How to add page numbers to a PDF online
- 1
Select your PDF
Click “Select PDF file” or drag and drop your document into the box above.
- 2
Choose where the number goes
Pick one of six positions at the top or bottom of the page, set the margin, and choose single or facing pages.
- 3
Set the text and style
Show only the number, “Page 1” or “Page 1 of 10”. Choose the font, size and colour, the first number and which pages to number. The live preview updates as you go.
- 4
Add page numbers and download
Click “Add page numbers” and your numbered PDF downloads straight away. Nothing is stored anywhere.
Why use Add Page Numbers
Live preview
See the exact position, size and text on any page before you download, instead of finding out afterwards.
Full control
Choose the position, margin, font, size, colour, first number and the pages you want to number.
Private by design
The numbers are added inside your browser. Your PDF is never uploaded, stored or shared.
When people add page numbers to a PDF
Page numbers make a long document easy to navigate, cite and print. These are the situations where they help most:
Reports and theses
Number every page so readers, supervisors and examiners can refer to an exact page.
Merged documents
After combining files with Merge PDF, add one continuous numbering across the whole document.
Contracts and legal files
Use “Page 3 of 12” so nobody can claim a page is missing from the agreement.
Scanned books and notes
Scans have no page numbers of their own. Add them in a corner so the pages stay in order.
Print-ready booklets
Switch on Facing pages so numbers sit on the outer edge of every double-sided sheet.
Pages after a cover
Skip the cover and start the numbering at 1 on the first content page.
Every page number option explained
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Page mode | Single page puts the number in the same place on every page. Facing pages mirrors it on even pages for double-sided printing. |
| Position | Choose top or bottom, and left, centre or right: six places in total. |
| Margin | Small, recommended or big space between the number and the edge of the page. |
| Text | Show only the number, “Page 4”, or “Page 4 of 20”. |
| Font, size and colour | Arial, Times New Roman or Courier New, bold or italic, from 8 to 48 pt, in any colour. |
| Pages to number | Number every page, or only the pages you list, such as 2-10. Numbering starts at the first page in your list. |
| First number | Start counting from any number, for example 5 when your PDF continues a longer document. |
Tips for clean, professional page numbers
- Bottom centre at the recommended margin is the safest choice for most documents, because it stays clear of binding and printer margins.
- Skip the cover: choose Selected pages and enter 2-20. The first listed page becomes number 1.
- Use Page 3 of 12 for contracts and forms, so missing pages are obvious.
- Printing double-sided? Choose Facing pages and a bottom-right position so numbers always sit on the outer edge.
- Pick a text colour that contrasts with the page. Dark grey or black works on white paper, and a light colour works on dark scans.
- Need to combine files first? Use Merge PDF, then put the pages in the right order with Organize PDF before numbering. To mark pages as drafts, use Watermark PDF.
Add page numbers to PDF: frequently asked questions
Is it free to add page numbers to a PDF here?
Yes. There is no sign-up, no limit on how many files you number, and we never add a mark of our own. It is free to use.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. The page numbers are added inside your own browser, so your document never leaves your device. That makes it safe for contracts, theses, invoices and other private files.
Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?
Yes. Set “First number” to any value, for example 5 if your PDF continues a longer document. The next pages count up from there.
Can I skip the cover page?
Yes. Under “Pages to number”, choose “Selected pages” and enter a range such as 2-20. Numbering starts at the first page you list, so page 2 becomes number 1 and the cover stays unnumbered.
How do I show “Page 1 of 10”?
In the Text list, choose “Page {n} of {p}”. The total is calculated from the pages you are numbering and follows your first number.
What are facing pages?
Facing pages is for double-sided printing and booklets. Even pages mirror your left or right choice, so the number always sits on the outer edge of the spread.
Where can I put the page number?
There are six positions: top left, top centre, top right, bottom left, bottom centre and bottom right, each with a small, recommended or big margin.
Can I change the font, size and colour?
Yes. Choose Arial, Times New Roman or Courier New, make it bold or italic, set a size from 8 to 48 points, and pick any colour. The live preview shows the result immediately.
Does it work on rotated or landscape pages?
Yes. Landscape pages and pages with a rotation are detected, so the number always appears upright at the position you chose.
Will it change the rest of my PDF?
No. Your original text, images and layout are kept exactly as they are. The page number is added on top of each page in the new file.
Can I number a password-protected PDF?
Not directly. Remove the password first with our Unlock PDF tool, then add the page numbers to the unlocked copy.
What is the maximum file size?
You can number PDFs up to 50 MB and 200 pages. Larger files can run out of memory in a browser, so split them first with our Split PDF tool.
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