Add PDF Page Numbers

How to add pdf page numbers online — step by step

1. 1

   Upload the PDF you want to number using the drop zone or file picker.

2. 2

   Choose the position for the page numbers — bottom centre, bottom left, bottom right, or top centre.

3. 3

   Set the number format (plain numbers or 'Page X of Y'), the starting number, and the font size.

4. 4

   Click 'Add Page Numbers' to stamp every page and download the numbered PDF.

Why use PDFToolsNow to add pdf page numbers?

• Precise placement control

  Choose from four positions — bottom centre, bottom left, bottom right, or top centre — to match the layout conventions of your document.

• Adjustable font size

  Scale the number text to complement your document's typography — large enough to read clearly without competing with the page content.

• Continues a multi-part document

  Set any starting number so the numbering picks up where a previous section left off — essential when assembling chapters or annexes into a larger work.

• Applied uniformly across all pages

  Every page receives its number in a single operation — consistent position, size, and format throughout the entire document.

What is add pdf page numbers?

Adding page numbers to a PDF inserts a visible number — or a 'Page X of Y' label — at a consistent position on every page of the document. This is one of the simplest ways to make a multi-page PDF more professional and easier to use. Page numbers allow readers to quickly navigate to a specific section, provide a reference point when discussing a document in a meeting ('see page 14'), ensure printed copies can be reassembled in the correct order if they are separated, satisfy formal document requirements in legal, academic, or government contexts, and make tables of contents accurate and functional. PDFToolsNow places the number directly onto each page as text rendered at the position and size you choose. A custom starting number is essential when your PDF is one chapter in a multi-part document and the numbering needs to continue from a previous section rather than restart at one. The 'Page X of Y' format adds the total page count alongside each number, which helps readers gauge their position in longer documents.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start numbering from a page other than 1?

Yes — set the starting number to any value. This is useful when your PDF is one part of a larger document and the numbering needs to continue from where the previous section ended.

What positions are available?

Bottom centre, bottom left, bottom right, and top centre are supported. Choose the position that matches your document's layout and margin space.

Can I add 'Page X of Y' format?

Yes — the 'Page of Total' format option automatically adds the total page count alongside each number, e.g. 'Page 3 of 12'.

How do I add page numbers to a PDF for free?

Upload your PDF to PDFToolsNow, choose your position and format settings, then click 'Add Page Numbers'. The numbered PDF downloads immediately — no account or software required.

Can I add page numbers to a scanned PDF?

Yes. PDFToolsNow draws page numbers directly onto the page regardless of whether the PDF is text-based or a scanned image. The numbering works the same in both cases.

Will the page numbers appear when the document is printed?

Yes. The numbers are embedded into the page content of the PDF, not added as a screen-only overlay, so they print exactly as they appear on screen.