How to number PDF pages
- Upload your PDF.
- Choose a position (bottom centre is the most common) and a format such as
1,Page 1,Page 1 of 10or1 / 10. - Set the starting number, font size and distance from the page edge. To skip a cover, enter the pages to number, such as
2-. - Click Add page numbers and download.
Flexible numbering options
The starting number lets you continue numbering from another document, for example starting at 25 for the second part of a report. When you number only some pages, the count and the “of N” total are based on the pages you selected, so a document with a cover and a numbered body reads naturally. Numbers are drawn in a neutral dark grey Helvetica font that suits most documents.
Pages that are displayed rotated, such as landscape pages in a portrait document, are handled correctly: the number appears at the bottom of the page as you see it, reading the right way up. All processing happens locally with pdf-lib.
Where page numbers help
- Theses, dissertations and reports that require numbered pages.
- Legal bundles and contracts where pages are referenced in discussion.
- Manuals, handbooks and printed booklets.
- Merged documents that need continuous numbering after combining.
PDF page numbering FAQ
How do I skip the first page?
Enter 2- in “Number these pages”. Set the start number to 1 if the second page should show “1”, or 2 if it should show “2”.
Can I use Roman numerals?
Not at the moment. The tool adds standard Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3).
Will numbers overlap my existing footer?
Increase the margin or choose a top or side position to keep numbers clear of existing content.