How to add page numbers to a PDF
Open the PDF in a page numbering tool, choose the position and the style, say whether the first page is a cover, and save. If the document is made of several files, merge them first and number the whole bundle once, so the numbers run in one sequence.
Add page numbers does this in your browser, as real text on every page. Add page numbers
Numbering a PDF
- If the document is several files, join them with Merge PDF first.
- Open the PDF in Add page numbers.
- Choose the position, such as bottom centre, and the style, such as Page 1 of 12.
- Choose whether the first page is a cover, and the number to start from.
- Number the pages, then check the first two pages of the result.
Choosing a style
Plain numbers suit a report. Page 1 of 12 suits anything that might arrive incomplete, such as an application pack or a court bundle, because the reader can see at once whether a page is missing.
Cover pages and starting numbers
Leave the first page blank if it is a cover. Numbering then starts on the second page, from whatever number you set: 1 if the cover does not count, 2 if it does. A later part of a longer document can start at any number, so the parts line up.
Bundles and several files
Numbering each file separately gives you several page ones. Merge the files in their final order, then number the whole bundle once.
Where to put the numbers
Bottom centre and bottom right are what readers look for first. If your pages already carry a footer in that position, choose another, because the numbers are drawn on top of what is there.
Questions people ask next
Can I skip the first page?
Yes. Choose to leave the first page blank and numbering begins on page two.
Will the page numbers be searchable?
Yes. They are real text, so they print cleanly and a search finds them.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The numbers are added in your browser.