How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF

To add page numbers to a PDF, open the Add Page Numbers tool, choose the file, pick the position, the starting number and the style, then tap Add page numbers. You get a new PDF with the numbers on every page.

You can skip the cover page, start from any number and choose a style such as “Page 3” or “3 of 10”. The numbers are added in your browser, and your file is not uploaded.

What you need

• The PDF you want to number
• A decision about where the number should go, usually the bottom centre or the bottom right
• About a minute

Steps to add page numbers

1. If you are joining several files, merge them first with Merge PDF, and remove pages you do not want with Organize PDF. Numbers are best added last, so they run in order.
2. Open the Add Page Numbers tool, tap the box and choose your PDF.
3. Choose the position of the number on the page. Bottom centre suits most documents, and bottom right is common for reports.
4. Set the starting number. Leave it at 1 for a normal document. Use a higher number if your PDF continues a longer document.
5. Choose the style: a plain number, “Page 3”, “3 of 10”, or your own text.
6. If your PDF has a cover page, tick Do not number the first page so the cover stays clean.
7. Tap Add page numbers, wait for the progress bar, and download the new PDF. Scroll through it to check the numbers.

Choosing a good position and style

• Bottom centre is neutral and works on every page size.
• Bottom right suits documents that are printed on both sides, because the number sits near the outer edge on odd pages.
• “3 of 10” is helpful for forms and letters, because the reader knows if a page is missing.
• Plain numbers look the cleanest for books, reports and long documents.
• Your own text is useful for things such as “Page {n}” in another language.

The tool also supports Hindi (Devanagari), Malayalam and Arabic-Indic digits, in case you want numbers in those styles. Those digits are drawn by your browser with an open font that downloads only when you use them, and they cannot be selected as text.

When to use a different start number

Sometimes the first page is a cover or a title page, and you want the first real page to be number 1. Tick the option to skip the first page. If you need the next page to be number 1 and not number 2, set the starting number to 0, so the second page shows 1.

If your document is part of a bigger one, such as chapter 2 starting on page 25, set the starting number to 25.

Things to know about the result

The numbers are drawn onto each page. They are not a separate layer, so you cannot move them afterwards. If you want to change them, go back to your original file and add them again.

If your PDF already has page numbers printed on it, adding more will put a second set on. Check the pages first.

Pages that are rotated or have unusual sizes are handled, and the number is placed correctly for the way the page is shown.

Common problems

The numbers overlap my text. The bottom of the page may already have a footer. Choose another position, such as the top right.

I numbered the file before merging. Page numbers are part of each page, so they do not update after a merge. Merge first, then number.

The first page is numbered and should not be. Add the numbers again from your original file with the skip option ticked.

The numbers are too small or too large. Check the style options on the page. Size can be changed there.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?

Yes. Set any starting number. This helps when your PDF continues a longer document.

Can I skip the first page?

Yes. Tick the option to leave the first page without a number, so a cover page stays clean.

Is my PDF uploaded?

No. The numbers are added inside your browser, on your device.

Will it change my pages?

Only by adding the number. The rest of every page stays the same.

Can I use my own wording?

Yes. You can choose your own text with the number inside it, such as “Page 3 of 10”, or a line in another language.