Add Page Numbers to PDF Online — Free, Customizable Page Numbering Tool

Need to add page numbers to a PDF report, academic paper, legal document, or book before sharing or printing it? Our free PDF page numbering tool lets you stamp customizable page numbers on every page of your PDF — choose from six positions, five number formats, full typography controls, and a margin slider. A live preview updates instantly as you adjust settings, so you see exactly how the numbers will look before downloading.

Everything runs entirely in your browser using PDF.js and jsPDF. Your file is never uploaded to any server — keeping your documents completely private throughout the process.

How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF — Step by Step

1. Upload your PDF — Drag and drop the file into the upload area or click to browse. Files up to 100 MB are supported.
2. Choose a position — Select one of six positions: top-left, top-center, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-center, or bottom-right.
3. Select a number format — Choose from simple numbers (1, 2, 3), Page labels (Page 1), ratios (1 of 10), full labels (Page 1 of 10), or decorative dashes (— 1 —).
4. Set a start number — Defaults to 1. Set to another number to offset the count (useful when combining with other documents).
5. Skip front pages — Enter the number of cover or front-matter pages to leave unnumbered. Numbering begins on the first page after the skip count.
6. Adjust typography — Choose font, style (normal, bold, italic), font size, color, and margin from the edge.
7. Check the live preview — The first numbered page updates in real time with every change.
8. Click "Add Page Numbers & Download" — The numbered PDF downloads automatically.

Six Placement Positions

Place page numbers exactly where your document style requires:

• Top Left — Common in academic papers and legal briefs following certain style guides.
• Top Center — Standard for many formal documents and government reports.
• Top Right — Matches the default header numbering position in many word processors.
• Bottom Left — Common in books for left-hand (even) pages.
• Bottom Center — The most universal position — recognized across virtually all document types.
• Bottom Right — Common in books for right-hand (odd) pages, and in most office document templates.

Five Number Formats

• 1, 2, 3 — Simple, clean numerals. Best for minimalist documents.
• Page 1, Page 2 — Explicit page label. Clearest for readers unfamiliar with the document.
• 1 of 10 — Shows progress through the document. Useful for forms and multi-part documents.
• Page 1 of 10 — The most informative format. Standard for legal and business documents.
• — 1 — — Decorative em-dash format. Common in books and formal typeset documents.

Key Features

• Live preview: The first numbered page renders with your exact settings — updated in real time with every change, with a 180ms debounce for smooth performance.
• Six positions: Full 3×2 grid covering top and bottom, left, center, and right.
• Five formats: From simple numerals to "Page N of Total" labels.
• Custom start number: Begin numbering at any number — useful for sections, chapters, or combined documents.
• Skip front pages: Leave cover pages, title pages, or front matter unnumbered. Numbering starts automatically on the correct page.
• Full typography control: Font family, bold/italic style, font size (6–32px), and full color picker.
• Margin slider: Set the distance from the page edge from 5px to 60px.
• Quality slider: Control JPEG quality from 50% to 100%.
• 100% browser-based: PDF.js renders pages, jsPDF exports the result — nothing leaves your device.
• No watermarks: The output contains only your original content and the page numbers you configured.

Common Use Cases

📚 Academic Papers & Theses

Most university style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago) require specific page number placement. Set the correct position and format, skip the title page, and download a compliant numbered PDF in moments.

💼 Business Reports & Proposals

Professional reports shared with clients or stakeholders benefit from "Page N of Total" numbering — making it easy to reference specific sections in meetings or email discussions.

⚖️ Legal Documents & Contracts

Legal documents often require page numbers at the bottom center or bottom right, sometimes with the format "Page 1 of 10". Add compliant numbering before filing or sending for signature.

📖 Book Manuscripts

Use the decorative "— N —" format and bottom-center position for a classic typeset book look. Skip the first few pages (cover, copyright, contents) and number only the body pages.

📋 Forms & Multi-Part Documents

The "N of Total" format is particularly useful for multi-page forms and questionnaires, making it clear to respondents how many pages remain to be completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Adding page numbers to a PDF should be precise, visual, and free. With six placement positions, five number formats, a custom start number, front-page skip, full typography controls, a live preview, and zero server uploads, this tool covers every common page numbering scenario directly in the browser.

No watermarks. No registration. No cost. Scroll up, upload your PDF, configure your page numbers, and download a perfectly numbered document in moments.