Add Page Numbers to PDF
Add Page Numbers to PDF overlays 1 through n on every copied page using 10-point Helvetica, dark gray, centered approximately at x=page width/2−5 and y=18 points. It does not inspect existing footers, account for crop boxes, rotation, variable digit width, margins, logical page labels, or accessibility tagging.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceCan the starting number or position be changed?
No. Numbering always starts at 1 with fixed styling and coordinates.
Drawn page numbers are new page-content text
The numbers become PDF drawing operators, not custom page-label metadata. They can overlap existing content and may not enter the structure tree.
How it works
All pages are copied, standard Helvetica is embedded, and drawText places each physical index+1 near the lower edge.
Key concepts
Physical and logical numbering differ
Covers and front matter still count from 1.
Rotation and crop can affect visibility
Fixed user-space coordinates may not appear where expected.
When to use it
- Add simple visible numbering to uncrowded pages.
- Create a quick review copy.
- Number a basic PDF from the first physical page.
When not to use it
- Do not use when footers already occupy the area.
- Do not expect Roman numerals or section restarts.
- Do not assume accessibility tagging.
Worked examples
Three pages
- Input
PDF- Expected output
Visible 1,2,3
Every page is numbered.
Existing footer
- Input
Text at y=18- Expected output
Potential overlap
No collision detection exists.
Rotated page
- Input
Page with rotation- Expected output
Placement can appear rotated or displaced
Rotation is not compensated.
Common mistakes
Expecting section numbering
Only physical sequence is used. Correction: Use layout software for complex schemes.
Ignoring footer content
The tool does not reserve space. Correction: Inspect every page.
Assuming accessibility
New text is not tagged into reading order. Correction: Remediate with PDF/UA tools.
Best practices
- Use on pages with clear lower margins.
- Inspect rotated and cropped pages.
- Run accessibility checks afterward.
Related operations and differences
Add Blank Page to PDF
Choose Add Blank Page to PDF when you need to append a custom-size blank page to a PDF.; use Add Page Numbers to PDF specifically for page numbers.
Add Text Watermark to PDF
Choose Add Text Watermark to PDF when you need to apply a diagonal text watermark to every page.; use Add Page Numbers to PDF specifically for page numbers.
Crop PDF Pages
Choose Crop PDF Pages when you need to set a custom crop box on every PDF page.; use Add Page Numbers to PDF specifically for page numbers.
Delete PDF Pages
Choose Delete PDF Pages when you need to remove selected pages from a PDF.; use Add Page Numbers to PDF specifically for page numbers.
Duplicate PDF Pages
Choose Duplicate PDF Pages when you need to insert a copy after every selected page.; use Add Page Numbers to PDF specifically for page numbers.
Extract PDF Pages
Choose Extract PDF Pages when you need to create a new PDF from selected pages.; use Add Page Numbers to PDF specifically for page numbers.
Limitations and privacy
- Fixed font, size, color, approximate center, y position, and 1-based sequence.
- No start value, format, skip, collision, crop/rotation adaptation, labels, or tagging.
- 80 MB limit.
The PDF is read and processed locally in this browser.
Frequently asked questions
Can numbering start at zero?
No.
Can the position be changed?
No.
Are page labels changed?
No.
Can numbers overlap content?
Yes.