PDF Page Numbers
Add page numbers to a PDF document
Click to upload PDF
About PDF Page Numbers
PDF Page Numbers is a free online tool that adds page numbers to every page of a PDF document. Choose the position (header or footer, left, centre, or right), font size, starting number, and optional prefix or suffix text — the tool applies consistent page numbers across the entire document.
Page numbers are essential in any multi-page document that will be referenced, reviewed, or shared. Reports, contracts, academic papers, instruction manuals, and proposals all require page numbers so readers can navigate, reference specific sections, and coordinate in meetings ("let's look at page 14"). Many submission guidelines for academic papers, legal briefs, and grant applications require page numbering as a formatting requirement.
PDF documents created by combining separate files, converting from other formats, or generated by systems that do not include page numbers need to have numbering added after the fact. Adding page numbers to an existing PDF without specialist software is precisely the use case this tool addresses.
Typical configurations include bottom-centre page numbers (the most common format for reports and academic documents), bottom-right numbers (common in contracts and legal documents), and header numbers with document title prefix. Starting number options let you begin from 1, match an existing physical numbering system, or offset for documents where the first few pages (cover, table of contents) use roman numerals and the body text uses arabic numerals.
How to Use PDF Page Numbers
- 1Upload your PDF file
- 2Choose the page number position (bottom-centre, bottom-right, etc.)
- 3Set the starting page number and any prefix/suffix text
- 4Select font size and style
- 5Click "Add Page Numbers" and download the numbered PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can set the starting page number and also specify which physical page of the PDF to start numbering from. This is useful for documents with a cover page that should not be numbered — start numbering from physical page 2 with number 1.
Yes. Using the suffix option, you can format numbers as "Page 1 of 20", "1/20", or any custom format by combining the page number variable with static text.
Page numbers are added to the page margin area — the blank space at the top or bottom of the page. If your PDF has very narrow margins or content that extends to the edge, numbers may overlap content. Ensure adequate margin space before adding numbers.
Page numbers added by this tool are embedded in the PDF content and cannot be cleanly removed without specialist PDF editing software. Double-check your settings before processing if you are unsure.
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