How to add page numbers to a PDF
Updated 2 min readBy Total PDF Tools
Quick answer
To add page numbers to a PDF, open Add Page Numbers, add the file and choose a position (six options: top or bottom, left, centre or right), a format such as 1, Page 1 or 1 / N, the font, size and margin. Set the start number or skip pages like a cover, then save. Numbers stay upright even on rotated pages.
Open Add Page NumbersStep by step
- 1
Open Add Page Numbers
Go to the Add Page Numbers tool and add your PDF.
- 2
Choose position and format
Pick one of six positions and a format such as "Page 1 of 10".
- 3
Set the range
Choose the start number and which pages to number, for example skipping the cover.
- 4
Save
Download the numbered PDF.
Numbering documents with covers and contents pages
Reports often begin with a cover and a table of contents that shouldn't be counted. Skip those pages and set the starting number so the first real page shows 1, or start at another number to continue from a previous document.
Page numbers vs headers and footers
Use Header & Footer when you need other repeated text as well, such as a document title, date or "Confidential" on every page. Add Page Numbers is the quickest option when you only need numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip the first page?
Yes. Exclude the cover from numbering and choose which number the next page starts at.
Will page numbers appear on rotated pages correctly?
Yes. Numbers are placed relative to how each page is displayed, so they stay upright.
Should I number before or after merging?
After. Merge the documents first so numbering runs continuously through the whole file.