PDF Page Numbers

How to use PDF Page Numbers

1. Drop a PDF onto the dashed box (or tap it to browse your files). It never leaves your device.
2. Choose the look — format, position, size, margin, starting number, and whether to skip the cover page.
3. Stamp & download to get your paginated copy. The original file is untouched.

Why page numbers still matter

A PDF without page numbers is a maze: "see page 14" means nothing when every reader shows a different counter, and printed handouts become an unsortable pile. Stamping real numbers into the document fixes the reference for everyone — the numbers travel with the file, survive printing, and match what your reader's "go to page" box expects. Academic style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago) all assume numbered pages for the same reason.

Choosing a format and position

Bottom center is the classic book position; bottom right (odd pages) and bottom left (even pages) is the print-shop standard, though this tool keeps one position for every page. "Page 1 of 12" formats reassure readers nothing is missing — useful for handouts and submissions. If your document has a cover, tick skip first page so the numbering starts on the real first page of content.

Is my PDF uploaded anywhere?

No — never. Your PDF is stamped entirely in your browser by the pdf-lib library. Nothing is uploaded, stored, or sent to any server, so it's safe for theses, contracts, and manuscripts.

Where can the page numbers go?

Six positions: bottom-left, bottom-center, bottom-right, top-left, top-center, or top-right. You also choose the number format ('1', 'Page 1', '1 of 12', 'Page 1 of 12'), the font size, and the margin from the page edge.

Can I skip the first page or start from a different number?

Yes. 'Skip first page' leaves page 1 (often a cover) unnumbered, and 'Start numbering at' lets the sequence begin at any number — handy when your PDF is chapter 3 of a larger document.

Will the numbers cover up my content?

They sit in the margin you set — increase the margin if your document runs text close to the edge. The numbers are small (11pt by default) and drawn in dark ink over a clear area, so they rarely collide with content.

Does stamping change the rest of my PDF?

No. Every page's existing content is copied untouched and the numbers are drawn on top as a new layer. Text, images, and layout stay exactly as they were.

Why can't I open my PDF here?

Password-protected or encrypted PDFs can't be rewritten in the browser, and corrupted files fail to load — you'll get a clear error either way. Remove the password in your PDF reader first, then add page numbers here.