Add Page Numbers to a PDF
Upload a PDF, pick where the numbers go and the format (1, 2, 3, Roman numerals, Page X of Y or your own pattern), set the start number and style, then click Add Page Numbers. You can skip the cover page and use different positions on odd and even pages for double-sided printing.
Before you start
- Where your file is processed
- In your browser. The file is read and processed on your device and is not uploaded to PDFYork.
- Account
- Not required. Without an account you can run 3 tasks per day across all tools. A free account raises the limit.
- Cost
- Standard tool. Free accounts can run 14 standard tasks per day.
How to Use
Upload the PDF
Drop the document onto the upload area.
Choose position and format
Select a position such as Bottom Center and a format: numbers, Roman numerals, Page X of Y, or a custom pattern using {page} and {total}.
Fine-tune
Set the start number, font size, margin and colour. Tick "Skip first page" for a cover, or choose odd/even page modes.
Apply
Check the preview, click Add Page Numbers and download the numbered PDF.
Formats you can use
| Format | Example | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 1, 2, 3 | Most documents |
| Roman | I, II, III | Prefaces and front matter |
| Page X of Y | Page 3 of 12 | Contracts and forms where missing pages must be obvious |
| Custom | {page}/{total} or "Annex A - {page}" | House styles and appendices |
Numbering for double-sided printing
Choose "Different positions for odd/even" to put numbers on the outer edge of each page, bottom right on odd pages and bottom left on even pages, so they stay visible in a bound booklet.
Starting from a different number
If this PDF is a later section of a larger document, set the start number so numbering continues, for example from 45. Combine with "Skip first page" so a title page carries no number.
Numbers are drawn onto the pages in your browser; the file is not uploaded. To add other repeated text, such as a document title, use Header & Footer.
Use Cases
Theses and reports
Number the main text while leaving the cover page blank, as many universities require.
Legal bundles
Add "Page X of Y" so every page of a submission can be referenced and checked.
Merged documents
After combining files with Merge PDF, add continuous numbering across the whole document.