Add PDF Bookmarks (Outline) — Free Tool

Bookmarks turn a static PDF into a navigable packet. Judges can jump to exhibits, clerks can verify sections, and opposing counsel sees the same structure you reference in hearings.

Why bookmarks help judges

During hearings, judges skim quickly. Bookmarks let them pop open the outline and click straight to the declaration, exhibit, or appendix you cite. No scrolling or guesswork.

Outline best practices

Match your physical tabs—Exhibit A, Exhibit B, etc.—so digital and printed copies align.
Keep titles short but descriptive: “Photos — Water Damage” beats “Photos.”
Use two-space indents (or nested JSON arrays) for subsections like 1.1, 1.2.
Coordinate with your document index so references stay consistent.

Step-by-step: add PDF bookmarks

Open the PDF Bookmarks tool.
Select your PDF. Nothing uploads—processing happens locally.
Paste a plaintext outline (indent with spaces) or a JSON outline array.
Enable page validation and fallback index if you need extra confidence.
Click “Add Bookmarks & Download” to get a court-ready PDF with navigation.

FAQ

Do bookmarks change the original PDF text?

No. They add navigation metadata only. The underlying pages stay untouched, which keeps exhibits authentic.

Can I nest bookmarks multiple levels deep?

Yes—use two spaces for each indent level or nested arrays in JSON to create parent and child entries.

What if the viewer does not support bookmarks?

Enable the fallback option to add a clickable index page so users can still jump to sections.

How do bookmarks relate to my exhibit tabs?

Match the order and labels of your physical tabs. Pair them with Exhibit Covers for consistency.

Should I bookmark appendices too?

Yes—anything you expect the judge to reference should have a bookmark. It makes long packets easier to navigate.