Add Page Numbers to PDF

Stamp page numbers on a PDF with control over position, alignment, start number, page range, size and margin. Preview the result on each page before you download. The numbers are added in your browser.

Drag & drop a PDF here

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PDF

Overview

What is Add Page Numbers to PDF?

This tool stamps page numbers onto the pages of a PDF. You choose where they go, what they look like, which pages get them and which number to start from, and you see the result on each page before downloading.

The numbers are added as real text on top of the existing page, using an embedded Liberation Sans font. Nothing underneath is changed or flattened, so the rest of the document stays selectable and searchable, and the numbers themselves can be found with Ctrl+F.

How it works

How to add page numbers to a PDF

  1. Open the PDF

    Choose your file. The first page appears large in the preview with the page list beside it.

  2. Set the position

    Pick top or bottom, then left, center or right. Adjust the margin and font size.

  3. Choose the numbering

    Select a format, the starting number and which pages to number.

  4. Check and download

    Step through the preview to check pages, then download the numbered PDF.

Examples

Numbering examples

Settings for common documents and what lands on each page.

Document Settings Result
10-page report with a cover Pages 2-, start at 1, count from first numbered page Cover blank, pages 2–10 show 1–9
Same report, cover counted Pages 2-, count from page 1 of file Cover blank, pages 2–10 show 2–10
12-page contract Format "Page 1 of 9", bottom right Page 1 of 12 … Page 12 of 12
Second volume of a manual Start at 201, bottom center 201, 202, 203 …

Page sizes

Mixed page sizes and orientations

Each number is placed relative to the page it is on. A landscape page gets its number in the bottom-right corner of the landscape page, not where a portrait page's corner would be. A3 pages and A5 pages each use their own edges.

Pages that are stored rotated (for example a scan saved with a 90° rotation flag) are handled too. The number is written upright as the page is displayed, so it does not end up running sideways along the edge.

Margin
Distance from the page edge in points. 72 pt = 1 inch, 28 pt ≈ 1 cm.
Font size
6–48 pt. 9–11 pt suits most body text.
Font
Liberation Sans, embedded as a subset, so it prints the same everywhere.

Use cases

Use cases for adding page numbers

Theses and dissertations

Universities usually want the title page unnumbered and the main text starting at 1. Use a page range that skips the front matter.

pages 5- 1, 2, 3…

Merged document packs

After merging several PDFs, the pages often carry their old numbers or none at all. One continuous sequence makes the pack easier to reference.

3 files merged 1 / 48

Print-ready handouts

Numbers at the top center stay visible even when pages are stapled at the bottom or punched for a binder.

top · center - 7 -

Placement

Choosing a margin that prints well

Most office printers cannot print the outer 4–6 mm of a sheet. A margin of at least 20 pt (about 7 mm) keeps the number clear of that area. The default of 28 pt is a safe choice for A4 and US Letter.

For documents that will be bound, put numbers on the outer edge or center them; numbers near the spine can disappear into the binding. If the pages already have a printed footer line, increase the margin until the preview sits clear of it, or move the numbers to the top.

Tips

Tips for clean page numbers

  • Check a few pages in the preview, especially landscape or oversized ones.
  • If your pages already have a footer, put the numbers at the top or increase the margin.
  • Reorder or delete pages first with Organize PDF, then number them, so the sequence matches the final file.
  • Use a darker gray rather than pure black for a less heavy look on printed reports.

Limitations

Limitations

Existing numbers stay

The tool adds new numbers. It cannot find and remove numbers that are already printed on the pages.

Arabic numerals only

Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) and letter sequences are not offered yet.

Preview is approximate

The on-screen label uses a browser font for speed; the downloaded file uses the embedded font, so widths can differ by a pixel or two.

Privacy

Privacy

Numbering happens in your browser. The PDF is not uploaded to TryFormatter; the only extra download is the font file, which comes from this site.

Related tools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I skip the cover page when numbering?

Type 2- in "Pages to number". The cover gets no number. Choose "First numbered page" to start the second page at 1, or "Page 1 of file" to start it at 2.

Can I add "Page X of Y" numbers?

Yes. Pick the "Page 1 of 9" format. Y is the total of numbered pages, or the full page count when counting from page 1 of the file.

Will the numbers be in the right place on landscape pages?

Yes. Placement is calculated for each page using its own size and display rotation, so landscape, rotated and differently sized pages each get the number in their own corner or center.

Are the page numbers searchable text?

Yes. They are written as text with an embedded font, not as an image, so they can be selected, searched and read by screen readers.

Can I number pages starting from a number other than 1?

Yes. Set "Start at" to any whole number, such as 101 for a second volume. Combined with a page range, this lets you match an existing numbering scheme.

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