Add Page Numbers to PDF — free, private, in your browser
Page Numbers stamps page numbers onto an existing PDF at a position and in a format you pick, using pdf-lib in the page. Free, no signup, 5 runs a day. It runs in your browser; nothing you add is uploaded.
🔢 Add Page Numbers
Insert page numbers into a PDF. Pick the position, format, and starting page.
About Page Numbers
Insert page numbers into a PDF at the position and format you choose — all in your browser. The PDF is never uploaded; numbering is written locally and saved back into the file. Free, no signup, no watermark.
- Custom position, format, start page
- Written locally into the PDF
- No upload — fully private
- Free, no signup
Runs on your device
Your file is opened and processed by JavaScript inside this page. It is never uploaded and we never receive it. The page does download the processing library it needs from a public CDN the first time you use it - that request carries no part of your file.
Free tier: 5 runs per day for this tool, counted in your browser. The counter resets at midnight UTC and is not shared between browsers or devices.
How TaimurTools handles data · Why most of these tools run on your device
What this tool is for
- Numbering a merged bundle before sending it
- Preparing a document for print or for a court or tender submission
| What it does | Stamps page numbers onto an existing PDF at a position and in a format you pick, using pdf-lib in the page. |
|---|---|
| Accepted input | One PDF (application/pdf). |
| What you get back | The same PDF with a number drawn on each page. |
| Limits | Capped at 5 runs per day for this tool, counted in your browser and reset at midnight UTC. |
| Browser requirements | Any current desktop or mobile browser with JavaScript enabled. |
A worked example
- Input
- A 20-page bundle, Bottom / Center, format "1 of N".
- What comes back
- The same 20 pages, each carrying "1 of 20", "2 of 20" and so on centred at the foot of the page.
- Worth knowing
- The number is drawn on top of whatever is already there. If your pages already have a footer in that spot, pick a different position first.
If it does not work
The number sits on top of existing content
Choose a different vertical or horizontal position - there is no automatic collision check.
The number is hard to see on a dark page
The text is drawn in a fixed dark colour. Pick a position over lighter background, or add numbers before applying a dark watermark.
"Failed to load PDF"
The file is encrypted. Remove the password first.
Nothing happens when you run it
You may have used your 5 free runs of this tool for today. The page shows a "Daily limit reached" notice; the counter resets at midnight UTC.
How to use Add Page Numbers to PDF
- Add your PDFDrop the PDF onto the upload area, or click to pick it.
- Choose position and formatTop or Bottom; Left, Center or Right; and "1, 2, 3", "Page 1, Page 2" or "1 of N".
- Add the numbers and downloadClick Add Numbers and save the result.
When to use Page Numbers
Numbering a merged bundle before sending it
After merging several files, the pages have no consistent numbering. Add numbers so anyone can refer to 'page 14'.
Court, tender or application submissions
Many submissions require numbered pages. '1 of N' also shows the reader that nothing is missing.
Preparing a document for print
Numbered pages are easier to put back in order if a printed stack is dropped or shuffled.
Referencing pages in a discussion
When several people review the same PDF, page numbers on the page itself avoid confusion with viewer page counters.
The options, explained
The tool stamps a number on every page with pdf-lib. You choose where and how it looks:
- Vertical position
- Top or Bottom of the page.
- Horizontal position
- Left, Center or Right.
- Format
- '1, 2, 3' for plain numbers, 'Page 1, Page 2' for a labelled number, or '1 of N' to show the total, such as '3 of 20'.
- The result
- The same PDF, with a number drawn on each page in a fixed dark colour.
What it cannot do
- There is no collision check. The number is drawn on top of whatever is already in that spot, so pick a position away from existing footers or page content.
- The number is drawn in a fixed dark colour, which can be hard to see on a dark page.
- The options are position and format only; there is no setting for a starting number or for skipping pages. To leave a cover unnumbered, split it off first and merge it back afterwards.
- Encrypted PDFs cannot be opened; remove the password first. The free allowance is 5 runs per day for this tool, counted in your browser and reset at midnight UTC.
How it compares with the alternatives
Acrobat and most word processors can add page numbers with full control over fonts, starting numbers and which pages are numbered. If the document is still in Word, add numbers there and export again.
Add Page Numbers is for a PDF you cannot or do not want to re-export, such as a merged bundle or a scan. It runs in your browser tab, so the document is not uploaded.
How in-browser processing works, and exactly which tools are the exception, is explained on the why client-side page.
Getting a better result
Check the footer first
Look at the bottom of a page before choosing Bottom. If there is already text there, use Top or a corner.
Use '1 of N' for submissions
It shows the total, so a reader knows the bundle is complete.
Number after merging
Merge every part first, then number the finished file so the sequence is continuous.
Leave the cover unnumbered
Split off the cover, number the rest, then merge the cover back on.
More questions about Page Numbers
Can I start numbering at a different number?
There is no setting for that. Split off pages you do not want numbered, then merge them back.
Why does the number overlap my footer?
There is no collision check. Choose another position.
Can I change the font or colour?
No. The number uses a fixed dark colour.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The numbers are added in your browser.
Related tools
- Merge PDF - combine the parts before numbering
- Split PDF - separate a cover that should stay unnumbered
- Watermark PDF - mark the bundle as a draft or copy
- Edit PDF - add notes or a signature
We build fillable PDF forms, contracts, invoices and document templates that customers and staff can complete in any PDF viewer, with calculations, validation and your branding. The free tool above stays free.
Frequently asked questions
Is my file uploaded?
No. The stamping is done in this page by pdf-lib.
Can I start numbering at something other than 1?
The numbering runs from the first page of the file. To skip a cover, split it off, number the rest, then merge the cover back on.
Is there a daily limit?
Yes - 5 runs per day for this tool, counted in your browser and reset at midnight UTC.