PDF tool

Add page numbers to a PDF — professional numbering in seconds

Upload a PDF, choose where the page numbers should appear, and download a new numbered PDF. All processing runs locally in your browser for privacy and speed (no file uploads).

Add Page Numbers to PDF

Use {n} where the number should appear (example: Page {n}).

How it works

This tool uses pdf-lib to write a small text label on each page. You control which PDF page starts receiving numbers, the first number value, and the placement. The result is a new PDF downloaded to your device.

  • Start on PDF page lets you skip cover pages or title pages.
  • Format supports {n} as a placeholder for the page number.
  • All changes are applied locally in your browser. No upload required.

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Tips & Troubleshooting

Page numbering helps when submitting multi-part documents, printing packets, or referencing specific pages during review.

Best practices

  • Decide whether the cover counts as page 1, and keep that rule consistent across the document.
  • Use a subtle position (bottom-right or bottom-center) so numbers don’t overlap headers or stamps.
  • For academic or legal packets, keep the font small but readable and avoid bright colors.
  • After adding numbers, spot-check a few pages to confirm consistent placement and no overlap with content.

If something goes wrong

  • If numbers overlap text, switch position or re-run with a smaller font size.
  • If the PDF is rotated on some pages, rotate first, then apply page numbers.
  • If your portal rejects the output, compress with the Balanced profile on the PDF Tools hub and retry.

Privacy note

Numbering is rendered locally inside the browser and saved as a new PDF on your device—no upload required.

Useful next steps

  • Rotate PDF — Fix orientation before numbering for consistent placement.
  • PDF Tools hub — Compress the numbered output for stricter upload limits.
  • Submission checklist — A simple QA pass before sending or uploading.

FAQ

Yes. Set “Start on PDF page” to 2 (or higher).

Yes. Set the format to Page {n}.

No. It creates a new numbered PDF for download. Your original file is unchanged.

Yes. The tool writes numbers as text on top of each page, even if the PDF is scanned.

No. Processing happens locally in your browser. Nothing is uploaded from this page.