How to use the Add Page Numbers to PDF
- Drop a PDF on the box or click to choose it.
- Choose where the numbers go and their format; the preview updates live.
- Optionally skip the cover page, change the starting number or mirror left/right for printed books.
- Click Add numbers & download.
Page number formats
| Format | Example | Good for |
|---|---|---|
1 | 7 | Books, reports |
Page 1 | Page 7 | Forms, manuals |
Page 1 of N | Page 7 of 12 | Contracts and legal documents — shows nothing is missing |
1 / N | 7 / 12 | Slides and handouts |
- 1 - | - 7 - | Traditional typesetting |
Options explained
- Skip first page leaves the cover unnumbered and starts counting on page 2 (with the number you choose, usually 1).
- Start at continues numbering from a previous document, for example 45 for the second volume.
- Mirror puts numbers on the outer edge — right on odd pages, left on even pages — like a printed book.
- The margin is measured in points (72 pt = 1 inch ≈ 25 mm).
Numbers are added as real text in the standard Helvetica font, so they print sharply and stay searchable. Combine with Merge PDF to number a document assembled from several files, or add a watermark too.
Private by design
Most online PDF services upload your document to their servers. This tool processes the file entirely in your browser with open-source libraries (pdf-lib and PDF.js), so contracts, invoices, bank statements and IDs never leave your device. It works offline once the page has loaded, and there are no file-count limits, watermarks or sign-ups.
Tools that pair well with the Add Page Numbers to PDF
- Organize PDF (Reorder & Delete Pages) — Rearrange a PDF visually: drag page thumbnails into a new order, delete pages, reverse the document, and save it as a new file.
- Split PDF — Pull specific pages out of a PDF, or break it into single pages or equal chunks.
- Rotate PDF — Fix sideways or upside-down scans: rotate individual pages or all of them, check the thumbnails and save the corrected PDF.
- JPG to PDF — Turn photos, scans and screenshots into a single PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Are my PDF files uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser; the files never leave your device.
How do I start numbering on page 2?
Tick Skip first page. The second page then gets the number in Start at (1 by default).
Does “of N” count the skipped cover page?
No. N is the number of numbered pages, which is what readers usually expect.
Can I use a password-protected PDF?
No. Encrypted PDFs must be unlocked first — open the file in your PDF reader with the password and save or “print to PDF” an unprotected copy.