How to add page numbers to a PDF
This tool stamps a visible number on each page of your PDF. That is essential for coursework, contracts, reports and anything that gets printed or cited by page, and especially handy right after merging several PDFs into one.
You choose the wording, the starting number and which corner the number goes in.
Step by step
- Upload your PDF (or several to number them with the same settings).
- In the numbering format, type the pattern: {n} is the page number and {total} the total number of pages. The default is {n} / {total}.
- Set the starting number, for example 3 if the first two pages are a cover and a contents page.
- Pick the position: top or bottom, left, centre or right.
- Process and download the numbered PDF.
Formats you can create
The pattern accepts any text around {n} and {total}. A few examples: 'Page {n} of {total}', '{n}', '- {n} -' or 'Appendix B · {n}'. Note that {total} is always the number of pages in the document, even if you start counting from a different number.
The number is set in a font embedded in the PDF, so it looks the same on every device and in print.
Tips before numbering
Number last. If you merge, delete or reorder pages afterwards, the numbers will be out of sequence. Assemble the document first with Merge PDF or Organize PDF, then number it.
Make sure the chosen position does not cover an existing footer. With very narrow margins, the top of the page is often freer. Up to 50 pages per PDF and 50 MB per job.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get 'Page 1 of 10'?
- Type Page {n} of {total} as the numbering format.
- Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?
- Yes, with the start option. Useful when the cover should not count or when the PDF continues another document's numbering.
- Where can the number go?
- At the top or bottom of the page, aligned left, centre or right.
- Can I number several PDFs at once?
- Yes. Upload all the files; each is numbered separately and you download them together in a ZIP.
- Can the numbers be removed later?
- They are drawn onto the page as PDF content. Keep the original if you might need an unnumbered version.