Add Page Numbers to PDF
Insert page numbers anywhere on your PDF with a live preview, and save them into the file — entirely in your browser. Your files are never uploaded.
No Upload, Ever
Page numbers are added locally in your browser — files never touch a server.
Place Anywhere
Pick any of six header or footer positions for your numbers.
Multiple Formats
Plain numbers, "Page 1", or "1 of 12" — your choice.
Live Preview
See exactly where the number lands before you download.
Add page numbers in one sentence. Drop a PDF into the tool above, pick a position and format, watch the live preview, then download a PDF with the page numbers baked in. Everything runs in your browser — files never leave your device. Free, no sign-up, files up to 100 MB.
What does adding page numbers to a PDF mean?
Adding page numbers stamps a sequential number onto each page of a PDF, usually in a header or footer. Unlike numbering in a word processor before you export, this works on a finished PDF — including scanned documents and files you didn't create. The number becomes part of the page itself.
It matters because page numbers make a document navigable: readers can cite "see page 12", reviewers can reference sections, and printed stacks stay in order. This tool lets you control the position, format, starting value, and style, and writes the result permanently into a new PDF.
Why "no upload" actually matters
Almost every other online page-numbering tool uploads your file to a server, stamps it in the cloud, and promises to delete it later. For a newsletter that's fine. For a contract, a legal brief, or a financial report, you're handing private data to someone else's server.
This tool works differently. The numbering happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript, so your PDF stays on your device from start to finish. Nothing is uploaded, nothing is stored, and the file is released from memory the moment you close the tab. It even keeps working offline once the page has loaded.
How to add page numbers to a PDF in 4 steps
- 1
Upload your PDF
Drag the file onto the box above or click to browse. The tool accepts a single PDF up to 100 MB, and nothing is uploaded — the file is read locally.
- 2
Choose position and format
Pick one of six header or footer spots, then a format: a plain number, "Page 1", or "1 of 12". Set the starting number and tweak font, size, and color.
- 3
Check the live preview
The first page preview shows exactly where the number will sit. Adjust until it looks right — skip the cover page with one checkbox if needed.
- 4
Download the numbered PDF
Click Add page numbers & download. The numbers are written into a new file — your original stays untouched on your device.
Page number formats and when to use them
The tool offers four formats. Here's what each looks like and the documents it suits best.
| Format | Example | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Just the number | 1 | Clean, minimal look for books and reports. |
| Page + number | Page 1 | Clearer labelling for handouts and contracts. |
| Number of total | 1 of 12 | Lets readers see how much is left. |
| Page + number of total | Page 1 of 12 | Most explicit — formal and legal documents. |
When in doubt, a plain number bottom-center reads as the most neutral and professional. Use "of total" formats when readers benefit from knowing the document length.
Common page-numbering scenarios cheat sheet
Six situations cover most numbering jobs. The table below shows the settings that fit each.
| Scenario | Settings | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Number a plain report | Bottom-center · "1" · start 1 | Clean, centered footer numbers. |
| Contract with an unnumbered cover | Bottom-right · "Page 1" · skip first page | Cover stays blank, body numbered from page 2. |
| Book-style "x of y" | Bottom-center · "1 of 12" | Readers see their progress on every page. |
| Numbers need to stand out | Top-right · larger size · brand color | Bold, visible header numbers. |
| Continue numbering from a later value | Start number 5 | The first numbered page shows 5. |
| Match an existing print template | Pick the font, size, and color | Numbers match your house style. |
If your case isn't listed, bottom-center with a plain number is the safe default that suits almost any document.
Common page-number problems and how to fix them
The number overlaps existing text or a footer
Your PDF already has content where the number lands. Switch to a different position — if the footer is busy, move numbers to the top, or pick a corner instead of the center.
The cover page got a number too
Tick "Skip the first page (cover)" so numbering starts on page 2. Set the start number to 1 if you want the first numbered page to still read 1.
I need numbering to start at a specific value
Use the Start number field. For example, if this file continues from a previous one that ended at page 20, set the start number to 21 so the sequence is unbroken.
The number is too small or hard to read
Increase the font size and pick a darker color. On pages with dark backgrounds, choose a light color so the number stays legible against the page.
5 pro tips for numbering PDFs
Bottom-center is the safe default
It's the most neutral, professional placement and rarely collides with existing content.
Skip the cover
Most formal documents leave the title page unnumbered. One checkbox handles it.
Use the live preview
Glance at the preview before downloading to be sure the number doesn't overlap a logo or footer.
"of total" for long reads
For documents over ten pages, the "1 of 12" format helps readers gauge how much is left.
Your original is safe
The tool writes a new numbered copy and never changes your source file, so experiment freely.
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Frequently asked questions
Common questions about adding page numbers to PDF
Is this page numbering tool free?
Yes — it's free with no account and no sign-up. There's no watermark, no daily cap, and no per-file limit beyond the 100 MB upload size.
Do you upload my PDF to a server?
No — this tool never uploads anything. The numbering runs entirely in your browser, so the PDF stays on your device and is released from memory when you close the tab.
Can I leave the cover page unnumbered?
Yes — tick "Skip the first page (cover)". Numbering then starts on page 2, which is the convention for most formal documents.
Can I start numbering from a value other than 1?
Yes — set any starting number you like. This is handy when a document continues a sequence from another file, so the page numbers stay unbroken.
Where can the page numbers be placed?
In any of six spots — top or bottom, left, center, or right. A live preview shows exactly where the number will sit before you download.
Will the numbers cover up my content?
Only if you place them over existing text. Numbers sit in the page margin. If a position collides with a footer or logo, switch to another spot using the preview as a guide.
Are the page numbers saved permanently?
Yes — they're written into the downloaded PDF. The numbers become part of each page and appear in every viewer, on every device.
Can I choose the font and color?
Yes — pick the font, size, and color. Three standard fonts are available, plus any color, so the numbers can match your document's style.
Related PDF tools
If you came here to number a PDF, you'll probably need one of these next:
- Reorder and organize PDF pages — get the page order right before numbering.
- Merge several PDFs into one — combine files first, then number the whole thing.
- Rotate PDF pages — fix sideways pages before adding numbers.
- Convert PDF pages to JPG — turn the numbered pages into images.
- How our tools work — privacy and architecture overview.
Ready to Add Page Numbers?
Number your PDF with a live preview and save it for good. It's free, fast, and your files never leave your device.
Add Page Numbers