How to add page numbers to a PDF (position, format, starting number)

A thesis to hand in, a 40-page application file, numbered exhibits for a lawyer, a report assembled from several files: without page numbers, a long document quickly becomes hard to navigate, to cite ("see page 12") or to put back in order once printed. Adding numbering to a PDF only takes a few seconds.

This guide explains how to number the pages of a PDF online, which options to choose and how to handle special cases such as a cover page.

Number a PDF, step by step

1. Open Add Page Numbers and drop your document.
2. Choose the Position: Bottom center, Bottom right, Bottom left, Top center or Top right.
3. Set the number to Start at (1 by default).
4. Choose the Format:
   • 1, 2, 3: the number alone;
   • 1 / 10: the number and the total page count;
   • Page 1: the word "Page" followed by the number.
5. Check the preview, which updates with every change, then click Download.

Page numbering is a Premium tool.

Which position and format should you choose?

Document	Suggested position	Suggested format
Thesis, report	Bottom center	1, 2, 3
Double-sided document to bind	Bottom right	1, 2, 3
File sent by email	Bottom right	1 / 10
Exhibits for a lawyer or authority	Top right	Page 1

The 1 / 10 format is especially useful for documents sent electronically: the recipient knows immediately whether any pages are missing.

Special cases

Leaving the cover page unnumbered

A simple method:

1. extract the cover page with Split PDF (range 1), and the rest of the document into a second file (range 2-40, for example);
2. number the second file starting at 2;
3. put both back together with Merge PDF.

Continuing a numbering sequence

If your document follows another one (volume 2, appendices), enter the number you want in Start at, for example 45.

A document that already has numbers

Existing numbers are not removed: the new ones are added on top. Choose a different position from the existing numbers, or remove them first with the Erase tool of the PDF editor.

In which order should you do things?

Numbering should be the last formatting step:

1. merge your files;
2. delete and reorder pages;
3. fix orientation;
4. add page numbers;
5. compress if needed, then protect or sign.

If you add or remove pages after numbering, the numbers will no longer be right.

Going further

• Add a "Confidential" or "Draft" mark on every page with Watermark PDF.
• Add a header or a one-off note with the Text tool of the PDF editor.

Frequently asked questions

Are numbers added to every page?

Yes, to every page of the document. To exclude a cover page, use the method described above.

Can I start numbering at 0?

Yes, the Start at field accepts 0 and any positive number.

Can the numbers be changed afterwards?

They become part of the page content. To change the numbering, start again from the original document.

Does the document's quality change?

No. Only the numbers are added; the original text and images stay unchanged.