Free Add Page Numbers to PDF
Why page numbers are worth the thirty seconds
A numbered document is easier to read, easier to discuss and harder to tamper with. In a meeting, someone can say turn to page 12 and everyone lands in the same place. In a contract, a footer such as Page 3 of 9 shows at a glance that no page is missing. This tool stamps numbers onto the pages of any PDF, and you control where they go, how they look and where the count starts.
Choosing the position
You can place the number at bottom centre, bottom left, bottom right, top centre, top left or top right. Bottom centre is the classic choice for reports and books. Bottom right suits business documents and contracts, because the eye finishes a page in that corner. Top right is common for letters and submissions where the footer is already busy. For documents that will be printed and bound on one side, think about which edge needs to stay clear.
Picking the format
Five formats are available, and each has a natural use.
- 1 is plain and neat for essays, reports and anything formal.
- Page 1 is slightly friendlier and suits handouts and manuals.
- Page 1 of N is the best for contracts, legal documents and anything that must be complete, because the total is visible on every page.
- 1 / N is compact, good for slide handouts.
- – 1 – is a traditional look for letters and booklets.
Cover pages, start numbers and page ranges
Many documents start with a title page that should not show a number. Tick Do not number the first page, and numbering begins on the second page. If your numbers should still begin at 1 on that second page, adjust the Start at value, and check the first few pages of the result to confirm it reads the way you want. If a document continues from another, such as a second part of a report, set Start at to the number where it picks up. To number only part of the file, type the pages in the Pages box, for example 3-20, and leave the rest alone.
What this tool does not do
It writes ordinary Arabic numerals only. It does not create Roman numerals for front matter such as a preface, and it cannot restart the count in the middle of one file. If you need that, number the sections separately and join them afterwards with the PDF merger. Numbers are drawn in the standard Helvetica font, which keeps the file light and works everywhere, but you cannot choose a different typeface.
Getting a tidy result
- Merge first, number last, so the count runs across the whole combined document.
- Set a sensible margin. The margin is in points, and 36 points is half an inch. Increase it if numbers collide with scanned content near the page edge.
- Straighten sideways pages with Rotate PDF before you number them, so the numbers land where you expect.
- Check the font size. 10 to 12 points reads well without shouting.
Layouts for common documents
- A thesis or long report: bottom centre, plain number format, cover page skipped, 11 or 12 point font.
- A contract: bottom right, Page 1 of N, so a missing page is obvious on sight.
- A meeting handout: bottom right, 1 / N, small and unobtrusive.
- A letter pack or booklet: bottom centre with the dashed format, – 1 -.
- A scanned bundle for a submission: top right, so the number does not fight with footers or stamps printed on the bottom of the page.
If something looks off
A number that overlaps scanned content means the margin is too small, so raise it and try again. A number in the wrong corner usually means the page was stored rotated, so straighten it first with Rotate PDF. A number that is too faint or too large is a font size problem, and a few points of difference is enough to fix it. Because your original is never changed, you can run the tool again with different settings as many times as you like.
FAQ
Drop the PDF above, choose a position and format, and click Add numbers and download.
Yes. Tick Do not number the first page.
Yes. Choose the Page 1 of N format.
No. Only standard numbers are supported.
No. The numbers are added in your browser.
Yes. They are drawn as normal text, so they print as clearly as the rest of the page.
Yes. The numbers are added on top of the pictures of the pages.
Yes. Type a page range such as 3-20 in the Pages box and the other pages are left unnumbered.
Numbers are added each time, so number the original once. If you made a mistake, start again from your untouched original instead of the numbered copy.