How to use

  1. Choose your PDF.
  2. Set the position, format, first page to number and size.
  3. Check the preview, then click “Add page numbers”.

How it works

Numbers are written in Helvetica on each page, on top of the existing content, which isn't changed. They stay upright even on rotated pages.

The PDF is processed in your browser: it is never uploaded to a server.

Tips for best results

  • 10 to 12 pt suits most documents.
  • Keep numbers at least 20 pt from the edge so they aren't cut off when printing.
  • Bottom right is easiest to read on a document bound on the left.
  • “Page 1 of 10” tells readers whether pages are missing.

Common problems and fixes

The number overlaps the text

Increase the distance from the edge or pick another position, for example the top.

The PDF is password-protected

First remove the protection with “Unlock PDF” if you know the password, then try again.

Thumbnails load slowly

They are drawn as you scroll. On a very large PDF, wait a few seconds or type the page numbers directly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I skip the cover page?

Enter 2 in “Start numbering on page”: the cover stays blank and page 2 gets number 1, or the first number you chose.

Can I start from a number other than 1?

Yes, change “First number”, for example to continue the numbering of a previous document.

Is my PDF uploaded to a server?

No. Everything happens in your browser: the file never leaves your device.

Is there a page limit?

No, the tool was tested with 200-page PDFs. Only your device's memory limits the size.

Related searches

Still stuck?

Ask on the forum: the category, the tool, your device sheet and the test result will be filled in for you.