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How to Add Page Numbers to a PDF (Position, Style, Start Number)
Number the pages of a report, thesis or contract. Choose where the numbers go, the style ("Page 1 of 12"), the starting number, and skip the cover page.
By the ZapMorph team
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Open the Add Page Numbers to PDF — it runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
Page numbers are one of those things you only notice when they're missing: in a meeting where everyone's flipping through a printout saying "the bit about costs, no, after that", or when a thesis office sends your submission back.
Adding them to a finished PDF takes a minute.
How to add page numbers with ZapMorph
1. Open the tool
Go to Add Page Numbers to PDF.
2. Add the PDF and choose the format
Pick:
- Position: bottom centre, bottom right, bottom left, top centre, top right, and so on. Bottom centre or bottom right is standard.
- Style:
1,Page 1,1 / 12orPage 1 of 12. - First number: usually 1, but you can start anywhere.
- Cover page: number every page, or skip the first one.
3. Add numbers and download
Click Add page numbers and download the numbered PDF.
What to choose for common documents
| Document | Position | Style | Cover page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business report | Bottom right | Page 1 of 12 | Don't number the first page |
| Thesis or dissertation | Bottom centre | 1 | Depends on your university's rules |
| Contract | Bottom centre | Page 1 of 12 | Number every page |
| Handout or slides | Bottom right | 1 / 12 | Number every page |
"Page X of Y" is especially useful for contracts and legal documents, since anyone can see if a page is missing.
Tips
- Merge first, number second. If you're combining several documents, run Merge PDF first so the numbering runs across the whole thing.
- Check the footer area. If your document already has text at the bottom, choose a top position.
- Continuing from another file? Set First number to carry on the sequence.
Other ways
- Word or Google Docs: add page numbers before exporting to PDF. Best if you still have the source document.
- Acrobat Pro: Edit PDF → Header & Footer. Powerful, but paid.
Common conventions
| Document | Position | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Theses and reports | Bottom centre | 1, 2, 3 (skip the title page) |
| Legal bundles | Bottom right | Page 1 of 12 style, if required |
| Books and manuals | Bottom left or right | 1, 2, 3 |
| Slide handouts | Bottom right | 1, 2, 3 |
Check your university, court or publisher's rules, as requirements vary.
Order of steps
Merge, reorder and remove pages before numbering. Adding pages afterwards breaks the sequence.
Summary
Choose a position, a style, and whether to skip the cover. Add Page Numbers to PDF does the rest without uploading your document.
FAQs
Can I skip numbering the cover page?
Yes. Set Cover page to "Don't number the first page".
Can numbering start at a number other than 1?
Yes. Set First number to whatever you need, for example to continue numbering from a previous document.
Which styles are available?
"1", "Page 1", "1 / 12" and "Page 1 of 12".
Are the numbers real text?
Yes. They're added as text on top of each page, so they print sharply.
Can I use this for Bates numbering?
For simple sequential numbering, yes, using a custom first number. Full Bates numbering with prefixes isn't supported.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Numbers are added in your browser.
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