Skip to main content
FreeToolsHub

Add Page Numbers to PDF

Number the pages of a report, contract or scanned bundle. Choose where the numbers go and how they look, and download a new PDF. Your original is untouched.

  • Free to use
  • No sign-up
  • Runs in your browser

Good to know

Your PDF is processed inside your browser and is never uploaded. Very large files depend on your device's memory, so use a computer for PDFs of hundreds of pages.

How to use the Add Page Numbers to PDF

  1. Step 1: Drop a PDF onto the upload box, or tap it to choose a file.

  2. Step 2: Choose the position (for example bottom centre) and the format (1, Page 1, Page 1 of 10 or 1 / 10).

  3. Step 3: Set the first number, text size, colour and distance from the edge. Optionally enter which pages to number.

  4. Step 4: Press Add page numbers, then Download PDF.

Features and benefits

  • Six positions

    Top or bottom, left, centre or right.

  • Four formats

    Plain numbers, Page 3, Page 3 of 10 or 3 / 10.

  • Custom start

    Begin at any number, useful when a cover page should not count.

  • Choose the pages

    Number every page or only a range.

  • Rotation-aware

    Numbers sit upright even on pages that are stored rotated.

How numbering works

Each number is drawn as text on top of the page in a standard font, at the position and distance from the edge you choose. The page content underneath is not changed. If you numbered only a range, other pages stay as they are. Numbers can start from any value, so a PDF whose first page is a cover can start counting from 0 or from the next page.

Choosing a good position

Bottom centre or bottom right are the usual choices for documents that will be read on screen, and bottom outer corners suit printed, double-sided pages. Keep a margin of at least 20 points so the number does not collide with existing footers, and pick a dark colour with enough contrast against the page.

Example use cases

  • Reports and theses

    Add page numbers to a document that was exported without them.

  • Legal bundles

    Number a combined set of exhibits so references are clear.

  • Printed packs

    Make long printouts easy to keep in order.

  • Scanned documents

    Number scans so they can be cited page by page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?

Yes. Set the first number to any whole number, for example 0 if your cover page should not be counted.

Can I number only some pages?

Yes. Enter a range such as 3-10 in the pages box and only those pages are numbered.

Will the numbers clash with my footer?

They may if the page already has a footer in that spot. Change the position or increase the distance from the edge.

Are my files uploaded?

No. The numbers are added in your browser.

Last updated 9 November 2026.