Quick answer: Open your PDF, pick a position such as bottom centre and a format such as Page 1 of 10, then press Save numbered PDF. Numbers are written into each page as real text. They are separate from the page labels some readers show in their toolbar.
Positions and formats
Numbers can sit top or bottom, left, centre or right. Bottom centre suits reports and books; bottom right suits single-sided printouts.
| Format | Page 3 of 12 shows | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 3 | Books, simple reports |
| Page n | Page 3 | Handouts and forms |
| Page n of N | Page 3 of 12 | Contracts, where missing pages must be obvious |
| n / N | 3 / 12 | Slide decks exported to PDF |
| Dashes | – 3 – | Traditional printed documents |
You can also set the font (Helvetica, Times or Courier), size, colour and margin so numbers match the document.
Skipping the cover and starting from another number
Tick Skip the first page to leave the cover clean, and set Start at for the first number. With Page n of N and the cover skipped, the total counts only numbered pages, so the last page reads correctly.
How to add page numbers to a PDF
- Add your PDF. Numbers appear at the bottom centre straight away.
- Choose position and format.
- Fine-tune start number, font, size, colour and margin, and skip the cover if needed.
- Save numbered PDF. Your original is not changed.
When you need page numbers
- Legal bundles and court documents where every page must be referable.
- Contracts, where Page n of N shows nothing is missing.
- Theses and dissertations that lost their numbering on export.
- Scanned documents that never had numbers.
- Printed handouts that get dropped and reassembled.
How the browser-based tool works
Your PDF opens with PDF.js for the live preview, and numbers are written with pdf-lib as ordinary text. The rest of each page is copied through untouched. Sideways pages get their number at the bottom as the page appears on screen.
Privacy
Your PDF is opened and changed entirely in your browser, not uploaded or stored, with no account needed. Site analytics are covered in our privacy policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is adding page numbers free?
Yes, with no signup, page limit or watermark.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Numbers are added inside your browser tab.
Can I skip the cover page?
Yes. Tick Skip the first page and numbering starts on page two from the number you set.
Can I start from a number other than 1?
Yes. Set Start at to any number, useful when a document continues from another.
Can I add Page 1 of 10 style numbers?
Yes. Choose Page n of N; the total is worked out for you.
Are the numbers selectable text?
Yes. They are written as real text in a standard PDF font.
Does it change page labels in my reader?
No. It adds visible numbers; the toolbar page labels are left as they were.
Can I number a password-protected PDF?
Not until the password is removed.
Other PDF tools
Accuracy note: Tested on portrait, landscape and rotated pages, with and without a skipped cover. Check the saved file before sending.
Content Lead, Anchor AI Tools, California, USA. Spotted an error? Email hello@anchoraitools.com and it will be checked and corrected. See our editorial standards.