How do I add page numbers to a PDF without uploading?

Drop the file here. Labels are drawn locally. Nothing is sent to a server.

Can I start numbering at a number other than 1?

Yes. Start number is what the first selected page shows, then it counts up. Use it after a cover you skip, or to continue from another document.

How do I number only some pages of a PDF?

Use the page checklist. Unselected pages stay unmarked, which is useful for covers and blank backs.

Where can page numbers sit?

Header or footer, left, center, or right. They are drawn in the margin and do not reflow the original text.

Will this overwrite page numbers already in the PDF?

It draws a new label. Existing numbers in the file art stay put, so you may see both. Remove or crop old numbers first if that is a problem.

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Headers and footers, locally

Add page numbers to a PDF

Adding page numbers to a PDF is the last mile before you print a booklet or cite “see page 12.” This tool draws a label in a header or footer (1, Page 1, 1 / 10, or Page 1 of 10) with a start number you choose. The first selected page shows that start value, then it counts up. Ranges let you skip a cover so numbering begins on the real page 1.

pdf-lib writes the text in the browser. Nothing is uploaded. Numbers sit in the margin; they do not reflow the original layout. If a page is already numbered by the author, you will get a second set, so crop or organize first if that would clash. The download is a new file. Password-protected PDFs need to be unlocked on your computer before you drop them.

Numbers are drawn in this tab. Your PDF is never uploaded.

Add files

Drop a PDF file, or browse. They stay on this device.

No upload. No account.

No files yet. Drop them above. They stay in this tab and are never uploaded.

How to add page numbers in a PDF

Drop the PDF. Page count is read in this tab.
Pick a format (1, Page 1, 1 / N, or Page N of N) and a header or footer position.
Set the start number. Uncheck pages that should stay unnumbered, such as a cover.
Add page numbers and download. The original file is not overwritten.

Number pages without Acrobat or an upload

Word can number a DOCX; a finished PDF usually needs a stamp. Online numberers upload the book. This page stamps locally and lets the first printed folio be 1 even when it is not PDF page 1. You do not get facing-page inner/outer rules like InDesign. You get a clear, private folio.

Questions

How do I add page numbers to a PDF without uploading?: Drop the file here. Labels are drawn locally. Nothing is sent to a server.
Can I start numbering at a number other than 1?: Yes. Start number is what the first selected page shows, then it counts up. Use it after a cover you skip, or to continue from another document.
How do I number only some pages of a PDF?: Use the page checklist. Unselected pages stay unmarked, which is useful for covers and blank backs.
Where can page numbers sit?: Header or footer, left, center, or right. They are drawn in the margin and do not reflow the original text.
Will this overwrite page numbers already in the PDF?: It draws a new label. Existing numbers in the file art stay put, so you may see both. Remove or crop old numbers first if that is a problem.