Add page numbers to a PDF

How to add page numbers to PDF

1. Open your PDF.
2. Choose a format ("1", "Page 1" or "Page 1 of 10") and a position, such as bottom centre.
3. Set the starting number, text size, and whether to skip the first page.
4. Download the numbered PDF.

Which format to choose

• "1" is the cleanest and suits reports, essays and booklets.
• "Page 1" is clearer when the document will be printed and handled, such as forms.
• "Page 1 of 10" tells the reader straight away if a page is missing. It is a good choice for contracts, statements of case, tenancy packs and anything printed and posted, where a lost sheet matters.

Bottom centre and bottom right are the usual positions. Top right can work better if the bottom of your pages already has footers, signatures or small print.

Skipping the cover and starting at another number

Turn on skip first page if your document has a cover or title page. The cover then carries no number, which is the normal look for reports and dissertations.

Start at changes the first number used. This helps when one document continues another. If you are sending a 24-page main document and a separate appendix, number the appendix from 25 so references like "see page 27" still work across both.

If you are numbering a bundle made from several files, merge them first, then number the merged PDF so the count runs straight through.

A check before you number

Numbers are stamped onto the pages, so do your other edits first. Delete blank pages, fix the order and rotate sideways pages, then add numbers last. Otherwise a page removed afterwards leaves a gap in the sequence. The numbering is done in your browser, so the document is not uploaded at any stage.

Questions people ask