A long document without page numbers is hard to read, print and discuss. “See page 7” only works if page 7 is marked. Adding numbers to a finished PDF takes a minute.
Formats you can use
- 1 for a clean plain number.
- Page 1 when you want the word included.
- Page 1 of 10 so readers know how long the document is.
You can place the number at the top or bottom, and on the left, centre or right.
Steps
- Open the Add Page Numbers tool.
- Add your PDF.
- Choose the position and format.
- Set the start number and which pages get a number.
- Press Add page numbers and download the result.
The work happens in your browser, so your file is not uploaded.
Skipping the cover page
Most reports and applications should not show a number on the cover. Set the start number to 0 so the cover counts as page 0, and the next page shows 1. You can also choose which pages get a number, so the cover stays clean.
Which position works best
- Bottom centre is the most common choice for reports and letters.
- Bottom right suits documents that will be printed double-sided, because the number sits at the outer edge.
- Top right is used in some legal and academic formats.
Check whether your school, office or exam body asks for a specific style. If it does, follow its notice.
Before you number
Page numbers should be the last step, after the document is in its final shape.
- Delete or reorder pages with Reorder and Delete PDF Pages.
- Merge any separate files with Merge PDF.
- Fix sideways pages with Rotate PDF.
- Then add the numbers.
If you add numbers first and then change the pages, the numbers will be out of sequence and you will need to start again.
Check the result
Scroll through the whole file. Make sure numbers do not overlap text or a footer that is already there. If they do, try another position.
Keep the original
Save the numbered file under a new name, such as report-numbered.pdf. That way you still have the clean version if you need to change something.
Other finishing touches
You might also want to add a text mark such as DRAFT with the Watermark PDF tool or sign the final copy with Sign PDF.