Add Page Numbers to PDF
Add Page Numbers to PDF lets you insert customizable page numbers directly in your PDF files using client-side processing. This tool runs entirely in your browser, ensuring your files remain private with no upload required.
Drop PDF file here or
PDF only - up to 1GB
Add Page Numbers to PDF allows you to number pages in PDF documents using a browser-based interface powered by pdf-lib. It supports six positions for page numbers including top/bottom and left/center/right alignments, with font sizes configurable from 8 to 36 points. All processing occurs client-side, so your PDFs never leave your device, enhancing privacy and security. This tool complements other PDF utilities like Watermark PDF for adding watermarks and Merge PDF for combining multiple PDFs, making it ideal for developers, designers, and SEO specialists managing document workflows.
How to Use Add Page Numbers to PDF
- Upload your PDF file into the tool through the drag-and-drop or file selection interface.
- Choose the page number position from six options: top-left, top-center, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-center, or bottom-right.
- Select the page number format: plain number (e.g.,
1), labeled (e.g.,Page 1), or fraction format (e.g.,1 / 10). - Configure the starting number and font size between 8 and 36 points to fit your layout.
- Process the PDF in-browser and download the resulting file with embedded Helvetica font page numbers.
How It Works
This tool uses the pdf-lib JavaScript library to manipulate PDFs entirely on the client side. It embeds the Helvetica font to ensure consistent rendering of page numbers across devices. For each page, the tool retrieves page dimensions using page.getSize() to calculate precise coordinates for placing the text. The page number text is drawn in medium gray (RGB 0.4, 0.4, 0.4) for readability without overpowering the content. By iterating through all pages, it places page numbers according to the selected position and format, then outputs a new PDF without uploading any data to external servers, preserving privacy and speed.
Example
Input PDF: 10 pages, no page numbers
Settings:
- Position: bottom-center
- Format: fraction ("1 / 10")
- Start number: 1
- Font size: 12pt
Output PDF: 10 pages with "1 / 10", "2 / 10", ... "10 / 10" at bottom center in Helvetica font, medium gray color.When to Use Add Page Numbers to PDF
- Developers preparing multi-page PDF reports that require clear pagination for easier navigation.
- Designers finalizing print-ready PDFs needing precise page number placement and styling.
- SEO specialists organizing PDFs with labeled page numbers to improve user experience and indexing.
- Students compiling research papers where page numbering must start from a specific page or number.
- Anyone combining PDFs using Merge PDF and wanting to add consistent page numbers afterward.
- Users adding watermarks via Watermark PDF who also want page numbering in one workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Add Page Numbers to PDF tool upload my files to a server?
No, the tool processes PDFs entirely in your browser using pdf-lib. This client-side operation means your files never leave your device, ensuring your data remains private and secure.
Can I customize the font size and color of the page numbers?
You can set the font size anywhere from 8 to 36 points to suit your design needs. The text color is fixed to medium gray (RGB 0.4, 0.4, 0.4) for optimal visibility without distracting from your content.
How does the tool determine where to place page numbers on each page?
The tool uses page.getSize() to get the width and height of each page. It then calculates coordinates based on your chosen position (top or bottom, left, center, or right) to accurately draw the page number text.
Can I start numbering from a number other than 1?
Yes, you can configure the starting page number to any integer value, allowing flexible numbering schemes such as starting from 0 or continuing numbering from a previous document.
What page number formats are supported?
The tool supports three formats: plain numbers (e.g., 1), labeled format (e.g., Page 1), and fraction format showing current page over total pages (e.g., 1 / 10).
Is the Helvetica font embedded in the output PDF?
Yes, the tool embeds the Helvetica font in the output PDF to ensure consistent appearance of page numbers across different PDF viewers and devices.