If you've ever printed a long document, dropped the stack and tried to put it back in order, you already know why page numbers help. This tool lets you add page numbers to PDF files in a couple of clicks. Choose where the numbers go and how they read, upload your PDF, and download a numbered copy. It's free and works in any browser.
Two choices: position and format
There are only two settings, which keeps things quick.
Position decides where the number sits on each page. You can choose bottom centre, bottom right or top right. Bottom centre is the most common choice for reports, essays and books. Bottom right suits business documents and anything that might be stapled at the top left. Top right is often used for academic papers and manuscripts, where the number sits near the header.
Format decides how the number reads. "1, 2, 3…" puts a plain number on each page. "Page 1 of 10" shows the page number and the total, which tells the reader straight away if a page is missing. That second format is useful for contracts, exam papers and anything that will be printed and handed around.
How to number PDF pages
- Pick a position: Bottom centre, Bottom right or Top right.
- Pick a format: "1, 2, 3…" or "Page 1 of 10".
- Add your PDF with "Select files", or drag it onto the page on a computer.
- Run the tool and download your numbered PDF.
You can add more than one PDF at a time. Each file is numbered separately, starting from its own first page, and the results come back in a ZIP.
Who needs numbered pages
Students often have to submit dissertations, project reports and assignments with page numbers, and a table of contents only makes sense if the pages it points to are numbered. If you've put your work together from several files, the final PDF may not have consistent numbering. Running it through this tool gives every page a number in the same style.
In offices, numbered pages make meetings easier. When everyone has a printed report in front of them, "turn to page 14" is much quicker than describing which table you mean. The same goes for legal documents and contracts, where people refer to specific pages and clauses.
Numbers help on screen too. When you share a PDF in a video call or a group chat, "look at page 6" gets everyone to the right place faster than scrolling and describing what's on the page, especially for people reading on a small phone screen.
Schools and teachers number exam papers and handouts so students can check they have every page. Small businesses add numbers to catalogues, price lists and manuals so customers can find things.
Tips and limits
The tool numbers every page in the file, starting from the first page. There's no option to skip a cover page or start at a different number. If you want a cover page without a number, here's a workaround:
- Split the cover off with Split PDF, so you have the cover and the main document as separate files.
- Add page numbers to the main document only.
- Join them back together with Merge PDF.
The numbering then starts at 1 on the first page after the cover.
Get the pages in the right order before numbering. If you need to move pages around, do it first with Organize PDF. Reordering afterwards would mix up the numbers.
Check that the position you choose doesn't sit on top of existing content. If your PDF already has text in the bottom corner, like a footer or an old page number, pick a different position.
If your document was written in Word, you may find it easier to add page numbers there before converting. This tool is for when you only have the PDF, or when the PDF was combined from several sources.
Works on any device
Everything runs in your web browser, so you can number PDF pages on Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, Linux or a Chromebook with nothing to install. On a phone, tap "Select files" to choose your PDF. Each upload can be up to 100 MB.
Privacy
Your PDF is uploaded to our server, numbered, and deleted as soon as the result is sent back to you. Nothing is stored and nothing is shared. The only thing added to your pages is the numbers: there's no watermark or branding.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to add page numbers to a PDF?
Yes. It's free with no sign-up, and nothing else is added to your file besides the numbers.
Where can I put the page numbers?
Bottom centre, bottom right or top right. The same position is used on every page of the document.
What does "Page 1 of 10" mean?
It shows each page's number along with the total number of pages, so the reader can tell at once if anything is missing. If you'd rather keep it simple, choose the "1, 2, 3…" format instead.
Can I start numbering from page 2?
Not directly, since numbering always starts on the first page. Split off the first page, number the rest, and merge the two files back together. The numbered part will then start at 1.
Can I add page numbers to a PDF on my phone?
Yes. Open this page in your phone's browser, choose a position and format, tap "Select files" and pick your PDF. The numbered file downloads to your phone.
Will page numbers cover my text?
They can if your pages already have content where the number goes. Look at your document's corners first and choose a position that's empty.