# Add Line Numbers

> Prepend sequential line numbers to each line of text

**Category:** Text
**Keywords:** line numbers, numbered lines, text editor, code numbering, prepend numbers
**URL:** https://complete.tools/add-line-numbers

## When to use it

- **Code review**: Number lines before pasting into a chat so reviewers can reference "line 42"
- **Documents and agendas**: Add step numbers to a bulleted list without manually typing them
- **Log analysis**: Number log lines to track position when sharing with a colleague
- **Poetry and scripts**: Numbered lines are standard in published scripts and annotated verse
- **Teaching**: Line-numbered code samples are easier to discuss in class or in written exercises

## Format options

**Dot format** (`1. 2. 3.`) is the most natural for prose lists and most document editors.

**Parenthesis format** (`1) 2) 3)`) is common in legal documents and numbered instructions.

**Bracket format** (`[1] [2] [3]`) is popular in log output, citations, and technical documentation.

**Space only** (`1 2 3`) gives the most minimal output and is useful when piping text into other tools.

**Zero-padding** ensures all numbers are the same width (`01`, `02` vs `1`, `2`), which keeps columns aligned in monospace fonts and makes alphabetical sorting work correctly for numbered files.

## How to use

1. Paste or type your text into the input box
2. Set the starting number (default is 1; use 0 if your language counts from zero)
3. Choose a separator format
4. Optionally enable zero-padding for uniform alignment
5. Click **Add Line Numbers**
6. Copy the result with the Copy button

## FAQs

**Q:** Does this tool handle blank lines?


**A:** Yes. Blank lines are counted and numbered just like any other line, so the numbering stays consistent with the original structure.


**Q:** Can I start from a number other than 1?


**A:** Yes. The start number field accepts any integer, including 0. This is useful for zero-indexed code or when you are continuing a numbered list from a previous section.


**Q:** What is zero-padding and why would I use it?


**A:** Zero-padding adds leading zeros so all numbers are the same width (01, 02... 10 instead of 1, 2... 10). This keeps columns aligned in monospace text and ensures that alphabetical and numeric sort orders match when the numbers appear in filenames or log lines.


**Q:** Is my text sent anywhere?


**A:** No. All processing happens entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.

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*Generated from [complete.tools/add-line-numbers](https://complete.tools/add-line-numbers)*