Page numbers make a long PDF usable. People can say "see page 14" in a meeting, find their place in a printed copy, and notice straight away if a page is missing. When a document has been put together from several sources, or exported from an app that doesn't number pages, the S-PDF tool to add page numbers to PDF files fills the gap without touching anything that is already on the page.
You decide where the number sits, how it reads, which number it starts from and which pages get one. The numbers are added as real text on top of each page, so they stay sharp at any zoom level and print cleanly, and pages that are rotated inside the PDF still get numbers that read the right way up.
How to add page numbers to a PDF in 4 steps
- Upload your PDF Drag your PDF onto the upload box or select it from your device.
- Choose position and format Pick one of six positions (top or bottom; left, centre or right) and a margin: Small, Recommended or Big. Then choose a format such as
1,Page 1 of 9or1 / 9. - Set the pages and style Optionally enter a page range and the first number, pick a font (sans serif, serif or monospace), a size in points, a colour and bold, and tick Facing pages for a printed book.
- Add the numbers and download Apply the numbering and download your numbered PDF. Open it once to check the first and last pages before you send or print it.
Why use S-PDF for Page numbers
- Six positionsPlace numbers at the top or bottom of the page, on the left, in the centre or on the right.
- Five formatsChoose 1, Page 1, Page 1 of 9, 1 / 9 or - 1 - to match the style of your document.
- Start anywhereSet the first number and a page range so a cover or front matter is left unnumbered.
- Book-readyFacing pages mirrors left and right positions on even pages, so numbers sit on the outer edge of a printed spread.
- Content untouchedNumbers are added on top of each page as real text, and nothing underneath is changed or re-rendered.
- Always uprightRotated pages are handled so their numbers read the right way up like everywhere else.
Which page number format and position to choose
| Format | Page 7 shows | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | Books, reports and anything with a minimal layout |
| Page 1 | Page 7 | Handouts, letters and documents for a general audience |
| Page 1 of 9 | Page 7 of 12 | Contracts, forms and anything where a missing page must stand out |
| 1 / 9 | 7 / 12 | Slide decks and compact footers |
| - 1 - | - 7 - | Manuscripts and a classic printed look |
Bottom centre and bottom right are the usual choices for reports and letters. Academic papers in APA or MLA style expect the number in the top-right corner. The Recommended margin suits most documents; Small keeps the number close to the edge, away from content that runs low on the page, while Big moves it further in, clear of the edge strip that many printers cannot print on.
Skipping the cover and numbering part of a document
The page range and first number work together. A few common set-ups:
- Unnumbered cover. For a 20-page report with a title page, enter the range
2-20and first number1. The cover stays clean and the first page of content shows 1. - A chapter that continues a book. If chapter 3 begins on page 41 of the full book, keep every page in the range and set the first number to
41. - One continuous sequence. When a document is made of several files, merge the PDFs first and number the combined file once, so the numbering runs straight through without restarting.
Formats that show a total, such as Page 1 of 9, are best checked on the result when you number only part of a document, so the total reads the way you intend.
Numbering a document you will print or bind
In a printed book or a double-sided booklet, odd pages sit on the right and even pages on the left. Tick Facing pages and choose a right-hand position: odd pages get the number on the right, even pages on the left, so every number ends up on the outer edge where a reader's thumb flips through. A serif font at the size of your body text usually looks most natural in print.
Add page numbers as the last step. Once the numbers are on the page they travel with it, so if you later reorder pages with Organize PDF or delete some with Remove pages, the sequence will be out of order. Finish the structure first, then number.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to add page numbers to a PDF?
Yes. You can number up to 10 files and 50 MB per task, 5 times a day, with no signup and no watermark. Pro ($5 a month or $50 a year) allows 50 files and 500 MB per task, unlimited tasks under fair use, and no ads.
How do I start numbering from page 2?
Enter a page range that starts at 2, for example 2-20, and set the first number to 1. The cover page stays unnumbered and the next page shows 1.
Can I add "Page 1 of 10" style numbers?
Yes. Choose the Page 1 of 9 format. The 9 is only an example; your document gets its real page numbers and total.
Will the page numbers cover my content?
Numbers are drawn on top of the page at the position and margin you choose, so if a page has text or images right at that spot they can overlap. Try another position or margin and run it again on the original file.
Can I number a book with numbers on the outer edges?
Yes. Tick Facing pages and choose a right-hand position. Odd pages get the number on the right and even pages on the left, so numbers land on the outer edge of each printed spread.
Can I change or remove the numbers later?
The tool adds numbers but does not remove them, so keep your original PDF. To change the style, run the tool again on the original file.
Are my files safe?
Files are sent over HTTPS, stored in a private folder that is not reachable from the web, never shared or used for anything else, and deleted automatically one hour after your last action. The Delete my files now button removes them immediately.
Does it work on a phone or a Mac?
Yes. It runs in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad and Android, with nothing to install.
Last updated by The S-PDF team.