# PDF Add Page Numbers

> Add customizable page numbers to any position on every page of your PDF.

**Category:** Media
**Keywords:** pdf, page numbers, numbering, footer, header, pagination
**URL:** https://complete.tools/pdf-add-page-numbers

## How it works

The tool loads your PDF using the pdf-lib library and embeds the Helvetica standard font into the document. It then iterates through every page, calculating the exact x and y coordinates for the page number text based on your selected position and the actual dimensions of each page. This per-page calculation ensures correct placement even when pages have different sizes within the same document. The formatted text string is generated for each page using your chosen number format and the sequential page count starting from your specified start number. The drawText operation renders the number directly into the page's content stream at the calculated coordinates using the specified font size in a neutral dark gray color. After processing all pages, the modified PDF is serialized and offered for download. Because the tool handles each page individually, documents with mixed page sizes (such as merged PDFs) get correctly positioned numbers on every page.

## Who should use this

Lawyers preparing exhibit bundles that require sequential Bates-style numbering for court submissions. Teachers assembling course packets from multiple sources that need unified pagination. Administrative assistants who scan paper documents and need to add page numbers before distribution. Self-published authors who export manuscripts from writing software without page numbers. Conference organizers compiling presentation handouts that need page references for attendees.

## Worked examples

Example 1: A paralegal has a 94-page exhibit bundle for a court filing that requires page numbers in the bottom right corner. They upload the 8.2 MB PDF, select "Bottom Right" position, "Page 1 of N" format at 10pt font size, starting at number 1. The tool processes all 94 pages in about 3 seconds and produces an 8.4 MB file with "Page 1 of 94" through "Page 94 of 94" neatly placed in the bottom right corner of each page.

Example 2: A professor merges 6 separate lecture PDFs into one 210-page course packet using a PDF merge tool. The merged document has no page numbers. They upload it, select "Bottom Center" with plain number format at 12pt. The resulting PDF shows numbers 1 through 210 centered at the bottom of each page, making it easy for students to reference specific pages during class discussions.

Example 3: An office manager scans a 35-page employee handbook that starts as a continuation from a previous volume ending at page 148. They upload the scan, select "Top Center" position, "Page 1 of N" format at 11pt, and set the starting number to 149. The output shows "Page 149 of 183" through "Page 183 of 183" at the top of each page, maintaining continuity with the first volume.

## Limitations

The tool uses a single font (Helvetica) and a fixed dark gray color for all page numbers. Custom fonts or colors are not available. Page numbers are drawn at a fixed margin from the page edge, which may overlap with existing content near the margins on some documents. The tool cannot skip specific pages from numbering; numbers are added to every page. Encrypted or password-protected PDFs must be unlocked first. For documents with very small page sizes (such as index cards), the default margin may position numbers outside the visible area. The tool does not support Roman numerals or letter-based numbering systems.

## FAQs

**Q:** Can I add page numbers to only certain pages?


**A:** Currently, the tool adds numbers to every page. However, you can use the starting number feature to control the numbering sequence. For selective numbering, consider splitting the PDF, numbering the desired section, and merging it back.


**Q:** Will page numbers overlap with existing content?


**A:** The numbers are placed at a standard margin (about half an inch) from the page edge. If your document has content very close to the edges, overlap is possible. Using a smaller font size or a different position can help avoid conflicts.


**Q:** What if my PDF has mixed page sizes?


**A:** The tool calculates position independently for each page based on its actual dimensions. Page numbers will be consistently placed relative to each page's edges regardless of size differences.


**Q:** Does this tool modify the original file?


**A:** No. The tool creates a new PDF with the page numbers added. Your original file remains unchanged. All processing occurs locally in your browser.

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