Add Page Numbers to a PDF — Free Tool
Court filings and exhibit binders almost always require pagination. Clean page numbers help the judge cite specific passages and make your own references easier to follow during hearings.
Why courts require pagination
- Clerks can certify the packet length and quickly note missing pages.
- Judges can direct parties to “page 87” instead of describing paragraphs or screenshots.
- Appellate records depend on accurate pagination, so start clean during trial practice.
- Indexes—like the Document Index or Evidence Index—reference page numbers for quick lookup.
Recommended placements
Place numbers consistently across the packet. Bottom-center is the safest default. If you already stamped Bates numbers, choose the opposite corner or top margin to avoid overlapping. Leave at least a 0.5 inch margin so copy machines do not cut off your pagination.
Avoiding overlap with Bates numbers
Bates numbers and page numbers can coexist. Run the Bates Stamper first so you can see its placement, then set the page number position. If you plan to add exhibit covers or stickers, confirm the footer remains clear by printing a test page. Use MergePDF to combine multiple exhibits before numbering so the sequence is uninterrupted.
Step-by-step: stamp page numbers
- Open the free Page Numberer tool.
- Select your PDF and choose the starting number (usually 1).
- Pick a format ({n}, “Page {n}”, or {n}/{total}).
- Set the vertical and horizontal position plus margins to keep the stamp inside the page.
- Download the numbered PDF—everything runs locally, so nothing uploads to a server.
FAQ
What format should I use?
Most courts accept simple numerals (1, 2, 3). Use “Page 1” when the judge’s standing order spells it out. For trial notebooks, {n}/{total} keeps clerks oriented.
Do I restart numbering for exhibits?
Only if your jurisdiction says so. Otherwise paginate sequentially through the entire packet and reference Bates numbers or exhibit letters in your index.
How do I avoid stamping over Bates numbers?
Place page numbers opposite the Bates location. If Bates sits bottom-right, put pagination bottom-left or bottom-center. Use the Bates Stamper first, then run Page Numberer.
What if the PDF already has page numbers?
Delete the existing footer before stamping so you don’t double-print numbers. Most PDF editors allow erasing text boxes; otherwise regenerate the source PDF.
Can I add numbers to scanned images?
Yes—Page Numberer stamps overlays even on image-only scans. If you need searchable text, run OCR first and then number the pages.