PDF page numbers
Add Page Numbers
Add page numbers to your PDF with custom position and formatting
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- 1Add your file
- 2Choose settings
- 3Download
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Good to know
- Three formats: "1", "- 1 -" or "Page 1 of N".
- Numbers go on every page, starting with page one.
- To leave a cover page unnumbered, split it off first.
Last updated
Add Page Numbers stamps sequential page numbers onto your PDF documents in one of six positions: Bottom Center, Bottom Left, Bottom Right, Top Center, Top Left, or Top Right. You can pick between three formatting styles (simple numbers '1, 2, 3', dashed numbers '- 1 -, - 2 -', or 'Page 1 of N') and customize the starting number and font size directly in your browser.
The application uses @cantoo/pdf-lib to draw vector text overlays in dark gray (rgb(0.3, 0.3, 0.3)) at a safe 40-point margin from the page edges. Files up to 100 MB are processed entirely client-side without transmitting document bytes over the network.
How it works
1. Select your PDF
Drag and drop your file into the upload zone or click to browse. The tool validates the file locally; encrypted PDFs prompt for unlocking via /pdf/unlock.
2. Choose position and formatting
Select your placement (such as Bottom Right or Bottom Center) and style ('1, 2, 3', '- 1 -, - 2 -', or 'Page 1 of N').
3. Set starting number and font size
Specify the initial number in the Start From field (default 1) and configure font size between 4 pt and 72 pt (default 12 pt).
4. Stamp numbers and download
Click Add Page Numbers to generate vector overlays across all pages, then click Download Numbered PDF to save your file with the -numbered suffix.
When you'd use it
Numbering legal exhibits and court bundles
Place clean numbers in the bottom-right corner across merged discovery bundles so judges and attorneys can cite specific page coordinates.
Academic dissertations, theses, and essays
Standardise page numbering across capstone projects, lab reports, and manuscripts to adhere to institutional submission criteria.
Multi-part corporate reports and split documentation
When large handbooks are divided across separate volumes, set the Start From field to continue numbering directly from the preceding volume.
Verification of printed agreements and proposals
The 'Page 1 of N' format enables clients and contractors to verify physical document completeness and spot missing pages immediately.
Reference table: Positions, formats, and calculation parameters
In PageNumbersClient.tsx, page number coordinates are computed dynamically based on the page width, page height, text width, and margin offset. Below is the technical breakdown of available options:
| Configuration Key | Available Options | Coordinate Formula | Typical Output | |---|---|---|---| | Position: Bottom Right | bottom-right | x = width - tw - 40, y = Math.max(4, 40 - fs) | '1' (bottom-right) | | Position: Bottom Center | bottom-center (default) | x = (width - tw) / 2, y = Math.max(4, 40 - fs) | '1' (bottom-center) | | Position: Bottom Left | bottom-left | x = 40, y = Math.max(4, 40 - fs) | '1' (bottom-left) | | Position: Top Right | top-right | x = width - tw - 40, y = height - 40 | 'Page 1 of 10' (top-right) | | Position: Top Center | top-center | x = (width - tw) / 2, y = height - 40 | '- 1 -' (top-center) | | Position: Top Left | top-left | x = 40, y = height - 40 | '1' (top-left) | | Format: Number | number | text = `${num}` | '1, 2, 3...' | | Format: Dash | dash | text = `- ${num} -` | '- 1 -, - 2 -...' | | Format: Page of N | page-of | text = `Page ${num} of ${total}` | 'Page 1 of 25' | | Font Size Range | 4 pt to 72 pt (default 12) | Clamped via Math.min(72, Math.max(4, fs)) | Clean readable vector | | Margin Offset | Fixed 40 pt (0.55 in) | Inset from paper edge | Printable boundary |
How to leave a cover page unnumbered
Because numbering applies sequentially across every page in the uploaded container, there is no direct checkbox to skip page 1. However, you can achieve an unnumbered cover sheet in three quick steps without losing vector quality:
1. Open Split PDF to separate page 1 (the cover) from the remaining pages (pages 2 through end).
2. Upload the remaining pages into Add Page Numbers, setting the Start From field to 2 (or 1, if you want page 2 labeled as page 1).
3. Open Merge PDF to join the unnumbered cover page with the newly numbered body pages.
Page Numbers vs Header and Footer
Use Add Page Numbers when you need focused, standalone pagination with quick preset formats ('- 1 -' or 'Page 1 of N') and custom start indexes.
If your document requires simultaneous text labels, confidentiality stamps, department titles, or automatic current-date watermarks alongside page counters, use Add Header and Footer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add page numbers to a PDF bottom right?
Upload your document to TryDocsy Page Numbers, select 'Bottom Right' from the Position dropdown, choose your preferred number format, and click Add Page Numbers. The tool draws the numbers in the bottom-right margin across every page.
How do I add 'Page X of Y' numbers to a PDF for free?
Select your PDF file, choose 'Page 1 of N' from the Format dropdown, and click Add Page Numbers. TryDocsy automatically counts the total pages and stamps 'Page 1 of N', 'Page 2 of N', and so on, without requiring an Adobe Acrobat subscription.
Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?
Yes. Enter your desired initial number into the Start From field. For example, if you enter 5, the first page is numbered 5, the second is numbered 6, and so forth.
Does adding page numbers alter existing text on the page?
No. Page numbers are drawn as an independent vector text layer on top of each page at a 40-point margin. Existing paragraphs, images, and tables are never moved, resized, or modified.
Can I skip numbering on a cover page?
To exclude the cover page, split page 1 off using /pdf/split, number the remaining pages starting at 2 (or 1), and re-combine them with /pdf/merge.
Is there a limit on the PDF file size?
The tool accepts PDF documents up to 100 MB. Processing executes locally on your device without server upload delays.