How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF

Page numbers make a long document easy to navigate, cite and discuss. In a meeting, saying 'see page 14' only works if everyone's copy shows the same number, and a printed document that is dropped or shuffled is much easier to put back in order when every page is numbered.

Add Page Numbers runs in your browser, so the document is not uploaded.

1. Open Add Page Numbers and select your PDF. Enter the password if it is protected.
2. Choose a position, such as bottom center, and a format such as Page 1 of N.
3. Set the starting number, how many pages to skip and, if needed, which pages to number.
4. Check the preview of the first two pages.
5. Select Add page numbers and download the numbered PDF.

Set 'Skip the first pages' to 1. The cover stays clean and the next page shows the starting number, so with the default start of 1 the second page of the file reads 1. If the cover and a contents page should both stay blank, skip 2 pages.

The right choice depends on how the document will be read.

• Reports and contracts: bottom center with Page 1 of N, so a missing page is obvious.
• Double-sided printing: bottom right or top right with mirroring on, so the numbers sit on the outer edge of both sides of the sheet.
• Bound or hole-punched documents: a large margin keeps numbers clear of the binding.
• Appendices: a custom format such as A-{n} labels every page with its section.

Numbers are drawn into the page, so they do not move when pages are reordered. Merge your files, rearrange them with Rearrange PDF and remove unwanted pages first, then add the numbers as the last step. Keep an un-numbered copy in case the page order changes.