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Add page numbers to a PDF

Choose where the numbers go, which pages get them and what number to start from, then download the numbered PDF.

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Runs in your browser — files never leave your device. Free, no account.

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What it does

Add page numbers, explained

To add page numbers to a PDF, pick a position (for example bottom center), a format such as “{n}” or “Page {n} of {total}”, the pages to number and the starting number, then apply. PDFBetter does this in your browser, so the file never leaves your device and no account is needed.

Read more

Most real documents need numbering to skip something. Set the page range to “3-” to leave a cover and table of contents unnumbered, and the start number to 1 so the first numbered page reads 1 rather than 3. {total} counts only the numbered pages, so “Page 1 of 36” is correct even when two front pages are skipped.

The format is free text around the tokens, so “Exhibit B – {n}” or “{n} / {total}” both work. Position, font size, color and distance from the page edge are adjustable, and the preview shows the result on real pages before you download.

Numbers are stamped into the page content, so they print and appear in every reader. If you are still reordering or deleting pages, number last — or add numbering inside the editor, where numbers are applied to the final page order on download.

How to do it

Add page numbers to a PDF in 4 steps

  1. 1Your PDF

  2. 2Set the mark

  3. 3On every page

  1. 1

    Add your PDF

    Drop the file. It is read in your browser; nothing is uploaded.

  2. 2

    Choose the format and position

    Pick one of six positions and type a format using {n} for the number and {total} for the count.

  3. 3

    Set pages and start number

    Use a range like 2- or 3-20 to skip covers or appendices, and choose the number the first numbered page should show.

  4. 4

    Preview and download

    Check the preview thumbnails, then download the numbered PDF.

Example

Before and after

Before

A 38-page grant report with a cover page and a one-page table of contents, no page numbers anywhere.

After

Pages 3–38 numbered “Page 1 of 36” through “Page 36 of 36” at bottom center in 9 pt gray; the cover and contents pages left clean.

Settings & formats

What you can control

Format
Any text with {n} (current number) and {total} (count of numbered pages), e.g. “Page {n} of {total}”.
Position
Top or bottom; left, center or right.
Pages
All, odd, even, or a range like 3- or 1-10,15-; pages outside the range get no number.
Start at
The number shown on the first numbered page.
Size, color and margin
Font size in points, text color, and distance from the page edge.

Input

PDF

Output

PDF

Good to know before you start

  • Existing page numbers are not detected or removed. If the PDF already has numbers in the chosen spot, the new ones overlap them — pick another position.
  • Only Arabic numerals are generated. Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) and zero-padded Bates-style numbers (000123) are not supported.
  • Numbers become part of the page content; to change them later, start again from the un-numbered file.
  • Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked first.
If something goes wrong
The numbers are hidden behind a footer or image.
Move them to another position or increase the margin so they sit clear of the footer artwork.
The numbering starts on the wrong page.
The page range uses the PDF's physical page order. Check which page your first numbered page really is in the thumbnails and adjust the range, e.g. 4- instead of 3-.

Add page numbers: questions people ask

How do I skip the cover page?

Set Pages to 2- and Start at to 1. The cover stays blank and the second page shows 1.

What does {total} count?

Only the pages that receive a number, so skipped cover and contents pages are not counted.

Is my file uploaded?

No. Numbering runs in your browser and the file never leaves your device.

Can I number landscape and rotated pages?

Yes. Check the preview thumbnails for those pages; if a number lands somewhere awkward, change the position or margin before downloading.

Can I use different numbering for the appendix?

Run the tool twice: first number the main section with one range, then number the appendix range with its own format such as “A-{n}”.

Do I need an account?

No. This tool is free without an account, up to 25 MB and 200 pages per file.

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