Add Page Numbers to PDF

Adding Page Numbers in Seven Steps

Choosing a file and pressing the button is enough; every setting in between starts on a sensible default.

1. 1

   1. Choose your PDF

   Bring in the PDF with a drag, or through Choose file. Once loaded, the hint under the Pages box states its length.

2. 2

   2. Say which pages get numbers

   Leave the Pages box empty to number all pages, or type a range such as 3-20 to number only part of the document.

3. 3

   3. Pick a position

   Tap one of the nine squares: top, middle or bottom, each on the left, centre or right. For a book printed on both sides, switch on "Facing pages" so even pages use the mirror spot and numbers stay on the outer edge.

4. 4

   4. Choose the format and start

   Select how each number looks and what the first one should be.

   11 of 10Page 1Page 1 of 10- 1 -i, ii, iiia, b, c

   Extra choices:

   • "Your own text" takes any words, with {n} for the number and {total} for the total.
   • Start numbering at any number from 1 upward.
   • Skip the first page to leave a cover unnumbered, and choose whether it still counts.
   • For "of N" formats, choose whether N is every page or only the numbered ones.
5. 5

   5. Set the look

   Pick one of seven fonts, set Text size anywhere from 7 to 36 pt, choose a colour by swatch or by typing a code like #1d4ed8, and set the distance from the edge in millimetres.

   HelveticaHelvetica boldTimesTimes boldTimes italicCourierCourier bold

6. 6

   6. Check the preview

   The page picture shows the number where it will print, with arrows to move between pages. Below, a card gives the first and last label and how many pages will carry a number.

7. 7

   7. Press Add page numbers

   Your copy saves as the original name plus "-numbered". A short line then reports the count of labelled pages.

No .pdf file to hand? Download a sample PDF file (6.3 KB) and try it.

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Popular Uses for Page Numbering

Documents that nearly always need numbered pages.

• Theses and dissertations Skip the title page and number the rest, or use roman numerals for the front matter.
• Court and legal bundles Number every page so parties can refer to the same sheet in a hearing.
• Annual reports Add "Page 3 of 48" footers so readers always know how far they have come.
• Tender documents Number every sheet of a bid, as many tender rules demand.
• Manuals Give a handbook numbers that match its table of contents.
• Board packs Let everyone at the meeting turn to the same page at once.
• Documents for binding Make sure a print shop can put loose sheets back in sequence.
• Claim files Number supporting receipts so an assessor can list what was sent.

Page Numbers for Every Document Type

Tips for Neat Page Numbers

1. Keep the distance from the edge at about 10 mm or more if the file will be printed.

2. Use 9 to 11 pt for footers. Bigger numbers distract from the content.

3. A dark grey reads well without shouting. Pure black can look heavy on light pages.

4. For a thesis, number the front matter with i, ii, iii in one pass, then the main body with 1, 2, 3 in a second pass using a page range.

5. Merge and organise first, then number, so the sequence is right.

6. Check the corner you choose is empty on your pages. Numbers are drawn on top and do not replace an existing footer.

Further reading

• Pagination (Wikipedia) The history and conventions of numbering pages in printed and digital documents.
• Roman numerals How i, ii, iii work, and why they are used for front matter.
• Typeface Background on serif, sans-serif and monospaced faces like Times, Helvetica and Courier.
• Web colours How colour codes such as #33404d describe a colour exactly.