In your browser
- Open Add Page Numbers to PDF and drop in the file.
- Choose where the numbers go and a style: 1, Page 1, Page 1 of 10 or 1 / 10.
- Tick Skip first page to leave a cover page unnumbered, and set Start at if the document continues another one.
- Click Add page numbers and download the PDF.
Numbers are placed on each page as it is displayed, so they also sit correctly on rotated and landscape pages.
Numbering a document made of several PDFs
Combine the files first with Merge PDF, then add page numbers, so the numbering runs straight through.
If you still have the Word file
In Microsoft Word, use Insert → Page Number before saving as PDF. Numbers added in Word follow sections and headers, which is useful for long reports.
Choosing a style
Plain numbers at the bottom suit reports and handouts. Page 1 of 10 lets the reader check that a printout is complete, which is why contracts and forms use it. Books printed on both sides put numbers in the outer corners; for a document printed on one side, the bottom center or bottom right is easiest to find.
Common problems
- The numbers cover text. Scans and slides often fill the page to the edge. Choose the position with the widest empty margin, top or bottom, or a corner instead of the center.
- Several front pages should stay unnumbered. Skip first page covers a single cover. For a cover and a contents page, split them off with Split PDF, number the rest, and merge the two parts back together.
- The numbers cannot be edited later. They are drawn onto the pages like any other text. Keep the original file, so you can start again if the numbering changes.