Skip to main content

Add page numbers to a PDF

Add a number at the bottom of every page of a PDF, alone or as “Page 3/12”, with the size, alignment and margin you choose. Processed locally in your browser.

  • Export
Automate

Embed this widget

Customize the result, check the live preview, then copy the code.

Preview

Embed code type

Code to copy

Responsive and automatically resized by Bethemesh.

PDF document

No PDF loaded

Drop a PDF here

Use the footer controls to place page numbers on every page of the PDF.

Need more editing options?

Use multiple editing tools in one workspace, with your open file and its current edits.

Open the full editor

Was this tool useful?

How does this tool work?

Adding page numbers to a PDF puts each page’s number at the bottom, on its own or together with the total page count. It is essential for a file you print, a thesis to hand in, a merged document whose original numbering no longer makes sense, or documents people cite by page. The format is up to you, and the text is written into the pages directly from your browser.

The page-numbering button opens the footer settings, prefilled with “Page {page}/{pages}”. Replace this template with the format you want: {page} becomes the page number and {pages} the total number of pages. “{page}” alone, “Page {page}” or “– {page} –” work too.

Set the alignment (left, centre or right), the text size from 6 to 24 points (9 by default) and the margin from the bottom of the sheet, from 0 to 50 mm (10 by default). Numbering starts at 1 on the first page of the file and covers every page.

The number is written in Helvetica as real text: it stays sharp when printed and can be selected. A number already printed in the document is not erased; choose a different position so the two do not overlap.

How to use this tool

  1. Import the PDF

    The document opens in the editor with the page-numbering button.

  2. Choose the format

    Keep “Page {page}/{pages}” or write your own template, then set alignment, size and margin.

  3. Download the numbered PDF

    Every page gets its number in a new copy.

Use cases

Number a merged file

Give continuous numbering to a PDF assembled from several documents.

Hand in a thesis or report

Add the page numbering required by a school or a client.

Make discussions easier

Let everyone refer to “page 12” without ambiguity in a meeting or review.

Examples

8-page document, default format

The variables are replaced page by page. With the “{page}” template alone, page 3 would simply show “3”.

Input

Footer “Page {page}/{pages}”, centred, 9 pt, 10 mm margin

Result

Page 3: “Page 3/8” centred at the bottom; page 8: “Page 8/8”

Tips and best practices

  • If the document is already numbered, put the new numbers somewhere else (on the right, for instance) or remove the pages concerned first.
  • Add numbering after merging and reordering pages, otherwise the numbers will no longer follow the final order.
  • For text at the top of the pages as well as the number, use Add PDF headers and footers.

Frequently asked questions

Can numbering start at a number other than 1?

No, the first page of the file is always number 1. To leave out a cover page, number the document without it and then merge it in front.

Which number formats are possible?

Any text containing {page} and, if you like, {pages}: “3”, “Page 3”, “3/8”, “Page 3 of 8”…

Where is the number placed?

At the bottom of the page, left, centre or right, at the distance from the edge you choose between 0 and 50 mm.

Are existing page numbers replaced?

No. The tool adds text; it does not erase numbering already printed on the pages.

Is the number an image?

No, it is text written into the page: it stays sharp at any zoom and can be selected.

Is my document sent online?

No. The numbering is calculated and written in your browser.

Related tools

Tools similar or complementary to this one.

Works well with

Merge multiple PDF files in the order you select them to create one combined document.

PDF & documentsFeaturedUse this tool

Visually reorder PDF pages with drag and drop or keyboard controls.

PDF & documentsUse this tool
TutorialBest practicesBeginner

How to securely redact a PDF before sharing it

Learn why covering text is not enough, how secure PDF redaction removes sensitive information and why sanitization matters before sharing.

10 September 20262 min