Add page numbers to a PDF
Project reports, theses, applications and printed handouts need numbered pages. Choose where the numbers go, pick a style and save. The PDF is numbered in your browser and never uploaded.
The tool above works in your browser: your files stay on your device and are not uploaded. The steps below are for this tool.
How to add page numbers to a PDF
- Choose your PDF in the tool above.
- Pick the Position: bottom centre is the usual choice for reports, bottom right for books and handouts.
- Pick a Style:
1,1 / 10(page and total) or- 1 -, and a size. - Change Start at number if your file continues another one, for example start at 25.
- Tick Leave the first page without a number when page 1 is a cover. Numbering then starts on page 2.
- Press Add page numbers and download the new copy. Your original file is not changed.
The numbers are added as real text on top of each page, so the rest of the page stays exactly as sharp as before. Pages that are turned sideways get their number the right way up, at the same place as on the other pages.
Which style to choose
- 1, 2, 3: the standard for reports, theses and most forms.
- 1 / 10: shows the total, which helps when pages of a printed set could get mixed up, such as a contract or an application with annexures.
- - 1 -: a classic look for printed booklets and handouts.
Tips
Number the final file. If you still need to join several PDFs, merge them first, then add the numbers once, so they run across the whole document. If a page is sideways, turn it the right way before or after numbering: the number follows the page. A PDF locked with a password has to be unlocked first.
Questions
Can I skip the cover page when numbering a PDF?
Yes. Tick "Leave the first page without a number". The second page then gets the start number, which is 1 unless you change it.
Can page numbers start at a number other than 1?
Yes. Type any start number, for example 25 when the file continues a document that ended on page 24.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The numbers are added in your browser and the file stays on your device.
Will the numbers cover my text?
They sit in the page margin, about 1 cm from the edge on an A4 page. If a page has text right at the edge, choose another position, such as the top.