How do I add page numbers to a PDF?

Open the Page numbers tool, choose a position (e.g. bottom-right) and a format like "Page N of Total", and apply. Every page is stamped with its number.

Can I show "Page X of Y"?

Yes — pick the "Page N of Total" format and the tool fills in both the current page and the total count automatically.

Will the numbers cover my content?

They're placed in the margin at the corner you choose, so they sit clear of body text. Bottom-right or bottom-center is the safe default.

Can I start numbering from a specific page?

Numbering runs across the document as stamped. If you need the count to start later (e.g. after a cover page), split off the front matter first, number the rest, then merge them back.

How to add page numbers to a PDF

A long document without page numbers is hard to reference. Add them in seconds.

Updated June 7, 2026

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Why page numbers matter

The moment a document is long enough to discuss — a report someone will cite in a meeting, a thesis a committee will mark up, a contract with cross-references — page numbers stop being decoration and become navigation. “See the table on page 9” only works if page 9 says so.

Pick a conventional position

Readers expect page numbers in predictable places:

Bottom-right — the default for most business and academic documents.
Bottom-center — common for books and formal reports.
Top-right — used when the bottom margin is busy (footnotes, footers).

“Page N of Total” is the most useful format because it tells the reader both where they are and how much is left.

Steps

Open the Page numbers tool and add your PDF.
Choose a corner and the “Page N of Total” format.
Apply — every page gets stamped.
Download the numbered file.

Front matter and offsets

If your document has a cover page or table of contents that shouldn’t count, the clean approach is to split the front matter off, number the body, and merge them back — so “Page 1” lands on the first real content page.

Frequently asked questions

How do I add page numbers to a PDF?: Open the Page numbers tool, choose a position (e.g. bottom-right) and a format like "Page N of Total", and apply. Every page is stamped with its number.
Can I show "Page X of Y"?: Yes — pick the "Page N of Total" format and the tool fills in both the current page and the total count automatically.
Will the numbers cover my content?: They're placed in the margin at the corner you choose, so they sit clear of body text. Bottom-right or bottom-center is the safe default.
Can I start numbering from a specific page?: Numbering runs across the document as stamped. If you need the count to start later (e.g. after a cover page), split off the front matter first, number the rest, then merge them back.

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