Add Page Numbers

Put page numbers on every page of a PDF

Take a PDF that's missing page numbers, maybe it was merged from separate scans, and this tool stamps a number on each page. You pick the position (top, bottom, left, right, centre), the starting number, and the font size. You can also include a prefix like "Page " so it reads "Page 1, Page 2...". It's a small detail that makes a big difference when printing or referencing a document. The numbers are added as visible text, not as a watermark, and they become part of the page.

Documents that need numbering

• A merged project report for college submission. Page numbers make the table of contents useful.
• A set of scanned invoices sent to a client. Numbered pages help both you and the client refer to "Invoice 3 of 12."
• An e-book or a manual where readers need to follow page references.

Tip: If your PDF already has some page numbers (like roman numerals in the preface), you can start the numbering from a later page. The tool lets you choose a custom starting number and you can skip pages by using the page range feature if available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add "Page X of Y"?

Yes, you can usually add both the current page and total page count as dynamic text. The tool provides placeholders if supported.

Will the page numbers overlap with existing content?

They are placed in the margin. If the original PDF has very narrow margins, the numbers might overlap. Adjust the position and size to minimise this.

Can I start numbering from a page other than the first?

Yes. Use the "Start at" field to set your first visible number — for example, enter 1 there even if it lands on the fourth physical page, so your preface pages stay unnumbered.

Does adding page numbers reduce PDF quality?

No. The tool draws text directly onto each page without re-compressing images or re-rendering content, so the rest of the document stays at its original quality.

Is this tool free and does it upload my PDF anywhere?

It's completely free and runs entirely in your browser using pdf-lib. Your file is never uploaded to a server, so it works for confidential or sensitive documents too.