Free Add Page Numbers to PDF
Open a PDF and stamp page numbers onto every page — pick the position, the format, which number to start from, and the size. It runs in your browser, so your file is never uploaded.
Drop a PDF here, or browse
One PDF · processed in your browser, never uploaded
Runs entirely in your browser — your file is never uploaded to a server.
Quick answer
To add page numbers to a PDF, open it here and choose where the number goes (such as bottom center), the format (1, 1 / N, or Page 1), the starting number, and the font size. The tool draws the number onto every page and downloads the result. It runs entirely in your browser with pdf-lib, so nothing is uploaded and there is no watermark.
Formula & method
Number on page i (0-based)
number = startAt + i
- startAt — the value you choose to start numbering from
- i — the page's position, 0 for the first page
Format options: "N", "N / total", or "Page N".
Your PDF is read locally. The tool embeds the standard Helvetica font and, for each page, builds the number text in your chosen format (just the number, number-of-total, or "Page N"), starting from your start value and incrementing by one per page. It measures the text width to place it correctly: x is set to the left margin, centred, or right-aligned, and y is near the top or bottom margin depending on the position you pick. The number is drawn directly onto the existing page in dark grey, then the PDF is saved and downloaded — all on your device.
Examples
- Input
- A 5-page PDF, format 1 2 3…, start 1, bottom center
- Result
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 centred at the bottom of each page
- Why
- Each page gets its position number starting from 1, centred along the bottom margin.
- Input
- A 8-page PDF, format N / total, bottom right
- Result
- 1 / 8, 2 / 8, … 8 / 8 in the bottom-right corner
- Why
- The total (8) is fixed across pages while the current number counts up.
- Input
- A 3-page PDF, start at 5
- Result
- Pages numbered 5, 6, 7
- Why
- Numbering begins at 5 instead of 1, so the first page shows 5 — useful when continuing from another document.
When to use this tool
- Numbering a report, manuscript, or handout before printing or sharing.
- Adding 'Page N of total' footers to a contract or submission so pages aren't lost.
- Continuing page numbers across several PDFs by setting the start value.
Common mistakes
- Expecting numbers to replace existing ones. The tool draws a new number on top of the page; if the PDF already shows page numbers, both will appear.
- Choosing a position that overlaps page content. Footers near text can collide — pick a corner or adjust the size if the number sits over content.
- Forgetting the start number. If your document is a continuation, set 'Start at' so the first page matches where the previous file left off.
Frequently asked questions
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. Page numbering runs entirely in your browser with pdf-lib — the PDF is read locally, the numbers are drawn on each page, and the new file is downloaded. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Where can the page number go?
Bottom center, bottom right, bottom left, top center, top right, or top left. You also choose the format, the starting number, and the font size.
Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?
Yes. Set 'Start at' to any value (for example, 5) and the first page will use that number, incrementing by one per page.
Will it remove page numbers the PDF already has?
No. It adds a new number on top. If the document already has numbers, both will show — check before stamping.
What font is used?
The standard built-in Helvetica font in dark grey, so the number is crisp and embeds without any external download.
Is there a watermark?
No. Only the page numbers you configure are added; there is no watermark or other text.
Sources & references
External references open in a new tab. We are independent and not affiliated with these organizations.
- ✓ Free to use
- ✓ No sign-up required
- ✓ Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
- ✓ Formula and method shown above
Provided “as is” for general information only — results may be inaccurate, so verify before you rely on them. No warranty; use at your own risk.
Built and reviewed by HIFreeTools against the formula shown above and any authoritative references cited on this page. See our methodology and editorial standards.
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