Add Page Numbers to PDF

Insert page numbers into any PDF with control over position, starting number, font size and format such as 1, Page 1 or 1 of 20. Instant download.

Add Page Numbers to PDF stamps a number onto every page of a document, with full control over position, starting value, font size and format — plain digits, 'Page 1', or 'Page 1 of 20'. It is aimed at anyone finalising a report, thesis, contract or handout who needs consistent, correctly placed numbering without opening a full PDF editing suite.

You can choose where numbering starts, which page it begins on, and where on the page it appears, so a cover page or table of contents can stay unnumbered while the body of the document counts from page one. The whole process runs locally in the browser: the PDF is read, numbers are stamped onto each page, and a new numbered file is produced for download, with no watermark and no page limit.

How to use the Add Page Numbers to PDF

1. Upload the PDF you want to number.
2. Choose the position for the page number, such as bottom centre, bottom right or top corner.
3. Select the number format — plain number, 'Page X', or 'Page X of Y'.
4. Set the starting number and which page the numbering should begin from.
5. Adjust font size if needed so numbers sit comfortably within existing margins.
6. Click apply and download the numbered PDF.

Why use this tool

Flexible starting point

Numbering can begin on any page and from any value, so a cover page or preface stays unnumbered while the main content counts correctly from page one.

Multiple formats

Choose plain numbers, 'Page X' or 'Page X of Y' to match the convention used in academic, legal or corporate documents.

Position and size control

Numbers can be placed in any corner or centred, and sized to sit neatly within existing margins without overlapping content.

Works on any PDF locally

Because the stamping happens in the browser, confidential contracts or unpublished manuscripts never need to be uploaded anywhere.

Common use cases

• Numbering the pages of a thesis or dissertation with a specific start page after the title and abstract.
• Adding 'Page X of Y' numbering to a lengthy contract so pages can be checked as complete.
• Stamping simple page numbers on a printed handout for a class or workshop.
• Numbering a scanned report before submitting it to a client or authority.
• Adding page numbers to an eBook manuscript before sending it to a formatter.
• Preparing a numbered meeting pack so attendees can reference specific pages.

Where should page numbers go?

Bottom centre or bottom right are the most common and least intrusive positions, keeping numbers clear of body text and any existing footers. Top corners work well for documents that already have a busy footer, such as invoices with banking details.

Numbering formats explained

Plain numbers suit informal documents, while 'Page X of Y' is preferred in legal and academic contexts because it shows readers the document is complete and how far through it they are. Choose the format before applying, since changing it afterwards means reprocessing the PDF.

Skipping a cover page

Set the first numbered page separately from the starting value — for example, begin numbering on page 3 with the value '1' so a title page and contents page remain unnumbered while the main body starts at page one.

Compared to desktop software

Acrobat and similar desktop tools offer the same header and footer stamping, but require an installed licence for a task that takes seconds here. This tool covers position, format and starting value entirely in the browser without needing Acrobat at all.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start numbering from a page other than the first?

Yes. Set the first page to number and the starting value separately, which is ideal when a cover page or table of contents should stay unnumbered.

Where should page numbers go on a document?

Bottom-centre is the academic standard, bottom-right suits business reports and single-sided printing, and outer corners work best for documents printed double-sided.

Is Add Page Numbers to PDF free to use?

Yes. Add Page Numbers to PDF on Klipza is completely free with no account, no subscription and no watermark on your files, and there is no daily usage limit.

Are my files safe when using Add Page Numbers to PDF?

Processing happens locally in your browser wherever technically possible, so your files are not uploaded to a server, stored or shared with third parties.

Does Add Page Numbers to PDF work on mobile phones?

Yes. It is fully responsive and runs in any modern browser on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows and macOS — nothing to install.