Add Page Numbers to a PDF: Choose Position, Style and Start Page

What this tool does

Add Page Numbers writes a number onto the pages of a PDF and saves a new copy. You choose where it goes (top or bottom; left, centre or right), how it reads (3, Page 3, Page 3 of 10, 3 / 10 or - 3 -), the page it starts on, the first number, the text size, the distance from the edge and the colour. A preview of your first page shows the result before you save.

Numbers are added as real text, so they print sharply and can be found with a PDF reader's search.

How to add page numbers to a PDF

1. Choose the PDF, drop it on the box or paste it.
2. Pick a position and a number style.
3. To skip a cover, set Start numbering on page to 2; set First number to the number that page should show.
4. Adjust the size and the distance from the edge if the numbers would touch a footer.
5. Press Add page numbers and look through the downloaded file.

When it helps

• Reports, theses and manuals that must have numbered pages.
• Legal or tender documents where every page is referred to by number.
• Merged documents whose original numbering no longer matches.
• Printed handouts that might be dropped and shuffled.

What we found in testing

On a 3-page test PDF with the default settings, a text extractor found "Page 1 of 3", "Page 2 of 3" and "Page 3 of 3" on the matching pages. With numbering starting on page 2, the cover stayed blank and the following pages read "Page 1 of 2" and "Page 2 of 2".

Pages stored sideways are handled: the number is placed and turned so it reads upright on screen. The font is Helvetica, which covers English letters and digits.

Tips

• Put the pages in the right order first with Organize PDF.
• Keep at least 20 points from the edge, because many printers cannot print right up to it.
• Add a watermark as a second step if the document is a draft.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave the first page without a number?

Yes. Set Start numbering on page to 2. The cover is left as it is.

What does "of 10" count?

It is the number printed on the last page, so it stays correct when you skip a cover or start from a number other than 1.

Can I change the font?

Not yet. Numbers use Helvetica in black, gray or blue at the size you choose.

Will the numbers cover existing text?

They can if the page already has text in that spot. Move them to another position or further from the edge, and check the preview.

Is my PDF uploaded?

No. The numbers are added in your browser and the file stays on your device.