Add Page Numbers to PDF

Number the pages of a PDF in your browser. Pick the position and format, such as Page 1 of 9, skip the cover page and save. Free and never uploaded.

Runs in your browser. Your files are never uploaded. How it works

Add Page Numbers puts a number on every page of a PDF, in the corner or centre you choose and in a format such as 1, Page 1 or Page 1 of 9. You can skip the cover and start from any number. It runs in your browser, and the PDF is never uploaded.

How to add page numbers to a PDF

  1. Click Choose a PDF or drop a PDF onto the page. The page previews appear.
  2. Pick a Position: Bottom centre, Bottom right, Bottom left, Top centre, Top right or Top left.
  3. Pick a Format and a Text size (Small, Normal or Large).
  4. Set First number if numbering should not start at 1.
  5. Tick No number on the first page (cover) if the first page is a title page.
  6. Click Add page numbers. The file is saved with -numbered added to its name.

Formats

Format Page 3 of a 9-page PDF shows
1 3
Page 1 Page 3
Page 1 of 9 Page 3 of 9
1 / 9 3 / 9
- 1 - - 3 -

How cover and first number work together

Settings (10-page PDF) Result
First number 1, cover not skipped Pages show 1 to 10
First number 1, cover skipped Cover has no number; the next pages show 1 to 9
First number 2, cover skipped Cover has no number; the next pages show 2 to 10, matching the printed page count
First number 21 Pages show 21 to 30, for a chapter that continues a longer document

Tips

  • Merge first, then number. If your document is made of several files, join them with Merge PDF and number the result, so the count runs across all of them.
  • Bottom centre or bottom right is the usual choice for reports, theses and contracts.
  • Page 1 of 9 helps readers and reviewers see that nothing is missing.
  • Add a watermark too with Watermark PDF for drafts.

Common problems

  • Numbers appear twice: the PDF already had page numbers. Pick a position where there is no number yet, or export the original document again without numbers.
  • The numbers are hard to see on dark pages: the numbers are always black. Pick a position over a lighter part of the page.
  • The PDF is password-protected: remove the password with Unlock PDF first, using the password you know.
  • The file is too large to send: shrink it afterwards with Compress PDF.

Private by design

All work happens on your device. Your PDFs are never sent to a server. You can check this yourself: see how it works.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave the cover page without a number?

Yes. Tick No number on the first page (cover). Numbering then starts on the second page, with the number you set in First number.

Can I start at a number other than 1?

Yes. Change First number, for example to 5 if the PDF continues a document that ends on page 4. In formats such as Page 1 of 9, the total is the last number used, so the count stays consistent.

What colour and font are the numbers?

The numbers are black, in a plain sans-serif font. You can choose Small, Normal or Large text size.

What happens with landscape or rotated pages?

Each page is numbered in the direction you read it, so a sideways table gets its number at the bottom of the page as you see it, not on the edge.

Will the numbers cover my text?

Numbers are placed close to the edge, in the margin of most documents. If a page has content right up to the edge, try another position or a smaller text size.

Is my PDF uploaded?

No. The numbers are added by your own browser and the file is saved straight to your device. Nothing is sent to a server.

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