About this tool
Add page numbers stamps each page of a PDF with a customizable label. Format placeholders let you mix in the current page number ({n}) and the total page count ({total}) — so a single template like {n} of {total} renders as 1 of 12, 2 of 12, and so on. Pick from six corner positions plus top-center and bottom-center, and the tool handles the rest.
Customize font size, color, margin from the page edge, the starting number (handy when the document is one chapter of something longer), and an optional page range so numbering covers only part of the document. Format examples: {n}, Page {n}, {n} of {total}, {n}/{total}. The tool inserts text on top of existing pages — it won't disturb the content that's already there.
How it works
Drop your PDF
Drag a file onto the upload area or click to pick one. It is uploaded over HTTPS for processing and is not intentionally retained after the request.
Type a format
Use {n} for the current page and {total} for the total. Plain text around the placeholders prints verbatim — Page {n} of {total} works fine.
Pick a position
Choose one of the eight presets: top or bottom, paired with left, center, or right. Most documents go bottom-center.
Adjust the look
Set font size, color, margin from the edge, and optionally a starting number other than 1.
Limit to a page range (optional)
Switch Apply to from All pages to Specific pages and enter a comma-separated list like 1-3, 7 to number only those pages.
Add and download
Click Add page numbers. A numbered copy downloads automatically — your original isn't modified.
When to use it
- Adding consecutive numbers to a merged compilation of separate PDFs.
- Numbering a printed contract so signed pages are easy to reference.
- Pagination for archival documents heading into long-term storage.
- Reference numbering for legal exhibits attached to a filing.
- Numbering an unnumbered scanned book chapter for easier citation.
Frequently asked questions
- What format can I use?
- Plain text with two placeholders: {n} for the current page number and {total} for the total page count. So {n} renders as 1, 2, 3…; Page {n} renders as Page 1, Page 2…; {n} of {total} renders as 1 of 12, 2 of 12…; {n}/{total} renders as 1/12, 2/12…. Anything else in the string prints verbatim.
- Can I start at a specific number?
- Yes — set Start at to whatever first number you want. Page 1 of the document will then show that starting value, and subsequent pages count up from there. Useful when the PDF is one chapter of a larger book and you want it to read as page 47 onward instead of 1.
- Will it overwrite existing page numbers?
- No. The tool stamps new text on top of each page; it doesn't detect or remove anything that's already there. If your PDF was already numbered, you'll see both sets after running this. To replace existing numbers, crop or edit them out first.
- Can I limit numbering to specific pages?
- Yes. Switch Apply to from All pages to Specific pages and enter a comma-separated list with optional ranges — for example, 1-3, 7 numbers pages 1, 2, 3, and 7 only. Pages beyond the document length are silently ignored, so you don't need to know the page count up-front.
- What font is used?
- Helvetica. It's one of the PDF Base 14 fonts, so every PDF viewer renders it without needing an embedded font file. That keeps output files small and universally portable. Font face isn't currently configurable — size, color, and margin are.