How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF
Updated October 9, 2026
Reports, theses, contracts and manuals are much easier to use when every page has a number. It makes printing, discussion and referencing simple: "see page 14". Here is how to add page numbers to an existing PDF.
Add page numbers in 4 steps
- Open the Add Page Numbers tool and choose your PDF.
- Choose the format: a plain number, "Page 1", "1 / 10" or "Page 1 of 10".
- Choose the position: bottom center, bottom right, bottom left, or one of the top positions. Set the font size if you want it larger or smaller.
- Press Add numbers, check the preview and download the file.
Useful options
- Start numbering at lets you begin at any number, for example 5 if your document continues from a previous part.
- Skip the first page keeps a cover page without a number, and numbering starts from the second page.
Tips
- Merge all your files into one PDF first, then add the numbers once. Otherwise each part starts again at 1.
- Choose bottom center for reports and bottom right for letters and double-sided printing.
- If your document has an index or table of contents, add the numbers last, after all pages are final.
Frequently asked questions
Can I number only some pages? The page number tool numbers the whole document. To mark selected pages only, use the Add Text to PDF tool, where you can choose which pages to change.
Will it change my existing content? No. The number is added on top of the page, and the rest stays the same.
Do the numbers support other languages? The numbers use standard digits and work with any document.