How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF (Free, Online)
Long PDFs are hard to work with when pages are not numbered. A report, thesis, contract or bundle of documents is far easier to read, print and discuss when everyone can say "see page 14". If your PDF has no page numbers, you can add them in a minute.
How to add page numbers
- Open the Add page numbers tool and add your PDF.
- Choose the position: bottom centre, bottom left, bottom right, top centre, top left or top right.
- Choose the number format: 1, 2, 3 (Arabic), i, ii, iii (lowercase Roman) or I, II, III (uppercase Roman).
- Set the start number if the numbering should not begin at 1.
- Choose the distance from the edge: small, normal or large.
- Press the Add page numbers button and download your numbered PDF.
Which position is best?
| Position | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Bottom centre | Reports, essays, most documents (the default) |
| Bottom right | Books, contracts, formal documents |
| Top right | Letters and legal documents |
| Top or bottom left | When the right side is used by other content |
If your page already has text or a footer near the bottom, move the numbers to the top or increase the distance from the edge.
Arabic or Roman numerals?
- 1, 2, 3 is right for almost every document.
- Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) are traditionally used for the front matter of a book or thesis, such as the table of contents and preface, before the main text starts at page 1.
Starting from a number other than 1
Sometimes your PDF is one part of a bigger document. If this section should begin at page 15, set the start number to 15 and the numbering will continue from there. You can also use it to number a second file so that it continues from where the first one ended.
Numbering only part of a document
The tool numbers the whole file. To number only some pages, extract those pages into a separate PDF, add the numbers, and merge the files back together in the right order.
Tips
- Do any page deletion and reordering first with Remove pages or Organize PDF, so the numbers match the final order.
- Check a few pages after numbering, especially pages with content near the edge.
- Use Compress PDF afterwards if the file needs to be smaller.
Is my file safe?
Your file is encrypted in transit and at rest and deleted automatically, by default within 2 hours. See the privacy page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?
Yes. Set the start number to any value, which is handy when your PDF continues from another document.
Can I use Roman numerals?
Yes. Choose lowercase (i, ii, iii) or uppercase (I, II, III) Roman numerals instead of 1, 2, 3.
Where can the numbers go?
You can place them at the bottom or top of the page, on the left, in the centre or on the right: six positions in total.
Will it cover my existing text?
Numbers are placed in the margin at a distance you choose. If your page has content near the edge, pick a different position or a larger distance.