Add Page Numbers to PDF
100% Private — No Upload RequiredNumber every page of a PDF in the footer. Useful for printed reports, contracts, and assignments.
Drop a PDF here
One file · max 10 MB · or paste with Ctrl+V
How to add page numbers to a PDF
- Drop your PDF or paste it with Ctrl+V.
- Pick the position (bottom-left, center, or right).
- Choose a format and starting page (skip cover pages by setting "Start from page" to 2 or higher).
- Click Add page numbers and download.
When to use this
Page numbers help readers navigate printed reports, signed contracts, university theses, and legal documents. They also matter for citations: a peer reviewer or examiner often references "page 12" rather than re-finding a passage. This tool adds clean, professional numbering using a standard sans-serif font. Numbers sit in the bottom margin, never overlapping content.
Numbering a stitched-together report? Run Merge PDF first, then page-number the combined file here.
How page numbering works
Upload a PDF and the tool overlays a page number on each page at the position you choose (footer center is most common). The numbers are added as a text layer over the existing page content — the original content is preserved exactly. Choose the start number (useful when you've already removed some pages and want continuous numbering), the format (1, 2, 3 vs Page 1 of N), and the position.
Common Indian use cases
- Adding page numbers to a thesis or dissertation before binding (most Indian universities require it)
- Numbering pages in a court submission or legal brief
- Adding numbers to a multi-page contract or agreement before sharing
- Numbering scanned chapters of study material for easier reference during revision
Position options
Footer center is the default and matches most academic and legal conventions. Footer right is common for double-sided printing. Header center suits formal reports. The tool supports all standard positions; pick whichever your document's style guide requires.
Disclaimer
Adding page numbers modifies the PDF. The original is not changed (it remains in your file system), but the result is a new PDF with the overlay text. If your PDF already has page numbers (some scanned documents do), you'll end up with two numbers per page — remove the originals first or skip this step.
FAQ
Will the numbers overlap my page content?
No. Numbers are placed in the bottom margin, below typical body content. If your PDF has full-bleed content extending to the edge, the number will appear on top of it — uncommon for documents.
Can I customize the font?
Currently only Helvetica is supported (the standard PDF font). Custom fonts may be added later.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Numbering is done in your browser using pdf-lib.
Frequently asked questions
Will adding page numbers cover existing content?
The page number text is placed in the margin (default footer area). If your PDF's content extends into the margin, the number will overlay it. Most documents have clear margins; check your output before relying on it.
Can I customise the format?
Yes. Choose from "1, 2, 3", "Page 1 of 10", "Page 1", or numeric only. Position can be header or footer, left, center, or right.
Can I skip the title page or table of contents?
Yes. Use the "start at page N" option to skip the first N pages from numbering. The tool starts numbering at the page you specify.
Does the font match my document?
Page numbers use the standard PDF Helvetica font at 10 pt. This is the most universally compatible choice. Custom fonts would require font embedding which adds complexity and file size.