This tool stamps page numbers onto every page of a PDF, with control over position (any of nine spots on the page), format, plain "1", "1 of 10", "Page 1", "- 1 -", or a fully custom pattern using {n} and {total}, plus a custom start number, which page counts as "page 1", and specific pages to skip (a cover page, for instance).
You get a live preview showing the number rendered on an actual page before you commit, so you can check the font size, colour, and position look right at a glance rather than exporting blind and re-doing it. The numbering is added directly into the PDF's real content with pdf-lib, running entirely in your browser, there's no upload step and no limit on document length.
This is a common finishing step for anything that's going to be printed or referenced by page, a thesis, a contract, a report, and doing it by hand in a PDF editor is fiddly, especially if you need to skip a cover page or start counting from something other than 1. This tool handles those specific cases directly rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all numbering scheme.
It's particularly useful for academic or legal documents where a specific citation or clause needs to be referenced by exact page number, and for any long report where readers will naturally ask "what page is that on" during a discussion. Because a cover page or table of contents can be excluded from the count entirely, the numbering that appears matches how people actually refer to the document, rather than being off by however many front pages exist before the content starts.
The nine-position grid also means numbers can sit wherever fits the document's existing layout best, rather than being forced into a single fixed corner regardless of what else is already printed there.
How to Add Page Numbers
- Upload your PDF.
- Choose a position on the page (one of nine grid spots) and a number format.
- Set a start number and pick any pages to skip, like a cover page.
- Check the live preview, then add the numbers and download.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start numbering from something other than 1?
Yes, set any start number, and pick which page in the document that number should apply to first.
Can I skip a cover page or table of contents?
Yes, use the page picker to exclude specific pages from being numbered.
What number formats are available?
Plain numbers, "1 of 10", "Page 1", "- 1 -", or a fully custom pattern using {n} for the number and {total} for the page count.
Can I preview where the numbers will appear before exporting?
Yes, a live preview shows the number rendered on an actual page, so you can adjust position and style before committing.
Is my document uploaded to add page numbers?
No, the whole process runs in your browser, your PDF is never sent to a server.
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