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Add page numbers to a PDF, right where you want them

This tool writes page numbers onto a PDF in your browser. Choose where they go, how they read and where the counting starts, see a preview on your own page, and download the numbered file. The numbers are real text, sharp at any zoom, and the rest of the PDF is left exactly as it was.

or drop files here, or paste with Ctrl/Cmd+V

PDF · up to 50 files · 100 MB each

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How to use Add Page Numbers

  1. Add your PDFs

    Drop one or more PDFs on the box, or click to browse. Up to 50 files of 100 MB each.

  2. Choose the position and style

    Pick one of six spots and a style such as "Page 1 of 12". The preview shows it on your page.

  3. Number and download

    Press Add page numbers, then download the PDF, or all of them as a zip.

How the page numbers are added

Each number is written into its page as real PDF text in one of the standard PDF fonts, so it stays sharp when zoomed or printed, can be selected and searched, and adds only a few kilobytes to the file.

The position is measured from the visible edge of each page, so pages of different sizes in one file each get their number the same distance from their own edge. Existing text, links, bookmarks and form fields are not touched.

Numbers are added on top of what is already on the page. If the page already has content in that corner, choose another spot or a larger margin; the preview shows where it will go.

Questions about Add Page Numbers

How do I add page numbers to a PDF?

Add the PDF above, choose a position (bottom centre is the usual choice) and a style, and press Add page numbers. The preview shows the number on your first page before anything is changed.

Can I skip the cover page and start numbering from 1 on page 2?

Yes. Type 2- or 2-20 in Pages and leave First number at 1. The first page you list gets the first number, so page 2 of the file shows 1. To show the real page number instead, set First number to 2.

Can I write "Page 3 of 12"?

Yes. Choose that style from the list. The total counts the pages that get a number, plus the first number you chose. For your own wording, such as "Seite 3 von 12" or a date beside the number, use Header and Footer, where you can type any text with {page} and {total} in it.

What about double-sided printing?

Tick "Swap left and right on even pages". Numbers in a corner then sit on the outside edge of every page when the document is printed on both sides and bound like a book.

Will the numbers sit in the right place on landscape or turned pages?

Yes. Positions are worked out on the page as you see it, with any rotation the PDF has applied, so a number meant for the bottom right lands there and reads upright on landscape pages and on pages saved turned sideways.

Is it safe to number a PDF online?

With PlumPDF the PDF never leaves your device. It is opened and changed in your browser tab on your device, and nothing is uploaded or stored.

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