About PDF Page Numbers
Numbering a PDF after the fact is tedious because page numbers are presentation rather than content: they have to sit in the same spot on every page and stay clear of whatever margins the document already uses. Many PDF editors only offer page numbers as part of a template, and printing the file to write numbers by hand is not an option for something that gets emailed.
This tool draws a number on each page with pdf-lib, in the exact corner or edge you choose. Set a starting value so a section can continue an earlier count, then pick a format such as 1, 1 / N or Page 1 of N and adjust the font size to fit the margins. The original text and images are untouched, so the document stays searchable.
What this tool does
Six placements
Put numbers in the bottom or top left, center or right corner of every page.
Starting value
Begin at 1 or at any other number, which is useful when a document continues an earlier chapter or bundle.
Three number formats
Show the page number on its own, as 1 / 25, or as Page 1 of 25 so readers know how long the document is.
Readable font size
Adjust the number from 8 to 24 points so it is legible without crowding the page content.
Consistent on every page
The same position and style is applied to all pages, including mixed portrait and landscape pages, with the page rotation respected.
Local and private
Numbering happens inside the browser with pdf-lib; the file is never uploaded and the original is left alone.
How to use PDF Page Numbers
- 01
Add the PDF
Drop the document into the workspace. Its page count is read locally so you know how many pages will be numbered.
- 02
Choose a position
Pick one of the six spots: bottom or top, and left, center or right.
- 03
Set the starting number
Leave it at 1, or enter the number that should appear on the first page.
- 04
Pick a format and size
Choose a plain number, a 1 / N counter or Page 1 of N, then adjust the font size.
- 05
Add the numbers
Click Add page numbers. Every page is stamped in the browser and the progress bar tracks the pages.
- 06
Download the copy
Check the preview of page one and download the numbered PDF; the source file stays as it was.
Supported formats and limits
- Input
- Output
- Processing
- Client-side, in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
- Maximum size
- Up to 100 MB
- Requirements
- Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari
Limitations worth knowing
- Numbers are drawn on every page in one style; per-page variations and skipping the first page require splitting the file first.
- The stamped numbers are not PDF page labels or bookmarks, so in-reader navigation still follows the original page index.
- Very long documents are limited by browser memory and the 100 MB file size limit, and take a few seconds to process.
Privacy and file handling
The PDF is opened, numbered and saved entirely inside your browser tab with pdf-lib. The file is never uploaded, no copy is stored on a server, and the original document is not modified. Closing the tab discards everything.
Read the full privacy policy