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Add Page Numbers to PDF

Stamp clean page numbers onto any PDF. Choose where they sit, how they read, the starting number, size and color — all in your browser, with nothing uploaded to a server.

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Everything runs in your browser — your PDF is never uploaded to any server, and the original file on your device is left untouched.

Understanding the Add Page Numbers to PDF

Add Page Numbers to PDF stamps clean, customizable page numbers onto any PDF document right in your browser. Upload a single PDF, choose one of six positions (any corner or top/bottom center), a number format, a custom starting number, font size and text color, then download a fresh numbered copy. It's ideal for students paginating reports, professionals preparing contracts or proposals, and anyone assembling printed handouts that need consistent numbering. Because all processing happens locally with a JavaScript PDF library, your file is never uploaded to a server and your original document is left completely untouched — only a new numbered.pdf is created.

How it works

When you click Add page numbers, the tool dynamically loads the pdf-lib library and reads your file's bytes in memory. It embeds the standard Helvetica font and walks through every page. For each page it builds a label from your chosen format using number = start + index and a total derived from your start number plus the page count. It measures the label width with the font at your chosen size, then positions it 24 points from the page edges: centered positions subtract half the text width from the page midpoint, right positions subtract the width and margin from the page width, and top positions sit below the upper edge. The text is drawn in your selected RGB color and the rebuilt PDF is saved and downloaded.

number = startNumber + pageIndex (0-based) • total N = startNumber + pageCount − 1 • center x = width/2 − textWidth/2 • right x = width − 24 − textWidth • left x = 24 • bottom y = 24, top y = height − 24 − fontSize

Worked example

Suppose you upload a 10-page report, choose the "Page 1 of N" format, set the start number to 1, position bottom center, 12 pt, dark gray (#444444). The first page reads "Page 1 of 10" centered near the bottom, the second "Page 2 of 10", and so on through "Page 10 of 10". If instead you set the start number to 5, page one shows "Page 5 of 14" and numbering continues to "Page 14 of 14" — handy when continuing from an earlier document.

Tips & common mistakes

  • Use the "1 / N" or "Page 1 of N" formats so readers can tell at a glance how many pages remain.
  • Pick a position that won't collide with existing footers or headers — bottom center is safest for most reports.
  • Keep font size between 9 and 12 pt; very large numbers can overlap page content near the margins.
  • Set a custom start number to continue pagination across multiple documents (e.g. start at 21 if the previous file ended at 20).
  • If your PDF is password-protected or encrypted, remove the protection first — the tool can only number unencrypted files.
  • Choose a text color with enough contrast against the page; light gray on a white background can be hard to read when printed.

Related tools

PDF MergeCombine multiple PDF files into one, reordering pages before merging.PDF SplitExtract specific pages from a PDF or split it into individual files.PDF CompressReduce PDF file size by removing metadata and overhead.JPG to PDF ConverterConvert JPG and PNG images into a single PDF, in order, in your browser.

How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF

  1. 1Upload or drag in your PDF file.
  2. 2Pick a position and format, then set the start number, font size and color.
  3. 3Click Add page numbers — your numbered.pdf downloads automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start numbering from a custom number?

Yes. Set any start number you like — for example 0 to skip a cover page conceptually, or a higher value to continue numbering from a previous document. The first page uses your start number and every page after it increments by one.

Where on the page can the numbers go?

You can place numbers in six positions: bottom center, bottom right, bottom left, top center, top right, or top left. Each sits 24 points from the page edges so it stays clear of your content.

Does this modify my original PDF?

No. The tool reads your file in the browser, builds a new numbered copy, and downloads it as numbered.pdf. Your original file stays exactly as it was, and nothing is ever uploaded to a server.