Add Page Numbers to PDF Online Free

Insert page numbers into any PDF free. Choose position, format (1 or 1 / N), prefix and starting number. No upload, no watermark — handy for reports and assignments.

About Page Numbers

Page Numbers writes a number onto every page of a PDF, either plain (1, 2, 3) or with the total (1 / 12). You choose one of five positions, the starting number, the font size and an optional prefix, and get a new numbered copy.

How to use Page Numbers

1. Drop in the PDF.
2. Pick a position: bottom left, bottom centre or bottom right, or top centre or top right.
3. Choose the format: just the number, or number with total, which prints as 1 / 12.
4. Set Start from if the first page should not be 1, and the font size (8 to 20 pt; 11 is the default).
5. Optionally type a prefix such as 'Page ' (include the space) or 'Annex A-'. The preview line shows exactly what will print.
6. Apply. The numbered copy is saved as filename_numbered.pdf and also kept in your workspace.

When it helps

Court and tribunal filings

Paper books and compilations are often required to be paginated continuously. Merge the documents first, then number the combined file once so the index page references stay correct. Numbering each document separately and then merging restarts the count at 1 in every part.

Project reports and dissertations

College submissions often want bottom-centre numbers. If the front matter is numbered separately, split it off, number the main body from 1, and merge the parts back.

Continuing a series

When volume two of a set of minutes or a bound register must continue from page 151, set Start from to 151 instead of renumbering everything.

Tips

• Number last. Deleting, inserting or reordering pages after numbering leaves gaps or out-of-order numbers that cannot be edited out.
• Use the prefix for exhibits and annexures: 'Exhibit P-' produces Exhibit P-1, P-2 and so on.
• If the document already has a footer, choose a top position or a bottom corner so the two do not overlap.
• Use the with-total format for documents that travel loose, such as faxed or printed bundles: 7 / 12 makes a missing page obvious, while a plain 7 does not.
• For scanned pages with dark edges, the 24-point margin may land on the shadow. A top position often reads better on scans.

Limitations

• Every page is numbered; there is no option to skip a cover or start numbering on page 3. Split, number and merge if you need that.
• Numbers are always dark grey Helvetica at 80% opacity; colour, font and bold are not adjustable, and the prefix must use Latin characters.
• Roman numerals, 'Page X of Y' wording and different numbering for different sections are not available.
• Position is calculated from the page's media box without accounting for page rotation or cropping, so on rotated or cropped pages the number can appear on a side edge or near the margin rather than where you expect.

What happens to your files

The PDF is edited by pdf-lib in your browser and never uploaded. The numbered copy is saved to the on-device workspace in IndexedDB, where files are removed after seven days, and downloaded to your device.

Choose Position: Footer Left, Center, Right or Header Center, Right

File Studio lets you place page numbers exactly where you need them. There are five spots: bottom left, bottom centre or bottom right in the footer, and top centre or top right in the header. Bottom-centre is the usual choice for reports and legal documents; top-right is common in academic papers. A one-line preview shows the text, size and position before you apply it.

Custom Format: 1 or 1 / N, Prefix and Start Number

File Studio supports two formats: plain numbers (1, 2, 3) and a with-total format that reads 1 / 12. An optional prefix such as 'Page ' or 'A-' goes in front of every number. The starting number can be any value, which helps when a document continues an earlier one. Every page is numbered, so to keep a cover page clean, split it off first, number the rest, and merge them back.

Frequently asked questions

How do I add page numbers to a PDF?

Upload your PDF, choose position (e.g. bottom center), select your format (1, 2, 3 or 1 / 10), set the starting number, and click Apply. Your numbered PDF downloads instantly.

Can I start numbering from a specific page?

You can set the 'Start from' number to any value, so the first page can read 3 or 101. Every page gets a number, though — the tool cannot skip a cover. To leave a cover unnumbered, split it off, number the rest and merge them back.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. File Studio is built on a strict local-first architecture. Every PDF operation — merging, splitting, compressing, redacting — runs entirely inside your browser using JavaScript. Your files never leave your computer. You can even disconnect your internet after the page loads and the tools will continue working perfectly.

Is File Studio completely free?

Yes, 100% free with no limits. There are no file size caps, no daily limits, no watermarks added to your output, and no account or email required. All tools are free forever.

Does it work on mobile and tablet?

Yes. File Studio is fully responsive and works on Android and iOS browsers. All processing happens locally on your phone's or tablet's hardware.

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