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Add Page Numbers to PDF

Add page numbers to a PDF.

Choose a PDF document to add page numbers

Insert customizable header or footer page numbers across your PDF (up to 100 pages, 50 MB)

Flexible Numbering Formats
Choose from "Page 1 of 10", "1 / 10", simple digits, or Roman numerals.
6 Positions
Place numbers in header or footer across left, center, or right alignments.
PDF processing in your browser
This tool processes the selected PDF in your browser and does not upload it to a FivoTools processing server.

How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF

Place page numbers at a top or bottom position and choose the numbering sequence in three steps:

  1. Select your PDF: Click Select PDF Document or drag and drop your file into the workspace (up to 100 pages, 50 MB).
  2. Configure your page numbers: Choose the position, numbering format (such as "Page 1 of 10"), starting number, margin, font, and target pages.
  3. Add page numbers and download: Click Add Page Numbers & Download to process the document in your browser and save the paginated PDF immediately.

Page Number Formats & Common Uses

Different publishing, legal, and business documents use specific numbering styles. You can select from several standard formats:

Page X of Y ("Page 1 of 10")

Displays the current number and the last number in the selected sequence. With all pages selected and a start of 1, Y equals the document page count. If a four-page PDF skips its cover and starts at 5, the remaining pages read “Page 5 of 7” through “Page 7 of 7”. Unselected pages do not advance the sequence.

Minimalist Digits & Slashes ("1 / 10" or "1")

A compact format suitable for portfolios, slide presentations, design briefs, and resumes where minimal visual distraction is preferred.

Roman Numerals (i, ii, iii / I, II, III)

Choose lower- or upper-case Roman numerals for a selected sequence. Values are supported through 3,999.

Cover Sheet Exclusion & Custom Ranges

Choose which pages receive a number. Selected source pages are sorted into document order, and the numbering proceeds consecutively through that selection.

  • All Pages: Number every page sequentially from start to finish.
  • All Except First Page: Leaves page 1 unnumbered. Page 2 starts with the chosen Starting Number, and later selected pages advance from it.
  • Custom Page Range: Enter page numbers and ranges such as 2, 4-5. These selected pages receive a consecutive sequence in document order; with a start of 1, pages 2, 4, and 5 are labeled 1, 2, and 3.

Margin spacing and print checks

The margin is a distance from the page's visible edge, in PDF points. Printer margins vary, so none of these settings guarantees that a printer will keep the number inside its printable area. Check a print preview or test print when needed:

  • 0.25 in (6.4 mm / 18 pt): Tight margin for compact layouts.
  • 0.50 in (12.7 mm / 36 pt): A middle setting to preview against your page layout.
  • 0.75 in (19.1 mm / 54 pt): More space from the visible edge.
  • 1.00 in (25.4 mm / 72 pt): A wider offset; inspect the result on the specific document.

Document Content & Digital Signatures

Document Overlay & Signatures Notice

Page numbers are drawn as new text on the selected pages. This tool does not guarantee that every bookmark, annotation, form, metadata field, or other document feature will be preserved.

Note on digital signatures: Adding page numbers modifies the PDF. A cryptographic signature or certification may no longer validate. Keep the original and verify the exported file when signature status matters.

Browser-Local Processing & Privacy

PDF files often contain confidential business or personal information. This tool processes your document locally on your device:

  • Your PDF file is loaded into browser memory using standard web APIs.
  • Page numbering calculation and text overlay are rendered locally on your device processor.
  • The PDF contents and stamped page numbers are processed in your browser and are not sent to a FivoTools processing server.
  • To restore your source PDF after a refresh, this browser may save a local IndexedDB copy for up to 7 days. Use Reset to remove the saved tool-session copy.
  • Numbering controls may be saved in this tab's session storage for refresh recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good margin distance for PDF page numbers?

A margin of 0.50 inches (12.7 mm / 36 pt) is one setting to preview. Printer margins vary, so check print preview or make a test print if clipping would matter.

Can I skip the cover page and start numbering on page 2?

Yes. Choose "All Except First Page (Cover Sheet)" under Pages to Number. The first selected page, which is source page 2, receives your chosen Starting Number; set it to 1 if page 2 should be labeled "Page 1".

Does this tool support landscape and rotated pages?

The engine accounts for each page's visible CropBox and rotation when placing numbers. Review the preview and output, especially for unusual page sizes or rotations.

What are the file size and page limits?

This tool accepts PDFs up to 100 pages and 50 MB. Password-protected or encrypted files must be unlocked first.

How can I combine files before numbering?

If you have separate chapters or appendices that need unified numbering, combine them first using our Merge PDF tool. Then upload the merged PDF here to apply continuous page numbers across the whole document.

Related PDF Productivity Tools

Explore our other browser-based PDF utilities:

Method and source

The tool draws page-number text onto selected pages in the browser usingpdf-lib's PDFPage API. Custom ranges are sorted into document order before the consecutive sequence is applied.