Add Page Numbers to PDF
Number the pages of any PDF in a few clicks. Pick one of six positions and a format such as Page 1 of N, skip the cover, start from any number and download the numbered file. Nothing is uploaded.
How to use the Add Page Numbers to PDF
- Choose your PDF by dropping it on the box or clicking to browse.
- Pick a position with the six arrow buttons and set the margin from the edge.
- Select a format, font, size and color. The preview updates as you change them.
- Set which pages get numbers: tick Skip the first page for a cover, or enter a page range and the first number to print.
- Press Add numbers & download PDF to save the file as name-numbered.pdf.
Page number formats compared
| Format | Example on page 3 of 12 | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | Books, reports, minimal layouts |
| Page 1 | Page 3 | Forms and handouts |
| Page 1 of N | Page 3 of 12 | Contracts, invoices and anything where a missing page must be obvious |
| 1 / N | 3 / 12 | Slides and compact footers |
| - 1 - | - 3 - | Traditional manuscripts and letters |
| Roman | iii or III | Prefaces, tables of contents and appendices |
Choosing a position and margin
PDF sizes are measured in points: 72 points make one inch (25.4 mm). A US Letter page is 612 × 792 points and A4 is about 595 × 842 points. The default margin of 30 points places the number roughly 10.6 mm from the edge, which keeps it inside the printable area of most office printers, which usually cannot print the outer 4 to 6 mm.
- Bottom center is the most common choice for reports and essays.
- Bottom right or top right is easy to find when flipping through single-sided printouts.
- Double-sided books traditionally put numbers on the outer corners. Number odd pages bottom right and even pages bottom left by running the tool twice with page ranges, or use bottom center for simplicity.
- Academic style guides such as APA put the number in the top right corner; MLA puts it top right next to the author's surname.
Numbering examples
| Goal | Settings | Result for a 10-page file |
|---|---|---|
| Number everything | From page 1, first number 1 | 1 to 10 |
| Hide the number on the cover | Skip first page, first number 2, Page 1 of N | Page 2 of 10 to Page 10 of 10 |
| Start after a cover and contents page | From page 3, first number 1 | 1 to 8 on pages 3 to 10 |
| Second volume of a long document | First number 101, Total N 250 | 101 / 250 to 110 / 250 |
Numbers are written as real PDF text in a standard font, so they stay sharp at any zoom level, print cleanly and can be selected and searched.
Roman numerals quick reference
Front matter such as a preface, foreword or table of contents is traditionally numbered with lowercase Roman numerals, and the main text restarts at 1. Roman numerals combine I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500 and M = 1000, and a smaller value placed before a larger one is subtracted.
| Number | Roman | Number | Roman |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–5 | i, ii, iii, iv, v | 14 | xiv |
| 6–10 | vi, vii, viii, ix, x | 40 | xl |
| 11–13 | xi, xii, xiii | 90 | xc |
Frequently asked questions
How do I add page numbers but skip the cover page?
Tick Skip the first page (cover). Numbering then starts on page 2. Leave First number at 1 if the page after the cover should read 1, or set it to 2 if the cover should still be counted.
How does Page 1 of N work?
N is the last number that will be printed, so it adjusts automatically when you skip pages or change the first number. If you need a different total, for example when a document is split into several files, type it into the Total N box.
Will the page numbers cover my content?
Numbers are drawn on top of the existing page at the margin you choose, 30 points (about 10.6 mm) from the edge by default. If your document has a footer in the same spot, pick another position or increase the margin. Check the preview first.
Can I use Roman numerals for front matter?
Yes. Number the front matter pages with the Roman format and a page range, download the file, then open the result again and number the main pages with Arabic numerals starting from 1.
Do the numbers work on landscape and rotated pages?
Yes. The tool reads each page's size and rotation, so numbers appear upright at the chosen edge exactly as the page is displayed, including on mixed portrait and landscape documents.
Can I number a password-protected PDF?
PDFs that are encrypted cannot be changed here. Remove the protection in an app where you know the password, then add page numbers to the unlocked copy.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The PDF is opened and edited entirely in your browser with the pdf-lib library, so the document never leaves your device.