How to add page numbers to a PDF
- Choose your PDF.
- Pick a position — bottom centre is the most common for reports and theses; top right suits legal and business documents.
- Choose a format: a plain number, “Page 1”, “Page 1 of 10” or “1 / 10”.
- Set the first number and how many pages to skip. For example, to leave a cover page unnumbered and start the next page at 1, skip 1 page and start at 1.
- Press Add page numbers to download the numbered PDF.
Choosing the right numbering
| Document | Common style |
|---|---|
| Thesis or dissertation | Bottom centre, plain number; front matter often numbered separately |
| Business report or proposal | Bottom right, “Page 1 of 10” |
| Legal bundle or evidence | Top or bottom right, continuous numbers across all documents |
| Printed booklet | Bottom outer corner |
Universities and courts often publish exact formatting rules, so check your guidelines before submitting.
Numbering several documents in one sequence
If you need continuous numbers across several files — for example an application pack or a court bundle — first combine them with Merge PDF, then add page numbers once to the merged file. Alternatively, set the first number of the second file to continue where the first one ended.
How it works
The numbers are added as real text on top of each page using a standard Helvetica font, so they print crisply and remain searchable. The rest of each page is left untouched. The tool measures each page individually, so documents mixing portrait and landscape pages, or A4 and Letter sizes, are numbered correctly, and pages that are rotated inside the PDF still get their number in the right place on screen.
The margin is measured in points (1 pt = 1/72 inch ≈ 0.35 mm). The default of 28 pt is about 1 cm from the edge.
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip the cover page?
Yes. Set “Skip first N pages” to 1. The cover stays unnumbered and the next page gets the first number you choose.
Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?
Yes. Enter any starting number — useful when a document continues from another file.
Will page numbers cover my content?
They are placed in the margin. If your pages have content right to the edge, increase the margin or choose a different position.
Is the PDF uploaded?
No. Numbers are added in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.