Add Page Numbers
To Any PDF Document
Insert page numbers on every page of your PDF document. Choose position, format, and starting number. Free, fast, and completely private.
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What Is Add Page Numbers?
Adding page numbers to a PDF means placing visible numbers on each page—typically in the header or footer—so readers can reference specific pages and keep printed or digital documents in order. Numbers can appear as simple digits (1, 2, 3), as \"Page 1,\" \"Page 2,\" or in a \"1 of 10\" style showing the current page and total. Many PDFs are created without built-in page numbers (e.g. exported from web pages, scanned documents, or combined files). Adding them afterward makes the document easier to cite in reports, submissions, and legal or academic contexts.
An online page-numbering tool lets you add or change page numbers without desktop software. You upload the PDF, choose where the numbers should appear and in what format, set font size and optional start number, then download the updated file. Your document doesn't need to be sent to a server, which is ideal for confidential or large files. No registration is required; use the tool as often as you need.
Discover Features
Add page numbers with full control over position, format, and style—all private and secure
Six Position Options
Place page numbers at bottom center, bottom left, bottom right, top center, top left, or top right. Choose the option that fits your layout and any existing headers or footers so numbers are easy to find and don't clash with content.
Three Number Formats
Use plain numbers (1, 2, 3), "Page 1, Page 2," or "1 of N" style showing current page and total. The "of N" format automatically uses the total page count so readers know where they are in the document.
Adjustable Font Size
Control the size of page numbers (e.g. 8–30px) so they're readable on screen and in print without dominating the page. Sliders let you fine-tune until the numbers match your document's style and legibility needs.
Custom Start Number
Start numbering from any value (e.g. 1, 10, or 101) when your PDF is a continuation of another document or part of a larger set. The tool applies your start number to the first page and increments from there.
Private Processing
All processing happens on your device. Your PDF is not uploaded to a server, ensuring complete privacy. Sensitive or large documents stay on your device while page numbers are added.
No Registration Required
Use the tool without creating an account. Add page numbers to as many PDFs as you need, for free. Open the page, upload your file, set position and format, and download—no sign-up or subscription.
Steps
Four simple steps to add page numbers to your PDF
Open the Tool and Select Your PDF
Drag and drop your PDF onto the upload area or click to browse and select the file. Only PDF files are accepted. Your file stays on your device and is never sent to a server.
Choose the Position for Page Numbers
Select where the numbers should appear: bottom center, bottom left, bottom right, top center, top left, or top right. Pick the option that best fits your layout and any existing headers or footers.
Select the Number Format and Options
Choose how numbers are displayed: plain (1, 2, 3), "Page 1, Page 2," or "1 of N." Set font size for readability and, if needed, a custom start number for documents that continue from another file.
Apply and Download
Click Add Page Numbers. The tool will add the numbers to every page and then trigger a download of the updated PDF. You can reset and process another file if needed.
Free vs Paid — Add Page Numbers
Get started free, upgrade when you need more power.
Unlock the Full Power of Add Page Numbers
Remove daily limits, process larger files up to 500 MB, enable batch processing, and get priority support.
PDF Tools includes:
- 21 PDF tools included
- Unlimited daily uses
- 100 MB file size limit
- Batch processing
- Sign, Redact, OCR, Watermark
- All export formats
Also available in the All Tools Bundle
User Q&A / Reviews
Questions from users and answers from the OnlinePCTools team
“I need to submit a report and the guidelines say page numbers must be bottom center. Can I do that with this tool?”
Rachel Kim
Consultant, Sydney, Australia
Yes. Open the tool, upload your PDF, and select Bottom Center from the position options. Choose your format (e.g. 1, 2, 3 or Page 1 of N), set the font size, and click Add Page Numbers. The numbers will appear at the bottom center of every page and your updated PDF will download automatically. Your file never leaves your device.
— OnlinePCTools Team
“Are my PDFs uploaded to a server? I'm numbering documents that contain confidential client data.”
Thomas Weber
HR Director, Berlin, Germany
No. Your file is processed entirely on your device and is never sent to our or any other server. We have no file storage of any kind. You can safely add page numbers to sensitive or confidential documents without privacy concerns.
— OnlinePCTools Team
“My PDF is section 2 of a longer report, so I need numbering to start at 25. Is that possible?”
Maria Santos
Legal Counsel, São Paulo, Brazil
Yes. Use the start number option and set it to 25 (or whatever value you need). The first page of your PDF will show 25, the second 26, and so on. This is useful when your document is a continuation of another file or when you're combining sections that must have continuous numbering.
— OnlinePCTools Team
“Can I add page numbers to only some pages, or does it apply to the whole document?”
Alex Chen
Designer, San Francisco, USA
This tool adds numbers to every page of the PDF in one pass. To number only certain pages, you could first split the PDF into separate files with our Split PDF tool, add numbers to the part you need, then merge again with Merge PDF. Alternatively, use a PDF editor that supports different numbering per section.
— OnlinePCTools Team
Use Cases
Common scenarios where adding page numbers improves navigation and citation
Academic and Research Papers
Add consistent page numbers (often bottom center) so citations and references (e.g. "see page 7") are clear for reviewers and readers. Meets typical submission and style guide requirements.
Legal and Court Submissions
Number exhibits, briefs, and appendices so the court and opposing counsel can refer to specific pages in filings and during hearings. Clear pagination supports professional presentation.
Reports and Proposals
Give business reports, proposals, and RFP responses clear page numbers so clients and stakeholders can reference sections easily in emails, meetings, and follow-up discussions.
Manuals and Handbooks
Number training manuals, handbooks, and guides so users can find topics via a table of contents or index that references page numbers. Improves navigation in long documents.
Scanned or Combined Documents
When you've scanned pages or merged multiple files into one PDF, add numbers so the final document has a clear order and can be cited. Ensures consistency across combined sources.
Print-Ready Documents
Before printing or sending to a printer, add page numbers so physical copies can be collated and referenced correctly. Avoids confusion when handling multi-page printouts.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about adding page numbers to PDF
Q1. Is adding page numbers to PDF free?
Q2. Are my PDFs uploaded to a server?
Q3. Can I change the position of page numbers after adding them?
Q4. What does start number do?
Q5. Can I add page numbers to only some pages?
Q6. Will adding page numbers increase file size?
Q7. Can I use this on password-protected PDFs?
Q8. What number formats are available?
Related Tools
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