How page numbering works
The tool writes a small line of text, such as “7” or “Page 7 of 20”, onto each page of your PDF. It uses Helvetica, a font that every PDF reader has built in, so nothing extra needs to be embedded and the numbers look identical on every device. The rest of the page is not touched: existing text stays selectable and images keep their quality.
Everything runs in your browser. Your document is not uploaded.
The options
| Option | Choices | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Top or bottom; left, centre or right | Bottom centre is the most common for reports |
| Format | 1, Page 1, Page 1 of N, 1 / N |
“of N” helps readers spot missing pages |
| First number | Any whole number | Use it to continue numbering from another file |
| Font size | 6–72 points | 9–11 pt matches most body text |
| Distance from edge | ¼, ½ or ¾ inch | Stay at ½ inch or more if the PDF will be printed |
| Skip first page | On or off | Leaves a cover or title page clean |
The preview shows the first numbered page with your settings, so you can check the size and spacing before saving.
How the numbers are counted
So the total in “Page 1 of N” is always the number printed on the last page.
Worked example. A 24-page report has a cover. You tick Don’t number the first page and keep the first number at 1, with the format Page 1 of N.
- Page 1 (the cover) gets no number.
- Page 2 shows “Page 1 of 23”.
- Page 24 shows “Page 23 of 23”.
The summary line under the settings tells you exactly this before you save: “Page 2 shows ‘Page 1 of 23’ and the last page shows ‘Page 23 of 23’.”
Another example. You are submitting chapter 3 of a thesis as a separate file, and it must continue from page 41. Set First number to 41. A 15-page chapter is then numbered 41 to 55.
Where exactly the numbers go
The distance from the edge is measured from the edge of the visible page to the number. A bottom number sits with its baseline that far above the bottom edge; a top number sits with the top of its digits that far below the top edge. Left numbers start at the margin, right numbers end at it, and centred numbers are centred on the page width.
Pages of different sizes in the same PDF, such as a fold-out A3 page in an A4 report, each get their number placed relative to their own edges. Pages stored sideways with a rotation setting are handled too: the number lands at the bottom of the page as you see it and reads the right way up.
Tips
- Reorder first. Numbers are stamped onto the pages, so arrange the document with Organize PDF before numbering. If you merge files, use Merge PDF first, then number the combined file once.
- Existing numbers. If the pages already carry printed numbers, new ones will appear next to them. Pick a different corner to avoid overlap.
- Mark drafts too. Add “DRAFT” or “CONFIDENTIAL” across the pages with Watermark PDF.
- Printing double-sided? Centred numbers look right on both left-hand and right-hand pages.
- Password-protected files must be unlocked first with the password you know.